Communication is a dominant driver of business operations. Today’s professionals must productively engage with anyone, anywhere, at any time. It has become mission critical for organizations to access high quality voice, video, messaging, content sharing and collaboration services, and to use these tools from all locations, rooms, and devices. The range of communication technologies available to businesses is enormous with an equally wide array of performance and cost. Navigating the sea of communication technology can be a daunting task for any organization so VisionPoint has developed a checklist on how to best approach your communication project.

Define Project Scope

Identify the business case, objectives and expected outcomes (what do you want to accomplish and what is at stake). Engage owners and stakeholders with open, honest discussions about what is working and what is missing, including realistic budget constraints

 
Select a Project Delivery Model

Learn the difference between Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, Integrated Project Delivery, Hybrid, etc. Select the best model for your needs, with a full working knowledge of true costs associated with traditional tendering/bidding.

 
Assemble a Complete Design Team

Realize the value of bringing in design professionals into the project early on, no matter the scope of your project. Create a collaborative environment where everyone is invested in the goal and working together to minimize costs. Identify roles and responsibilities and schedules to minimize confusion, create measurable milestones, and ensure all project aspects are addressed.

Architect/Interior Designer: This goal is to focus on the overall form and coordination of the drawing and model package with all other disciplines.

Technology Designer: They bring evidence and experience to the table early on rather than attempt to retrofit tech and compromise performance at the back end.

MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)…

Other design disciplines such as Furniture and Marketing.

 
Validate and Coordinate the Design Package

Compile a design package including CAD and/or Revit drawings, models and submittals. Review the package to eliminate change orders, delays, and other potential scope issues that could contribute to increased expenses.

Stay Engaged 

Hold regular team meetings to monitor the project. Communicate, communicate, communicate!

 
Train on the New Technology

Assign a champion who will lead everyone to a place where they are so comfortable with the new tools that they forget about them and focus on productive work. Stay current with updates and new ways of using the tools to grow that positive user experience.

Measure Results

Go back to your Define phase and ask if you’re achieving your objectives. Document the results so you can see where you might want to improve.

Finally, celebrate! A good communication implementation is a lot of work with a many pitfalls to avoid. Once you get to a place where your team is working well and getting business done, acknowledge the hard work that goes into selecting the right advisors and getting the best information available. VisionPoint hopes this tool gives you a good first step as you proceed toward improved communications. There have been dramatic changes in how business gets done but this checklist demonstrates the basic tenants that were as true 25 years ago as they are today: a good plan with solid information, such as we provide, are invaluable tools that will save you time and money as you successfully reach your goals.