Moving Office? Your Business IT Checklist

Desks and furniture are obvious considerations when moving office.

Technology often receives attention much later.

That can create expensive problems.

A new premises may need internet connectivity, cabling, Wi-Fi, computers, printers, CCTV, phones and other connected equipment ready before employees can work effectively.

Planning IT early makes the move considerably easier.

1. Internet connectivity

Don't assume a suitable connection can simply be activated on moving day.

Investigate available services early and understand the expected installation or activation process.

Where internet access is critical, consider what would happen if the primary connection were delayed or unavailable.

2. Network cabling

Determine where desks, access points, printers, CCTV cameras and other networked equipment will be located.

Planning cabling before everything is finished can be easier and cleaner than adding it afterwards.

3. Business Wi-Fi

Avoid designing Wi-Fi around wherever the router happens to be.

Consider the complete premises:

Where will people work?

Which areas need coverage?

How many devices will connect?

Where should access points be positioned?

4. Network equipment

Depending on the premises, you may need switches, access points, a firewall/router and other equipment.

Plan this as a system rather than purchasing individual devices independently.

5. Employee devices

Determine which equipment is moving and which needs replacing.

This is also a useful opportunity to standardise devices that have accumulated over time.

6. Microsoft 365 and cloud services

Cloud systems make office moves easier, but user access, security and device configuration still need planning.

7. Printers and specialist equipment

Printers have an impressive ability to become the forgotten part of an office move.

Document what needs relocating and how it will connect at the new premises.

8. CCTV and physical technology

If the premises require CCTV, access control, audio or other connected systems, consider these during the infrastructure design rather than afterwards.

9. Test before opening

Where possible, test:

• internet connectivity;

• Wi-Fi coverage;

• employee devices;

• printers;

• meeting-room equipment;

• CCTV;

• audio;

• important applications.

Finding a problem before employees arrive is much better than discovering it at 9am on the first working day.

A real example

RC IT Services recently supported Harley Street Injectables as the cosmetic practice moved premises.

The project included designing the Wi-Fi environment, positioning wireless access points and configuring audio so the practice could provide calm background music for clients.

It is a good example of why technology should be considered as part of the premises itself rather than something added at the end.

Planning a move?

RC IT Services can help businesses plan the technology behind a new office, clinic or commercial premises.