Proper Network Standards for Building & Office Equipment Installation

    When it comes to setting up building equipment like HVAC systems, Office Printers, Kiosks, new technologies, or anything that needs network connectivity, involving IT professionals and careful planning for ethernet wiring is absolutely crucial. This inclusive, transparent collaboration ensures the success of your projects while keeping the integrity of the building's wiring, network, and security at the forefront.

The Importance of Involving IT Professionals FIRST:

    Before making any changes or additions to a building's network, involving the IT team well in advance is a non-negotiable step. This team brings specialized knowledge that's vital for a smooth and secure setup. Their expertise in preparing the system's VLANs (if needed), a task that engineers need not worry about, is a cornerstone of a robust and reliable network. To do so, open a ticket following the guidelines found in article: Benefits of Ticketing Systems in IT Support

Careful Planning for Success:

Safety for Everyone:

• Proper ethernet wiring is essential for everyone's safety. IT professionals ensure that every connection is secure and complies with safety standards.

Optimized Network Efficiency:

• Think of the network as a well-planned road system. With IT's expertise, information flows smoothly, ensuring everyone can access what they need without any slowdowns.

Simplified Troubleshooting:

• Doing things right from the start makes troubleshooting much easier. IT's involvement ensures any issues are identified and resolved quickly, minimizing disruptions.

Instant Documentation:

• Creating and sending to IT any related documentation/journals related to the effort so we can immortalize it for future reference. Most efforts end up with some caveat(s), and those will need to be referenced so future maintenance can be done as easily, and successfully as possible with little to no frustration.

Shortcuts Can Lead to Trouble (Bad Faith Effort):

Compromised Safety and Security:

• Taking shortcuts may compromise safety and security. IT professionals ensure that every connection is secure and protected against unauthorized access.

Creating Confusion:

• Shortcuts can lead to a tangled and confusing network. With IT's guidance, you can be sure that everything is organized and easy to understand.

Risking Data Integrity:

• Proper setup safeguards sensitive information. Without IT's involvement, you risk leaving valuable data vulnerable to unauthorized access or loss.

Devices Requiring Proper Wiring:

Access Control Systems:

• These critical systems manage who can enter specific areas of a building. Proper wiring, overseen by IT professionals, ensures they function reliably.

Fire Alarm Systems:

• Reliable wiring for fire alarms is essential for ensuring that these life-saving systems work when they're needed most.

Including IT with your technological additions and changes is a critical step which must being with looping in the IT team. 

Designers may find IT in their files changing plans to be very inconvenient. Trainers might find IT updating training content to be out-of-scope work. Building Managers might see IT as being out-of-place leasing a building's floorspace to another tenant. In this same spirit, IT might have struggles if others are making additions or changes to our systems and network infrastructure without including Information Technology team members from the project's launch.

Let's please be mindful that we are including the right people, at the right time, for the right work to ensure a smooth flow of operations and enjoy successful launches to changes an additions to our systems! Plus, it helps encourage a positive work environment!

Supporting Cited Standards:

Source: Cisco - Network Cable Management System Installation

• Cisco provides best practices for network cable management, including guidelines for proper cable running and organization to ensure a reliable and efficient network infrastructure.

Source: BICSI - The Three Pillars of Effective Cable Management (PDF Download)

• BICSI provides industry-accepted guidelines for the design and installation of information and communications technology systems.

Source: Wikipedia - ANSI/TIA-568

• The Telecommunications Industry Association sets standards for commercial building cabling.

Source: IEEE Standard for Ethernet 802.3

• This IEEE standard provides guidelines for the implementation and operation of cabling systems within a building's premises.

    Remember, involving IT professionals and careful planning isn't just a good practice – it's a necessity. It ensures the safety, security, and success of your building and office equipment installations. Think of it as building a strong foundation for a house – it ensures everything stands firm and keeps everyone inside safe and happy, with everything and everybody communicating correctly.