By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
IT is on the critical path
When a company moves into a new office, the interiors usually get months of planning while IT is left until the last weeks. Then the internet line takes three weeks to arrive, cables were not laid before the false ceiling closed, and the server rack ends up in a store room with no ventilation. Starting IT planning on the same day as interiors avoids all of this.
Timeline from bare shell
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks before move | Order internet lines from two providers; finalise seating plan |
| 6–8 weeks | Design cabling, Wi-Fi, rack location, CCTV and access points |
| During interiors | Lay cables and conduits before false ceiling and partitions close |
| 3–4 weeks | Install rack, patch panels, UPS, switches and firewall |
| 2 weeks | Mount access points, cameras, access control and phones; test |
| 1 week | Set up printers, meeting rooms, accounts; run a pilot day |
The checklist
- Two internet lines from different providers, entering the building by different routes if possible.
- Network points at every desk, printer, TV, access point, camera and attendance terminal.
- A ventilated rack location with dedicated power and earthing.
- Online UPS sized for the rack, plus inverter or DG backup for the floor.
- Business firewall, separate VLANs for staff, guests, CCTV and devices.
- Wi-Fi access points placed from a survey.
- Meeting room screens, video bars and booking panels.
- Access control on entry and server room; CCTV at entries and key areas.
- Phones or cloud telephony, and a door intercom at reception.
Coordinate with the interior contractor
- Share a cabling drawing with point numbers before partitions go up.
- Agree false ceiling access panels near access points and cable trays.
- Ask for separate electrical circuits and earthing for the rack and UPS.
- Make sure the rack room gets an AC on a separate circuit, ideally with backup.
Common mistakes
- Ordering internet too late — fibre to a new building can take weeks.
- Mesh Wi-Fi instead of wired access points to save cabling.
- One internet line with no failover.
- The rack in a hot, shared store room.
- CCTV and guest devices on the same network as staff laptops.
Budget items people forget
- Installation charges and security deposits for internet lines.
- Rack, patch panels, cable managers and labelling.
- Firewall licences and annual support renewals.
- Network AC for the rack room.
Security from day one
A new office is the easiest time to get security right: separate networks, a firewall with logging, unique passwords on every device, access control tied to HR joining and leaving, and cameras that see faces at entries. Retrofitting these later is harder and costlier.
Firewall for small business →An example
A 90-person startup moving to a new floor in HSR Layout started IT planning with its interior designer ten weeks before move-in. Two fibre lines were ordered on day one, 160 cable points were laid before the ceiling closed, and the rack went into a small ventilated room with its own AC. On move-in day every desk, access point, camera and phone worked, and the team was productive by 10 am.
One partner for the whole setup
We plan and install cabling, racks, Wi-Fi, firewalls, UPS, CCTV, access control and phones for new offices, coordinating with your interior contractor.
IT infrastructure services →Quick answers
When should IT planning start for a new office?+
At the same time as interior design, ideally eight to twelve weeks before moving in.
How long does business fibre take to install?+
It varies by building and provider; allow several weeks, especially in new buildings.
How many network points does each desk need?+
Two is a common standard, plus points for printers, access points, cameras and screens.
Should the server rack have its own AC?+
Yes, a small room with dedicated AC and ventilation keeps equipment reliable.
Who should manage the office IT setup?+
One partner coordinating cabling, network, security and devices avoids gaps between vendors.
Do we need two internet lines?+
For most businesses, yes, from different providers with automatic failover.