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The implementation of a new walkie-talkie system is a project that requires good cooperation between the customer and Firecom. We attach great importance to a clear, realistic and concrete plan for a good migration. The implementation consists of several stages. We have chosen to identify the different phases in this document. We describe exactly what will happen per phase. However, the implementation is more comprehensive than this document. We are happy to discuss this after assignment.
Step 1: Introduction to Firecom and customer
After Firecom has received the order, we would like to meet our contact persons at the customer. We will be in frequent contact with each other and it is important that mutual expectations are clear. Firecom is happy to give extra tips to set up the network as well as possible.
Step 2: Inventory of wishes users / client
After the introduction, a conversation follows in which concrete agreements are made about practical matters such as walkie-talkie numbers, channel names, settings, numbers, configurations and programming parameters. This appointment will take place in the presence of the account manager. The field service engineer who will program your equipment will also be present. After all, he or she will program the walkie-talkies. Because this sometimes contains personal information, we will treat this data in accordance with the privacy law.
Step 3: Visit amplifier locations
During the measurements, we precisely mapped the locations of the amplifiers. We have documented this and will use it as a basis for steps 1 and 2. However, it could be easier for ICT and / or the installer to move the amplifier just one room away. We then do a new measurement (free of charge) and determine the new location for the amplifier. In addition, it is necessary to install a socket at some locations. During this step we map this out and we will make a report on it.
Step 4: Coordination of the ICT department
An IP connection between the amplifiers of the ICT department is required for interconnecting amplifiers. After the order we will order the amplifiers immediately (if not yet in stock) and we will soon be able to make the MAC addresses available. Based on this information, it is also possible for ICT to make IP reservations. For the correct programming we need an IP address, gateway and DNS. We program this information in the amplifiers so that they are directly connected to the network in the correct manner. In addition, we will communicate to ICT where we need an IP connection.
Step 5: Apply for permits for new amplifiers
With the exact information and locations of the amplifiers, we will map out the permits for the Telecom Agency. We fill in the permit papers completely and include an explanation. This permit application can therefore be handled directly at the Telecom Agency. If the Telecom Agency has any questions, they will put them to us immediately. Firecom is a well-known party for the Telecom Agency. The customer is responsible for sending the permits himself. A supplier is not allowed to do this. In a later step we will cancel the old permits.
Step 6: Receipt of permits from Agentschap Telecom
After a lead time of four to six weeks, we receive the permits from the Telecom Agency. These are sent directly to the customer. Firecom would like to receive them as soon as possible. It is our basic information required to program the system.
Step 7: Programming equipment
Based on the information from step two and step six, we will program the equipment at Firecom's office. We expect to work on this for about two days. If we have any questions or uncertainties during programming, we will immediately contact our contact person.
Step 8: Go through preparations for ICT
Everything is now ready at Firecom to be put into use. We put the equipment in a test setup so that any errors can be discovered and resolved. We test the system and check that everything is working satisfactorily. For example, we test the emergency button, private conversations and other specific parameters that we have programmed for you in the system.
Step 9: Execute the delivery plan
The equipment is ready, the technical preparations have been made and ICT is ready. We will then drive to all locations to install the equipment. We think this will take about three days in total. Because we have seen in the past that this goes quickly if the preparations are done properly, we will clearly check in advance (we ask for photos, for example) whether all preparations have actually been made. It is a waste of time when we arrive and the socket has not yet been installed.
Step 10: Perform acceptance test
After a successful delivery in step nine, you have a fully running two-way radio system. Together we plan a date for a full acceptance test in which we check the system against predefined requirements. We formally hand over the network to the customer and declare to each other that the network has been approved. If that is not the case, we will get to work to address these points.
Step 11: Instruction to users
The system may be technically sound and work well, but people must also be able to deal with it properly. We believe that training is necessary. It is possible to do this online, but we find it more convenient to do this in class. Online it is not possible to get to know the rotary switch and PTT button. We also like it when someone has actually pressed the emergency button once and knows exactly what is happening. We provide teaching materials and answer questions from users. We conclude the instruction with a fun quiz to test the knowledge. There is nothing to gain or lose. It is also possible to take this step further forward. We do this based on your wishes.
Step 12: Test by small group of users
After the system is up and running, and everyone has been trained, we prefer that a certain department goes out with the equipment for a few days. We can be present, but it is also possible to evaluate this after a few days. This step is optional, but makes everyone feel familiar. We really want to be 100% sure that everything is running smoothly before we go live.
Step 13: Live corridor system
The entire system has been tested and delivered. The walkie-talkies are placed at the different locations and we go live. This is ultimately an internal matter because an instruction must be issued that the old walkie-talkies may no longer be used. From that moment on everyone knows that the new system is in use. All employees are trained and therefore know exactly how it works.
Step 14: Evaluation
After a few days, the first wishes are adjusted. Some people suffer from too little or too much volume, other people have experienced a range problem somewhere (despite the tests). At another location is a walkie-talkie that has a broken battery within two days. Of course we hope that the above problems will not occur, however, practice is unruly and we are happy to give you a realistic picture. Any supplier can be affected. The above examples are of course covered by warranty in accordance with delivery.
During this evaluation we can map out these problems. To prevent problems from being reported twice or taking on a life of their own, we ensure clear registration of these complaints. It is possible that this is reported internally to our contact person. It is also possible for us to open an online portal where anyone can report this problem. We can then immediately register and bundle this.
Step 15: Reprogramming
There may be programming wishes as a result of the evaluation. We schedule a moment for our field service engineer to visit all locations and reprogram some or all of the walkie-talkies. The system is now completely according to your wishes.
Step 16: Evaluation
After reprogramming in step fifteen, there are still minor adjustments. We write this down and once again deploy a field service engineer to adjust the last things. From this moment on, we will switch to regular business operations and wishes, questions or repairs can be reported via the procedure that we have agreed with each other.
Step 17: Handing in and dismantling old equipment
After a few weeks it was possible to collect all old equipment centrally. We collect it and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner. If possible, we donate walkie-talkies to charities (e.g. KNRM) or use parts for installations for which there are no longer any parts. On request, we prepare a list of the final place where the equipment went.