average amount of time allowed for an install

[blelisa]

Does anyone set a certain amount of time allowed for an install depending on the number of phones for their techs and sales reps?

 

[bdelmar]

It all depends, what type of phone system or turret system is being installed, how big the system is, how many phones/turrets, and how much system programming is involved?

Or are you talking about a MAC order and just installing one or two phones/turrets on an already working system?

 

[Nortelshop]

MAC order should not take over 3 days with normal criticality. A full install depends on number of phones, techs installing system, manpower. More manpower the less time it should take. Less manpower (Taking into Consideration how skilled the techs are) more time for the install. Best bet is to shop compare or ask for another customer who has used that vendor. Usaully, the vendor will provide details of past jobs and clients to speak as a source of reference for you.

 

[aarenot]

As a systems engineer/project manager who has implemented over 1000 systems, of varying manufacturers, it is not all about the manpower, system engineer, or vendor. Here are some other items involved:

1) Vendor and customer Project manager performance/ communication.
2) Customer response time to vendor project management meeting requests.
3) Prompt response to information requests from vendor project manager by customer project manager.
4) Prompt response to items requested by and contractualy provided by customer.
5) Telco provision of requested telco services.
6) Responsiveness of customer to configuration, and programming detail requests prior to programming system.
7) Extent of customer changes requested during project.
8) Extent of programming changes requested by customer after Initial programming begins. ( some seemingly simple requests require extensive or complete defaulting of the programming and starting from scratch)
9) Providing proper lead time prior to install for proper manning/ scheduling of project.
10) Developing of a good relationship with Vendor, including past relationship with vendors accounts recievables department. (Yes, this matters!)
11) Proper sales engineering, timely signing of contracts, payment schedules during project.
12) Performance of other contractors providing critical services. For instance, cabling infrastructure completion. electrical contractors, local telco, LD carriers, environmental considerations for equipment installations (HVAC).
There are a few dozen more items depending on whether one company is handling some or all of the items in number 12 above. As well as requesting work during national holidays, after hours or weekend requests for completion of work load. This generaly requires additional charges. Finaly, condition of existing cabling infrastructure, and overlapping of project with other ongoing projects which inhibit access to facilities, or work space.
I submit deadlines with all requests to the customer with notification of assured impact on completion dates for the project. Including holding back scheduling confirmation until completion of certain specified items.
The project is dependant on all parties involved to complete satisfactorily, and promptly.

You do not always get what you pay for, but you never get what you do not pay for.