ECAV’s Workplace TechPlus Consulting is the first component of
our holistic approach – From Concept to Reality.
We help organisations plan, align and future-proof workplace technology.
We are the bridge between Human Resources and line managers tackling the new ways of work, architects and interior designers defining the modern workplace, and internal ICT having to own the resulting systems. Through Workplace TechPlus Consulting, we provide the up-front strategic consideration, define the technical solutions and ensure their successful installation as part of construction works.
Workplace TechPlus Consulting is the lead-in service to ECAV’s end-to-end approach to ensuring effective workplace technologies.
ECAV defines Workplace Technologies as those technologies that:
Provide critical functionality for supporting work across all spaces, both on-site and remote – at the desk, in meeting spaces and social areas, with dedicated, BYO and wheel-in tech
Have a physical component requiring implementation within the building fabric
Need to be integrated with ICT, but don’t operate on usual ICT equipment
Are rarely considered, so often only undertaken at time of fit-out or construction.
Conferencing
Audio visual
Digital signage
Desktop connectivity
Acoustics technology
Room booking
Desk & locker control
Wayfinding
Visitor management
Space utilisation
Where the client’s requirements go beyond that provided via base building services, consideration of:
Security – Access, CCTV, etc
Environment – Lighting, Sensors
Considerations on the corporate network, hardware and apps are a key role of ICT. However, as the above technologies may operate on or with that environment, Workplace Tech also requires validation of:
Switch sizing including POE
Wired LAN’s and Wi-Fi
Telephony
Cyber security – including guest & third-party
For end-users – Print, Copy, Scan & any other devices
For ICT – Servers and their housing
Human Resources and line managers are seeking effective implementations for the new ways of work. An appropriate workplace is part of that, but there is rarely a Workplace Tech role that sits neatly within the scope and expertise of a single stakeholder. Instead, the focus of the following stakeholders is:
Architects & interior designers –
The form and function of the physical space.
Facilities –
Ensuring the physical space is operational, i.e. non-ICT technical
ICT –
Managing those core “virtual” systems – applications, servers, PCs and laptops, network & telephony, and cyber security.
Comparing their focus with the Workplace Tech definition above shows where the gaps are -and that’s where risk and cost charges in if not treated strategically and upfront.
ECAV’s Workplace TechPlus Consulting exists to close those gaps – before design decisions are locked in, budgets are blown, or staff experience and productivity is compromised.
Just consider how many providers there could be to deliver the workplace technologies, along with the ICT and construction trade overlaps. We act as the principal workplace technology consultant – providing one clear point of accountability across all those workplace tech outcomes. No gaps and no blurred ownership. Our service can be provided direct to the client or via the architect/fitout company.
We are experts in the key technologies – their use and implementation – and we will lead those discussions. We don’t know how to set up your new ways of work, we are not architects or interior designers, we don’t know why your ICT environment is set up as it is. But we know what needs to be asked and owned to ensure that Workplace Tech is properly considered.
We have a deep practical understanding of the technical outcomes so we design solutions that can actually be built, integrated and managed – because we commit to support them. They are not just designs based on manufacturer promises.
A Total Cost of Ownership mindset mean systems are costed for both delivery and on-going support. We know what technical outcomes can be separated from the construction process and staged to later budget cycles – giving the client budget flexibility, whilst ensuring the technical foundations are implemented at the most cost-effective time.
Some workplace tech decisions are required before the building architecture is locked in, others just require validation and detailed design afterwards. We ensure what needs to be treated as a strategic input – not an afterthought that leads to retrofit and variation costs.
We appreciate the roles and delineations of the architect, consulting engineers, prime contractor and specialist trades. We know what we’re good at and who’s best at delivering their components – defining the responsibilities for each trade eliminates overlap and rework.
To avoid last-minute surprises at Practical Completion, we ensure ICT is involved from the beginning to achieve infrastructure fit, cyber security compliance & clear long-term ownership.
When the client also engages ECAV for our AV Integration and MaintainPlus services, we back our consulting role with delivery guarantees.
We apply value engineering during consulting – not during construction – protecting requirements, budgets, timelines and design integrity.
To ensure all Workplace technologies are appropriately considered, designed for and delivered, we have developed our unique Workplace TechPlus methodology.
Click on the image above to zoom in.
To ensure good ideas are explored properly -before budgets and designs limit options, we run through a series of workshops and research:
Workplace technology futures
Current workplace technology assessment
Tech needs based on business purpose and value
Prioritisation and staging
Potential technology solutions are assessed to determine:
Consistency in architecture, operations and ownership
Solid technology definitions with responsibilities & costs to implement & support
Comparative value assessments of the solutions
Related trades & ICT requirements.
Once floor plans are confirmed, we will undertake an Architectural Alignment – reviewing the workplace technology solutions to ensure precise site fit – adjusting scope where required based on actual room counts, layouts and configurations. This will define the Workplace Technology Specification.
This specification will be the input to the Detailed Designs to be completed by the relevant consultants. This ensures all technology-related implications are clearly incorporated & defined into the work package of the relevant trades.
Our Smart Construction methodology means construction works are done during construction by the appropriate trade, and technology integration is undertaken when client ICT and personnel are available and ready. As a consultant, liaising with the Prime Contractor, we ensure the trades can satisfy and then deliver to the specifications. This reduces damage, rework and commissioning risks.
Post Practical Completion, the Workspace Technology is Integrated into the client environment, ensuring ICT and users are ready when systems go live.