Structured cabling survey
The majority of our structured cabling survey projects, probably 98-99% of them, are undertaken free of charge.
Indeed, the only time there is a cost associated with a survey is when it includes an element of design. Furthermore, if there is significant travel involved in undertaking that survey. An example would be international travel
An example would be a client of ours requesting a free-of-charge survey in London. However, a survey for their new office in Newcastle would likely incur costs for travel and other expenses.
Another time would be when, rather than a survey, a prospect would require considerable time on the project to not only survey but also design and suggest solutions for an unknown quotation specification. This would then be classed as design rather than a survey.
How long does a structured cabling survey take?
Every project and survey is unique, but a survey usually takes 15-45 minutes, with additional time if required for discussing proposals. The larger the project, the longer the survey time to allow for inspecting all areas and gaining access
How long do I need to wait for a survey?
We aim to attend a survey within 48 business hours of the enquiry and to return a quotation within 48 hours of attending the survey. This can change depending on location, access restrictions and the amount of proposal work required to return the quotation. This, however, is what we aim to achieve in most cases
Our teams are based across several locations in Andover, Hampshire, London, Birmingham and Glasgow. Therefore, we will have a team in various locations to better match the location of your project and survey.
What is involved with a structured cabling survey, and what should you expect
The main parts of an on-site survey are
- Discussions and communication of requirements by the client
- Walk-through of the location to visualise the requirements
- Analysis of drawings
- Queries and confirmation of requirements upon visual survey
The more information that can be provided in advance, the more effective the survey can be. This allows our project team to already pre construction questions before attending the location
Drawings with marked-up data cabling outlets are the most effective part of the survey process and allow for not only helping visualise the project, but also allowing for note-taking and construction of a later project plan and specification for the installation engineers
Drawings are not always readily available. However, these can either be a
- previous PDF floor plan,
- a copy of the fire escape plan which is mounted by the fire exit
- a simply hand-drawn aerial layout.
In the absence of any of these, our project team can draw these at the time of the meeting during the walk-through phase
When will I receive a quotation?
The majority of our quotations are returned within 48 hours of the survey. In some cases, this is even earlier and can be turned around the same day. We do this if the client requires an urgent turnaround.
Some projects are more involved in the creation of the quotation. Therefore, additional time may be needed to collate the equipment and specification pricing. In addition, there may be many areas to analyse and quote for.
In cases where there will be an extended delay in returning your quotation, you will be informed of the expected return date
What happens when I accept a quotation?
When the quotation is accepted, a dedicated project manager is assigned to your project. In the majority of cases will be the same person who undertook the survey. This allows for a consistency of delivery
We aim to start any works within 7 days of quotation acceptance, subject to project requirements and restrictions. However, the majority of projects are started within the time window if requested
The project team will book in the data cabling engineers and arrange for all elements of the project. Those elements of the project will then be confirmed to you to ensure that the requirements haven’t changed and that everybody is working to the same expectations
Once the project is underway, the same project manager will be the point of contact. Thus ensuring that the project runs smoothly. Furthermore, this allows for arranging any changes or amendments throughout the project
Do you offer off-site virtual surveys?
Some projects are suitable, and even necessary, for a pre-project or off-site virtual survey. The following examples are some of the reasons we have had to undertake virtual and off-site surveys
- For projects where the client hasn’t yet taken residence in the building but requires quotations prior to moving in
- A large number of quotations during the Covid-19 pandemic, when office buildings were empty, but quotations were still required
- National roll out our projects where surveys for every location prior to the quotation phase were not possible
- For projects that required a very quick quotation turn around, and the client couldn’t attend the site in time
What do I need for a virtual or off-site survey?
Many of the elements required for an off-site survey are the same as those for an on-site survey. The more information you have, the more accurate the quotation can be.
However, as the visual elements of an on-site survey are lost, the following additional elements greatly assist in preparing a virtual quotation
- Photos of the location
- The routes involved fromthe cabinet to the location
- Photos showing whether false ceilings or false floors are present
- Photos of existing containment, such as Dado trunking
- Existing data cabinet photos
- An external photo of the building to gauge access and deliveries
- Videos showing similar elements to the photos above
- Specifications of any existing containment or floor boxes
- These vary by manufacturer, so specification sheets help attain pricing
In many cases, we conduct virtual surveys. For peace of mind for both parties, after acceptance of a quotation, a later on-site surveyis undertaken before starting the project to confirm requirements and ensure the client is happy that everything has been covered
For on-site or off-site data cabling surveys, please contact
Tel: 0207 269 4717