Professional cable installers want to exhibit the highest level of quality and standards in offering services to the customer. In doing so, maintaining proper documentation is best business practice that can pay off both during the job and after it’s completion.
- Makes sure the job is done right
- No aspect is omitted
- Provide the customer with printable documentation
Keeping detailed documentation ensures that the job is done right and that no aspect of the service installation is omitted. Documentation identifies each step of the entire installation project for both managers and clients. Documentation can be customized according to the site specifications and the type of installation being performed.
The Testing Process
Providing the customer with detailed documentation is a sign of a quality and professional install. It demonstrates attention to detail and thoroughness which is the hallmark of a job well-done. Besides, modern handheld devices and software make it both quick and easy to record and report on the different facets of the installation, and they make it easy to print specifications when needed.
It is essential that results of each test be recorded as soon as the test is performed — avoiding loss of data and ensuring the results are included in the final report. Additionally, it is of the imperative to upload to your computer software all the data and readings that were taken during the testing process so that this information can be used to populate your report.
The Final Report
When the installation is complete and all the testing data from the installation has been uploaded from your test equipment to your computer, you can compile the final report. Your cable test report will be organized in a logical user friendly format.
It is up to you to decide which values are relevant based on who the report is being distributed to. For example, a report that is sent to a non-technical client would be different from one that sent to an engineering firm or your main office.
It is recommended that detailed results be included in the final reports. This detail can aid in future troubleshooting as well as satisfying the warranty requirement for some manufacturers.
Correct Labeling
Professional installers understand that detailed labeling is essential and it should map directly to your documentation. Remember…good documentation and cable labeling go hand in hand.
Each work area outlet is commonly labeled with the floor, room, patch panel and the port where it originates. If documentation or cable labeling is not provided, then a proper installation has not been completed.
Proof In The Reporting
Accurate reporting and labeling provides a means for quantifying the installation and documenting that it was done correctly. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the entire process that can be very useful in the future for troubleshooting problems, choosing upgrades, moving devices and/or adding or making hardware changes to the installation.
Handheld testing devices such as the Cable Prowler™, Net Prowler™ or Net Chaser™ which are used to troubleshoot signal, connectivity, and cabling issues, offer several printing options that can be presented to the client based on their needs. Cable installers often bring portable printers allowing them to immediately print and provide the final report prior to leaving the job — further improving customer satisfaction.
Platinum Tool’s Cable Prowler, Net Prowler and Net Chaser™ handheld testing devices generate concise and informative deliverable reports that list all of the technical specifications that technology personnel and management would need for strategic planning and maintenance. The reports are easily customizable with your company logo and contact information giving your reports a professional look and feel.
