Our Project Management Process Benefits You
At Optimal Networks, we believe that thorough planning is the key to successful—and smooth—implementation. From the moment you make contact with us, we begin the planning process for your project. From cost estimates to the construction of a detailed implementation plan for every workstation, server, network, etc., we cover all of the bases. In fact, our engineers even construct a "what if" plan describing an alternative course of action should our original plan become compromised. The goal—total client satisfaction.
Comprehensive Planning
When you ask us to do work which requires a project, such as upgrading your workstations, or upgrading a mail server, or even putting in a new firewall, we start by writing a project plan or Statement of Work. This will identify all of the steps we will take to accomplish your project. Several engineers review every project plan we make. While this doesn't prevent surprises, it does mean that we encounter as few surprises as possible. In addition, as part of the planning process, we develop specific strategies to address the unique needs and scope of certain types of projects; for example, large-scale projects requiring a myriad of components, such as a move to a new office location.
Your Statement of Work will also come with exact information on the investment neeeded to accomplish the project, so that you can make an informed decision that will best meet your company's goals.
Execution
Every project we do has a clearly identified project leader, who is your main point of contact with us for the project. Your project leader will keep you informed—about progress and budget—so you're never blind-sided by unexpected delays or costs.
Follow-up
We always schedule follow-up support to assess post-implementation conditions, and smooth out any final project wrinkles. Our follow-up support engineers are also available to help your end-users with questions about the new environment, and to help them adjust to any new procedures.
Learn more about Optimal's unique Service Systems.
We benefit from many of Optimal’s services but when specific projects come up—like my association’s office move in March 2008—I know I can go to Optimal, tell them what I need, and get a competitive price for a fully-managed special project.
My conversations with Optimal about moving all of our technology started over six months before the move was to take place. They helped me with the overall planning—design of the new server room, how it should be organized, what new equipment would provide better solutions and save space, etc. They then facilitated the process of ordering what was needed and ensuring a delivery date well in advance of our move. The day of the move Optimal staff came in, uninstalled the servers, disconnected all the workstations, monitors, printers, routers, switches, etc., tagged and marked everything, and coordinated with the movers on packing up the IT carts safely. When the IT components arrived at our new location (zero damage!), Optimal set up everything from the server room to the workstations. When the staff came in after the move, all they needed to do was unpack their personal effects—our network and systems were up and running.
After the move, Optimal followed up to make sure everything continued working like clockwork. With Optimal on the job, I knew the IT part of the move would go smoothly. That meant less stress so I could focus on the other aspects of the move.
--Deputy Executive Officer for Administration
Large national association
Washington, DC
