This section is only for new installs, if you are repairing a machine or one of its peripherals these procedures will have already been carried out. It will depend on the size of the machine to be installed how many of the following installation items are looked at. For example, if a simple desktop PC is being installed there only needs to be a desk that will support its weight and the required services nearby to connect to, for example, network and mains power. If a mainframe computer is being installed all of the following items will need to be checked. Before any installation or upgrade to systems can take place it must be established that the environment and facilities are suitable for the relevant hardware installation. The main points which need to be established are:

• Is there space for the new hardware? - this must include space for operation, future access for maintenance and health and safety considerations.
• Is the building structure able to cope with the increased weight of equipment? - this includes ensuring whether the floor requires strengthening etc.
• Does the identified location allow connection to the existing system? - be aware of the length of interface cables, under floor cable runs etc.
• Is electrical power available, adequate and appropriate for the equipment? - there must be no trailing cables, are there correctly rated circuit breakers, single or three phase supply.
• Will the ventilation or air conditioning systems be sufficient when the new equipment is installed? - will the heat output from the equipment require the adjustment of existing, or installation of additional air conditioning equipment, or cause the working environment to become uncomfortable if no air conditioning is in use?
• Does the equipment require ‘clean room’ conditions?
• Will the equipment fit through doors, lifts, stairs etc? - does it require removal of door frames, windows etc?
• Will specialist lifting equipment or expertise be required? - cranes, specialist removers, glaziers, carpenters, police, local authority etc.
• Can the delivery vehicles gain access to the premises? - are there parking restrictions that apply? Is the loading bay able to accommodate the vehicle(s)?
• Can the delivery and installation staff gain entry to the premises at the required times? - Have the necessary security arrangements been made? Are site passes required? Will security systems allow access to all areas required?
• Can health and safety requirements be maintained at ALL times during the installation? A risk assessment should be carried out to ascertain any dangers to your firm’s employees, your customers employees or anyone using the building or area.

If the answer to any of these is NO or there are other extraordinary circumstances, then the installation cannot proceed until all the issues raised are resolved.