Moving your business into new (or at least different) digs can be both exciting and stressful. As recently as a generation ago, relocating a business was a relatively simple task. You hired professional movers to take care of the furniture and larger pieces of equipment, and your staff boxed and moved the small stuff. Nowadays, however, you have to plan for moving your technology along with your furniture and equipment.
While it’s true that technology allows businesses to operate leaner and cleaner, it can complicate the logistics of a move. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to assure the process happens smoothly.
Relocating a Business
Although your new location may be better suited to your company’s needs, there are plenty of factors you’ll need to consider in advance of your move. Relocating in the age of tech means that you’ll need to plan carefully. Here are some considerations:
Planning and Organization
- Who’s in charge of the move? Appointing one person to head up the move is one of the smartest decisions you can make. This person will be the go-to if questions arise (spoiler: they will) and will delegate responsibilities as needed.
- Who’s moving your stuff? While it’s tempting to save money by doing it yourself, don’t underestimate the necessity of professional movers. Commercial moving companies have the manpower and equipment you’ll need to move large furniture items as well as equipment. You’ll also want to make sure the company you hire is licensed and insured.
- Who has a list of your service providers? Not only are you moving furniture and equipment, you’re also moving services such as phones, internet, and utilities. Make sure none of these providers are left out.
- Who’s contacting your service providers and when? Each service provider will likely have a specific schedule for relocating your service. Create a timeline to make sure all of your services move with you, particularly if you will need to make changes to the size and scope of these services.
Location
- Do you have a floor plan? Knowing your floor plan ahead of the move will help your mover to accurately estimate costs. It will also help service providers to prepare your new location for their services.
- What have other tenants experienced when moving in? Getting to know your new neighbors prior to the move is a great way to get a head’s up about issues they faced when moving in. Prepare your moving company as well as your staff for what they may experience during the move.
- Where is your IT equipment closet? It doesn’t matter what you call it – data center, computer room, server closet, IT room – know where it will be located in your new space.
- What are your Data Center/Closet needs? – Make sure your IT equipment is protected with adequate power backup/surge protection, HVAC, fire suppression, and physical security measures.
Infrastructure
- What are your telecom/datacom needs? Moving to a new location and/or downsizing come with changes to your IT needs. Phone systems and internet access are critical to businesses of all sizes, so it’s important to know what you will need in your new location.
- What telecom/datacom providers are in the new location? You may not be able to use the same providers you had in your previous location. Find out what’s available and the costs associated with each.
- Is the wiring ready for you to move in? The wiring and cabling in your new space should be able to support your business’ needs. Your servers, workstations, printers, and other equipment will need the right wiring.
- Is the wiring certified? Your tech needs reliable wiring and cabling. Certified wiring helps to assure that you meet this critical need.
- What are the power requirements? The number of servers, workstations, printers, and phones that you bring into your new space will all need power to operate efficiently.
- What equipment should you bring with you and what should be replaced? Downsizing or consolidating office space means you can examine your current equipment and plan for more efficient use.
- What upgrades should you plan for? Another way to operate more efficiently is to upgrade equipment and/or software. Take an honest look at your current IT and see where you can upgrade to save on expenses in the long run.
Managed Services
- What downtime should you expect? Moving into a different space will mean you will have to suspend normal business operations for a few hours or even days. How much downtime can your business tolerate? Know what your tolerance is and work to stay within that parameter.
- Is all of your data backed-up offsite? Data backup goes hand-in-hand with your downtime tolerance. Off-site backup can help you to access data quickly and get up and running soon after your move.
- How do you roll back – applications, data, services, etc.? Reducing the number of employees or amount of equipment means that you may not need all of the services you’ve been paying for.
Successful Relocation is a Result of Planning Well
In today’s tech-driven business world, many companies choose to relocate in order to operate more efficiently. Some consolidate locations while others reduce their need for office space by encouraging remote work. A successful relocation plan includes careful consideration for technology. Lieberman Technologies helps businesses to assess their tech needs and create a plan for a more efficient business structure. Contact us for more information!