When it comes to technology infrastructure planning, even the most well-documented IT project can unravel with a single unchecked assumption. This real-world project is a case study in why clear communication, vendor coordination, and contingency planning are non-negotiable—especially during network cabling installations tied to larger office upgrades or moves.
The Original Plan: Installing Network Cabling for New Office Cubicles
The original scope was simple and clean: Your Business Solutions (YBS) was contracted to install network cabling and patch panels for a new set of cubicles at a client site. We were also tasked with running the cabling down ceiling-mounted Power/Data poles into each workstation.
After this project was approved, the client engaged us in an additional discussion about installing Access Control equipment and security camera cabling, which would become relevant after the network infrastructure was in place.
Everything seemed buttoned up—until install day arrived.
The Unexpected Issue: Power Poles Built for Electricity, Not Data
Upon arrival, our field technician inspected the power/data poles and discovered a critical oversight. The poles had been constructed with conduit space only for high-voltage power, not low-voltage data cabling. There was absolutely no room to safely pull network lines through the same space.
And to be clear, combining high-voltage and low-voltage cabling is not just a bad idea—it’s a surefire way to cause electromagnetic interference, severely degrading network performance and potentially damaging hardware.
💡 Pro Tip: This is exactly why, in our book Relocating Your Business, we strongly advise never letting electricians pull or terminate your voice/data cabling.
So, where did this go wrong? Someone—on the client, vendor, or installer side—failed to ask or clarify how the poles were constructed. The assumption that they were designed for both power and data was never verified.
How We Solved It: Communicating Quickly to Save the Project
Rather than press forward with a compromised install, our technician escalated the issue to YBS management. We immediately assembled a conference call with all involved stakeholders, laying out the risk and possible solutions.
After a rapid round of collaboration, we agreed on a workaround:
- Instead of running the cables down the poles, we would route them through the inside of a nearby support column.
- From there, cables would be bundled neatly and tacted along the wall base to reach the cubicles.
- To maintain professionalism, we committed to later installing a cover to hide the exposed section and preserve aesthetics.
While not the perfect solution, this alternative allowed the project to stay on schedule, maintain compliance with data cabling installation best practices, and ensure the client’s network performance would not suffer.
Lessons Learned: IT Infrastructure Success Depends on Communication
Every technology deployment has the potential to become a cautionary tale. But this one ended in success because of a few critical factors:
- Verify assumptions. If a component's capabilities (like a power pole) aren’t documented, don’t assume. Ask.
- Communicate constantly. Vendors, clients, and internal teams must stay in lockstep, especially during pre-installation planning.
- Plan for “What Ifs.” Always ask: “What if something isn’t built as expected? What’s our Plan B?”
- Adapt quickly, professionally. Speed is important—but so is clarity and stakeholder buy-in before adjusting course.
When you prepare thoroughly and communicate intentionally, you build more than just infrastructure—you build trust.
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If you're planning an office move or technology refresh, avoid costly surprises like the one in this story.
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