6 top tips for migrating your business telecom services when moving office

It is exciting as a growing business to relocate to a larger office. But there are many factors to consider other than space – such as the building infrastructure, cabling requirements and broadband speeds.

With the average office move costing £10,000 upwards, it is important to identify any issues before the move. The following tips will help you and your team make the move of your telecom services less stressful.

Assess the premise infrastructure

Before you commit to your new office space ensure a telecom expert examines the layout and existing infrastructure to establish what action is required. It is important to consider factors such as where are the desks going and are there sufficient network points?

If you are moving to a newly constructed site the main advantage is you can start planning your infrastructure with a blank canvas. You have the opportunity to build a high performing network infrastructure from the ground up that exactly suits your business needs.

The UK is behind the rest of the world in productivity performance. The average German worker produces more in four days than a British equivalent does in five. A premise with robust technology infrastructure and capabilities can boost employee productivity and create an opportunity to benefit from new technologies.

Consider your cabling requirements

Cabling is essential if you want to maintain business continuity. Check if the network already exists for phones and computers and if it does, find out how it’s wired.

Can the new cabling handle new phone systems and guarantee quality? A physical review will identify any issues and improvements to support your communication requirements.

If you are planning on using Voice Over IP (VOIP) the cabling will need to support this. Re-wiring the premises in advance will save time and reduce disruption to your business. Always check how extensive the cabling is and if you need the budget for hiring an expert technician.

Research broadband speeds

Research from the British Chamber of Commerce discovered 99% of businesses consider reliable broadband as important but almost a quarter of the UK’s small businesses still don’t benefit from it.

A new internet connection can take time to set up depending on factors such as location and type of building. Plan this in advance and use it as an opportunity to research what options are available. Don’t assume you will be able to get the same service as before – your location could affect the speed of your connection particularly if you are relocating to a rural area.

Speed depends on a number of factors including:

• Line quality
• The distance between your broadband socket and the street cabinet
• The distance of the cabinet to your local exchange
• The age and type of router you have
• Correct installation of any broadband micro-filters
• You can use a speed checker, such as Ofcom’s broadband and mobile checker app, to view broadband availability, speeds and performance in that area.

Evaluate your phone system

Moving office can be a good opportunity to evaluate your phone system and upgrade if your business has grown. Are you currently getting the right service at the right price? Are there any new phone systems that can make your business communications more efficient? Consider if you need any additional facilities such as conference calling or CRM integration.

Innovative telecoms like hybrid phones and cloud-based phone systems will put your business at the forefront of communication technology. Cloud solutions can decrease a small-business workload by at least 42 percent. At DataKom we offer telecom services that are bespoke to your business needs, keeping your objectives in mind.

Phone number porting

If you wish to keep your existing telephone number, contact your current telecom provider to ensure the number can be transferred to your new premise.

Transitioning to a cloud-based phone system would include the porting of your business phone numbers and re-routing them via the cloud network.

For this to be a smooth transition, you’ll need to make a record of all the existing company numbers and their use. This will ensure all your numbers work and are set up for the right use after moving location.

Another option would be to integrate your existing on-premise system with the cloud. SIP trunking is not available to all systems, but if accessible it can make an all-around simpler transition to the cloud.

Future plans

One of the most popular reasons businesses decide to move is the need for more space but it’s important you don’t just look for an office that suits your needs now. Consider the future and any further expansions plans you might have – to avoid relocating again in 12 months’ time.

Need some help planning your telecom setup with your office move? Contact us today and see how we could help your business.