Plan before purchasing
Start with people, work locations, applications, data and recovery needs. This prevents disconnected purchases and gives installers enough time to arrange internet service, cabling, wireless coverage and secure account setup.
Planning principles
- ✓Internet lead times, building access and cabling can delay an office opening, so confirm them early.
- ✓Devices should be supported for the intended service life and capable of receiving security updates.
- ✓Shared files need defined ownership, permissions, retention and recovery arrangements.
- ✓Network, cloud and device administrator credentials must be recorded securely and remain under the organisation’s control.
Setup checklist
- ✓Inventory users, roles, applications, phones, printers, meeting rooms and accessibility needs.
- ✓Order internet connectivity early and plan structured cabling, wireless coverage and a separate guest network.
- ✓Select supported devices, standardise configurations and record serial numbers, warranties and assigned users.
- ✓Create named user accounts, enable multi-factor authentication and avoid shared administrator access.
- ✓Choose approved storage locations, configure access, and test backup and recovery before moving live data.
- ✓Document suppliers, licences, diagrams, renewal dates, support contacts and the process for starters and leavers.
Expected benefits
✓A coordinated office launch
✓Clear ownership of systems and accounts
✓Less disruption when support or recovery is needed