How much progress in one day for an IPO500 PRI with VM PRO installation? 2

[g18c]

Today I got a call from my project manager as apparently was called unprofessional by a customer at site because I had to refer to a Avaya ERS switch manual for an IP address (and as I used angry ip scanner to find the switch address) and UC module manual for the default web password.

This was a completely new install, we supplied all new equipment with no other connected systems.

In 4.5 hours I did the following:

[ul]
[li]mounted all equipment[/li]
[li]installed two 48 port switches[/li]
[li]setup VLANs for voice and data on switches[/li]
[li]unpacked and installed 30 phones[/li]
[li]setup PRI with DIDs[/li]
[li]call barring for groups[/li]
[li]huntgroups[/li]
[li]setup VM Pro[/li]
[/ul]

Despite everything working properly (calls in and out, coverage paths, correct presentation numbers etc, DHCP being assigned to data and voice networks) - they said I took too long as I didn't know what I was doing, and were watching over my shoulder a lot of the time which did not help as frankly it made my uncomfortable.

I am writing this thread to ask from independent fellow Avaya engineers what is considered OK for a days work?

They want to meet tomorrow and complaining about price they have paid for this level of service, but given everything is actually working OK I can't help but think this is a tactic to obtain discount.

 

[amriddle01]

Don't give them any discount or even an apology/explanation, that's a good chunk of work for 4.5 hours. And who are they to dictate your work schedule or pass judgement on your skill level? If they were in the position to make those kind of assessments then they could have done it themselves.


Avaya Implementation Qualified Professional Specialist Technical Engineer (AIQPSTE)

 

[intrigrant]

Sounds to me as a way to not pay the bill.
Setting up a IPO with 30 phones, network switches and a PRI in a single day and all working is a good job done.
Consider this:

1/2 hour for installing IP Office and load the software
1 hour for mounting two switches and programming VLANs
1 hour for programming IP Office
10 minutes per phone unpacking/placing and programming times 30 is 5 hours
1/2 hour for testing
1 hour for basic VM Pro programming

That is a full days work!

A simple mind delivers great solutions

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

Hang in there. Happens to us all. Take it on the chin and hopefully your manager is a good one and backs you all the way.

ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[Bluemooner]

Just take it with a pinch of salt, Every engineer gets an encounter with a client like that. As for the works you did i think thats a good days work.

APSS - SME Communications
ACIS - SME Communications
ACSS - SME Communications
AIPS - Avaya IP Office

 

[montyzummer]

agree with all above, offer to flatten the dam config on everything and tell them you are prepared to let them get any other maintainer in and see if they can do it quicker.(ok not practical , but good to keep in the back of your mind)

APSS (SME)
ACSS (SME)

 

[mmy1981]

Good job in 4,5 hours!

 

[cruzades]

Avaya ERS switch manual for an IP address (and as I used angry ip scanner to find the switch address)

With this, client concluded that way, but hey.. isn't it that's the manual for? yea, if the client knows better doing your job they should do it by themselves.

Good Job for 4.5hrs.

 

[DanACS]

Our sales guys would've sold a lot more install time than just a day for that - i'd say 4.5 hours is exceptional work for that qty of work.

At the end of the day they signed an order that would've had implemetation time included on it and by signing, they agreed to it.

We normally sell prestage time too so the kit is built and tested before the customer is exposed to the kit so no over shoulder watching.

ACSS - SME
APSS - SME
APDS - Unified Communications
ACS - IP Telephony
ACA - IP Telephony

 

[TomMills]

We normally sell prestage time too so the kit is built and tested before the customer is exposed to the kit so no over shoulder watching. "

Yep!

Hate the idea of programming on site.

http://www.twitter.com/tem1985

APSS/ACIS/ACSS-SME
not arrogant, just succinct.

 

[Westi]

I agree with the "Good job for 4.5 hrs" and I have to also tell you that looking in the manual is normal, better than trying to fiddle for hours and not getting anywhere. I have to say that 4.5 hrs are rather fast for all that and this is a full days work if you ask me.
Smart techs consult the manuals and use all the tools available to make their live easier. Tools can also be the manual and ip scanners.

I also have to think of my last lawyers bill that included 5 hours of reading up on laws, are they unprofessional because they read up on stuff (for $300/hr) I guess not.

Joe W.

FHandw, ACSS (SME), ACIS (SME)

http://convergednetworks.ca

Give a tech a solution and he will be back tomorrow to ask you the next question, teach a tech how to read the manual and he will be able to solve the problems for a life time.

 

[tlpeter]

We always have one day to prepare IPO and VMPro at the office.
If more is needed then more is sold.
We go on site and put in the system that same day.
No watching over the shoulder when it is prepared.


BAZINGA!

I'm not insane, my mother had me tested!

 

[g18c]

Thanks for all the comments peeps Nightmare client!! At least my first in 3 years to behave in such a way, and good tip for configuring offsite.

 

[tlpeter]

There is a dutch saying.
The customer is the king (is in charge) but i then always respond that i am the empire!
The customer pays for a working system but i need to program it the best way to give value for money.
Do you own job and leave me alone!

So my rant is over


BAZINGA!

I'm not insane, my mother had me tested!

 

[kjk165]

Good Job in 4.5 hours. That would normally take us a full day. I agree with all the above statements, especially who are they to dictate how long a install should take. Are they certified to install an Avaya system? Probably not. Hopefully you have a good supervisor who will back you. We all have that "one" customer who looks to get out of anything. That is what this sounds like to me. Stick to your guns and if they feel there is another company who can do it faster and better then take the equipment back and let them find another company. I am pretty sure it would take a lot longer to install.

As far as looking at a manual, that to me is just a smart tech doing his job to make sure he is programming the switch the correct way. I still refer to manuals a lot. I also count on blogs like Tek-Tips to get me through some tough issues.

Good Luck and again, awesome job!

Karl

Avaya SME ACIS Certified

 

[Westi]

send them the link to this thread

Joe W.

FHandw, ACSS (SME), ACIS (SME)

http://convergednetworks.ca

Give a tech a solution and he will be back tomorrow to ask you the next question, teach a tech how to read the manual and he will be able to solve the problems for a life time.

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

What would have been bad was if you were on the phone to your support guys for 4.5 hours with them remotely helping you


ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[Westi]

when I was support I had techs like that

Joe W.

FHandw, ACSS (SME), ACIS (SME)

http://convergednetworks.ca

Give a tech a solution and he will be back tomorrow to ask you the next question, teach a tech how to read the manual and he will be able to solve the problems for a life time.

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

I am in support and I can say the same - hence my comment! ;-)

ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[Westi]

support star

Joe W.

FHandw, ACSS (SME), ACIS (SME)

http://convergednetworks.ca

Give a tech a solution and he will be back tomorrow to ask you the next question, teach a tech how to read the manual and he will be able to solve the problems for a life time.