If this is your first time for working with a Technology or relocation system design consultant, it may help you to know what to expect in the working relationship. Whether you are working on a construction, relocation or a technology project, it is critical to get an professional consultant involved as early as possible. A few hours spent talking with us during the initial concept design development can save significant costs and lots of hours later in the schematic and detail design because we can flag potential problems before you have invested a great deal of design time on the project. The earlier we are involved, the greater the likelihood that we can neatly integrate the business requirements into the design, planning and specifications while minimizing the cost of doing the project right the first time.
At the schematic design stage we can provide technical guidelines to help you develop a schematic design that will fit the technology needs of the client, both IT and Telecommunications Infrastructure, cabling, telecommunications Room design and appropriate space requirements can be developed well in advance of building selections and design specifications. This further again reduces redundant design work, delays and costly reworking of space requirements and prevents false starts with inaccurate information. We will also be able to provide important design coordination guidance at this early stage. Locations for IT and Telecommunications, security and network systems can be identified early so that they can be incorporated into the overall design. Mechanical and electrical system concerns can also be brought to light at this time, making it easier for the other sub-contractors to locate these systems in areas that will not cause problems later. We will also provide background guidelines and recommendations so that the other consultants can be designing to the correct targets. This reduces the redundant work for ourselves and the mechanical consultant (and in some cases the structural consultant).
We provide ongoing input as the design development proceeds, refining details as the overall design takes shape. Balancing the business requirements and verifying equipment services, installation and implementation cost are in the construction budgets can take place at this time, as can concept design and detailed budgets.
We can begin development of detailed design and specification of the technology systems when the Design Development phase of the project is substantially complete. Detailed coordination and vendor management of technical systems will also take place through the final stages of the project design leading up to the tender phase.
From System design to the completion phase, we will provide onsite vendor management and supervision to verify equipment is installed per specifications and per code and respond to questions regarding changes and addenda, or requested alternates. Once the system bids have been returned, we review the bids to check that they will meet spec (you'd be surprised how many don't, especially the low bids), and recommend award of the contract. Then we manage the selected vendor to make sure everything is done promptly and correctly, providing a complete review and test of final systems installation.
In renovations, we will identify the extent and scope of proposed system deficiencies through measurement and/or calculation, and provide recommendations for alterations, additions or renovations to correct the deficiencies to deliver systems and solutions that are design to meet your business requirements. Often we will act as the liaison between contractors and the owner, translating technical talk or verifying claims by the contractor. One of the most important advantages of using a consultant in this situation is having the ability to set an objective standard for determining when the contractor has met their obligations and the contract is complete and can be paid. For today's sophisticated voice and data network systems, this can be very important, as many lay-people are not experienced enough to determine if they have received the full value for their money. In order to maintain the needed objectivity in these decisions, it is absolutely imperative that the consultant have no affiliation with the vendor of products, systems and solutions provided to the client, that is why it is so crucial to make sure you are working with an independent consultant who is looking out for your best interest, not the manufacturer or installations firms profits. This should be the primary deciding factor when considering which consultant to hire, followed by their track record and reputation.
The first step is to contact us, by phone, fax, e-mail or snail mail and describe the type of work required. This would apply to remedial work for existing problems, as well as new projects requiring critical Technology, Telecommunications design, specifications and Implementation Management. Once we have an understanding of the scope of work required, we will prepare a proposal for you that will:
- outline our understanding of the scope of work involved.
- describe, in detail, the services we will provide.
- describe how the services will be provided.
- the payment terms and conditions
If the description of the work and fees are agreed upon, then the proposal is signed and returned to us. This signed acceptance copy of the proposal forms the contract for work between us and you, the client. For new clients, a retainer may be required, and the amount would be indicated in the proposal.