RapidNet - time-saving, virtually risk-free pre-terminated copper and fibre cabling system designed to increase installer productivity, providing the end user with consistent high quality conditions.Should you Health check?
17th February 2007
Although networking technology continues to progress and develop rapidly, with many procedures there is still a requirement for an element of human intervention. Recent statistics have proven that where there is a human involvement in network documentation procedures, there is an increased risk of common blunders.
In a recent independently commissioned market research survey more than 100 UK networking professionals within the finance and banking sectors were interviewed on the subject of issues associated with managing network infrastructures. The biggest single cause of unplanned downtime recognised by an amazing 92% of companies polled was confirmed as human error caused by bad documentation, which put it at the top of the list of offenders.
Network Documentation
In spite of the problems it can create, maintaining accurate patching records doesn't traditionally appear on the radar screen of every IT department, and when it does, it tends to be in a reactive way to tackle network downtime and assist in fault finding. This is borne out by the recent market research figures where 80% of IT managers admitted to having inaccurate network documentation and a startling 7% said that they keep no form of network documentation at all.
The 'issue' has resulted in the growth of services provided such as network audits, health checks, cabinet tidies and documentation upgrades, which can be invaluable to the support of users network now and indeed cost management for the future.
It is virtually impossible to eradicate day to day human error completely, but companies can take steps to minimize the disruption it can potentially cause. A growing number of IT managers are beginning to realise the benefits that can be derived, especially those clients with scattered network sites, a high number of MACs, a particular interest in the physical security, or controlling downtime and its costs.
Ask yourself this simple question - if my Comms Cabinets were all de-patched tonight, how long would it take me to re-patch accurately and how much money would the downtime cost us?
ICS Ltd can help!
We are actively assisting clients with infrastructure health checks and documentation upgrades throughout the UK and Europe. We can offer the following services tailored to your needs all managed by certified BICSI RCDD consultants:
- Evaluation reports with Risk Analysis with supporting digital images
- Switch & Floor port "dead wooding" exercise, free up all redundant ports
- Complete re-patching of communications cabinets and racks
- Design and installation of cable management systems
- Documentation builds and upgrades - complete with ACAD floor plans
- Health check testing on horizontal and vertical infrastructure
- Adoption and maintenance on installed infrastructures
- Moves, Adds and Changes (MAC) support and implementation