Conducting an Effective Onboarding for Field Services
Effectively onboarding a major retailer as a new field service customer requires that we know their goals, the layout of the stores, and the technology to be installed.
Understand Their Goals
It is critical to listen to clients to understand their goals. Document the network setup, systems, and site-specific requirements. Query past deployments’ strengths and weaknesses, lessons learned, and pinpoint where efforts failed. Understand budget drivers, who the major stakeholders are, and the overall business drivers.
Gather Preliminary Information
The data you need to collect varies depending on whether the site is new construction or an existing renovation. Architectural blueprints are best for new construction, but red-lined floor plans and any existing network diagrams are best for an existing building.
Conduct a Physical Inspection or Site Survey
We review new plans, existing technology, network setups, and power sources. We perform a thorough site walkthrough to identify potential obstacles and optimal locations for hardware installation, structural materials, ceiling heights, and other physical characteristics that might affect technology performance. We also assess the need for additional power sources, cabling for security cameras, or anything requiring cabling since we will pull it for the network.
Conducting a site survey is the most effective way to assess existing structures. Access to layout prints from the past 1-2 years can significantly assist in addressing current IT needs.
Creating a checklist that includes the locations of cameras, access point antennas, HVAC systems, telephony systems, fire alarms, burglar alarms, and other relevant equipment can be very helpful. During the site survey, we can evaluate coverage, recommend the best available technology, and provide guidance on organizing and standardizing the data room, phone boards, and technology cabinets. This ensures consistency, simplifies troubleshooting, and helps plan for future needs. A site survey is the best way to access existing structures. Any prints available for new locations within the past 1-2 years are helpful to address current IT needs.
Document Findings
Detailed reports with site survey findings, including maps with proposed technology placements, potential issues, and recommendations, are documented on the architectural blueprint or floor plan and sent to the customer for verification. We provide photos of key areas and identify any potential problem spots.
In Summary
A successful field service onboarding is grounded in thorough preparation, clear communication, and meticulous documentation. Understanding client goals, gathering accurate preliminary information, and conducting comprehensive site surveys ensure that deployments are efficient and tailored to specific needs. Detailed documentation and transparent findings communication further strengthen client collaboration, fostering trust and ensuring smooth implementation. Following these steps, we meet immediate project goals and lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships and seamless future support.
