IT considerations if you are moving office – a checklist
Office relocations are relatively rare but it’s vital when they do happen they are as smooth as possible so we’ve put together a checklist of IT considerations if you are moving office.
If things don’t go according to plan, your company could be without fully functioning IT for longer than expected – and it goes without saying that could result in a lot of frustrated staff and clients!
With that in mind, there are plenty of things to bear in mind when relocating so we’ve put together five of the biggest IT considerations if you are moving office:-
1. Check Internet speeds – or you might regret it!
Before moving office in the first place, it’s a good idea to make sure your bright and shiny new abode will meet your company’s requirements.
And unless it’s pre-historic, we are guessing broadband is one of them.
There are many websites which let you check the download and upload speeds of a new location – here’s one to get you started.
2. Move on a weekend to minimise downtime?
Time away from regular business activities is inevitable during an office move, but downtime can be minimised in several ways.
The best strategy for most businesses is to schedule the relocation for the weekend.
However, if this isn’t doable and your move has to take place on a weekday, just make sure the process is as speedy and efficient as possible.
Don’t be afraid to let your staff move their own equipment, under the supervision of an IT professional of course. Just make sure you don’t neglect health and safety either!
3. Don’t underestimate the move itself
Unfortunately, relocating IT hardware is rarely as simple as merely unplugging and reconnecting all the equipment.
Due to the numerous complexities of such a serious shift, it is worth letting an expert handle the safe removal and installation of computers, for example.
Only then can you ensure the safe dismantling, reassembling and testing of your IT network in your business’ new home.
4. Timings are key – make sure you plan in advance
The move doesn’t need to take a full day but it’s worth planning it step by step, months in advance either way – even if that means that some of your staff are working from home or off that day.
Doing so will minimise the risks associated with moving office.
Planning ahead reduces the chances of something going wrong on the big day and your company being unable to work with your clients at a time when they need you and you need them.
5. General logistics: Don’t neglect the basics!
With all the wide-ranging considerations of an office relocation, you can easily forget to ask yourself the simple questions, such as “Are there enough power points for all your equipment?”
Others to think about include “Are they in the right place?”, “What are the cabling implications?” and “Have we remembered to update our IP address?”
If you aren’t sure what else to check for give us a call but, whatever you do, make sure you take care of the basics.
Summing up: Five IT considerations if you are moving office
There are plenty of IT considerations if you are moving office but you can minimise the risk of disruption if you plan in advance – being careful to check the likes of power points, Internet speed and cabling.
It also helps to have a good think about the least disruptive time for a move – with weekends often being a winner.
If you’d like any further advice about what to keep in mind when relocating an office – or about any other IT services – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Our team will be only too happy to help.