Managing Technology Projects
Last week we wrote about why you might want a Technology Partner. This week we’re off to Gloucester for our latest restaurant opening managed from start to finish. The project is a good example of how we at Cirrus runs our client projects and why it’s important for you. So lets provide you a flour of what to expect.
Its All Part Of A Plan
Whilst we’re very much a technology company our involvement begins in the early stages of planning, often part of the design process.
As a client we have a model we delivery against for each venue. What we mean by this is we provide a number of services, such as Wi-Fi. The list is services we provide in total includes Internet connectivity, Networking, Firewalls, Point of Sale, Music, TV’s, Voucher systems and so on. But in order to provide the service we need to understand layout, preferences, building materials etc. Once we have this we can design the WiFi (or any other service) for the clients exacting needs. The model of equipment, how many, mounting positions etc are all agreed as part of an iterative process that only works if we all contribute actively to the process.
At the start of each new opening we ask questions about where services are needed. In the case of Hickory’s Smokehouse WiFi is needed almost everywhere. The restaurant, obviously but also the kitchens, offices, the team area and outside for the extensive seating. We work through the correct product specifications and locations and have them all confirmed with the wider project team. The same is true for tills, time entry systems, printers, payment terminals and so on. Importantly there are significant back office operations to ensure we correctly cater for.
It’s very much a joined up activity that takes several weeks to complete. Managing Technology Projects is very much about phases of work, all linked to a completion date.
Build & Test
Having completed the journey of checking requirements and scope we move to build and test. All of the equipment is procured and delivered to our office and setup in our build area. This process often includes third party equipment being delivered to us. We replicate every part of the network and attach the equipment precisely the same as it will be in the final location on premise. Tills are connected to switch ports, back office functions are tested, fobs validated and accounts created. Every device that’s part of the scope is connected, configured and documented.
It’s all about quality and the end result.
Our philosophy is that when we get to site, the install should be as painless and straightforward as possible. It should have only the minimum additional configuration outstanding with everything tested. It makes sense that if we’re going to have any issues it’s better they occur in our offices where we can mange them. When done all equipment is labelled and packed ready for transport. All of the builds are checked and a full inventory validated for loading.
With some of our larger partners, they come to our offices too. POS terminals (For this client Zonal POS). The engineers from zonal visit our offices to setup and configure the systems, knowing they are working against a live system and one that will not change. Again the goal here is to ensure fast and accurate installation. As I’ve said, this is all about quality.
On-Site
Managing Technology Projects, like any project is all about managing risks and dependencies as well as actually getting the job done. So project management is very much part of getting the job done. Our projects team will have checked dependent activities are all compete and the environment is ready for us many times as part of the preparation.
When we arrive on site our team have a pre-created checklist to work through, are fixtures and fittings actually where they should be, Is any work taking place that we need to accommodate? are the basics like power all available. The project team will have validated these questions multiple times ahead of us arriving on-site but it’s standard practice to do it when we arrive. For the most part it’s about unbox, connect & test.
Project Closure
Our final day on site includes formal handover. Our clients decide if they are happy and prepared to accept handover. Additionally we have a post project review about 7-10 days later where we meet again and look for improvements and learning we can take to the next project. There is always something to learn.
The important thing is we deliver to the programmed deadline. In this example it’s a restaurant opening and after we’ve handed over training starts. The opening plan also includes soft openings ahead of a set launch date two weeks later. If the technology is late or does not work as intended it has the potential to have an knock on effect for our client. Reputations are hard earned and we have to be as passionate about our service as our client is with theirs.
Ensuring we have a quality process ensures the outcome is of the highest quality too. Why would you not want that?
We wrote this as a way to demonstrate some of what we go through when delivering technology projects. Each is different. Each client has their own way. We can accommodate styles but we always bring our experience and passion to your project
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If this resonates and you would like to know more you can arrange an intro meeting here On-line Meeting with Cirrus if you’d prefer face to face drop us an e-mail to [email protected] or call 03303 130966, we’d be more than happy meet you in person