For the average business owner or executive, installing a new piece of computer hardware amounts to plugging it in and connecting the right cables. A few tech-savvy entrepreneurs might think of updating firmware or connecting to a network, but most just want their devices to work the way they are supposed to.
This is important because technicians like ours are very careful about where we put advanced and expensive pieces of electrical equipment. Go without the kind of expertise we offering you could make simple but costly mistakes. Where your technology lives matters a lot more than you might think.
Let’s look at some of the considerations we think about when installing a workstation, server, or other piece of office equipment…
Physical Space Available
Some pieces of hardware require a bit more space than others. That isn’t just because they are bigger, but also because they might need space for maintenance, assembly, or normal operation. Often, we’ll see companies ignore these kinds of spacing guidelines. That might not seem like a big deal in the moment, but it can lead to big problems (and even injuries) down the road.
Ventilation for Machines and Employees
Air is a big deal when it comes to computers. On the one hand, many devices need a fresh flow of cool air to keep the expensive interior components running smoothly. And on the other, some items (like printers and photocopiers) can present health hazards if they are placed too close to humans. While this might not be your first concern when arranging an office or workspace, it isn’t something you should overlook.
Available Plugins and Circuitry
It’s probably not news to you that computers run on electricity, but many of our new clients are surprised to find out just how much voltage their systems need. When you overpower an outlet or trying to cram too many devices into a small space, you run the risk of damaging circuits. In more severe cases, you could take out electricity to several rooms at once or even cause a fire.
Risks to Nearby People
We have touched on the risks of fire, high-voltage, and air quality already. You could add sharp corners, trip-inducing cords, and even ergonomic problems to the risks various pieces of hardware can introduce to your business. These can all be managed and reduced by experts, of course, but they are easy to miss if you aren’t looking for them. The bottom line is that tech can cause real problems if it isn’t arranged and configured correctly.
Choosing the Right Places for Hardware is Important
It’s easy to dump a computer or other piece of hardware in the first open space you can find, particularly if it’s not something you and your employees use on a continual basis. However, if you want to be safe, efficient, and productive you need to be careful about putting the right items in the right places.
If you’re trying to set up a new office or facility, we strongly recommend you contact the team at Fantastic IT in Southern California for free quote and consultation. We might be able to save you a lot of time and money on your move.