1 Determining a client’s peripheral requirements  Determine current business practices  Determine peripheral requirements  Analyse and document existing hardware  Analyse and document existing software  Determine suitable peripheral to meet needs  Document and report requirements  Source and evaluate product  Purchase the product  Install the product  Test and verify the new product operation

2 Guidelines and standards Standards allow organisations to:  Ensure all equipment used meets satisfactory levels of operation  Ensure equipment used is compatible with other equipment used  Ensure support staff are trained to service and maintain the equipment  Budget for and plan the timely upgrade of equipment

3 Constraints  Cost  Time  Business practices  Staff skills  Training requirements  Positioning of equipment  Compatibility

4 Analyse client’s existing systems  Hardware ensure any peripherals are compatible with existing hardware access client’s system to verify information provided check resource availability  Software ensure software is compatible with operating system check installed drivers for existing peripheral

5 Sourcing peripherals  Consultants check references and do a thorough background check  Reseller suppliers shop around, prices and account payment methods will vary  Publications describe and compare the latest products  Internet information up to date ensure warranties honoured locally  Trade shows showcase the latest products  Personal/professional contacts

6 Evaluate solutions  List the essential criteria as specified by the client and evaluate the product using an evaluation matrix

7 Maintenance and Service Level Agreements (SLA’s)  Preventative maintenance tasks the user can perform without affecting warranty  Ongoing servicing details tasks to be undertaken by the supplier  Warranty conditions ‘on site’ or ‘return to base’  Replacement details options for product replacement for business continuity

8 Documenting your findings Fully document the following:  The clients requirements  The tasks undertaken  The research methods used  Detail all considered options Documentation will support payment for work undertaken and aid in supporting any future legal arguments

9 Inventory  Enter peripheral details into equipment inventory keeps track of owned equipment useful for taxation purposes useful for insurance purposes  Store peripherals according to manuals and guidelines

10 Installing the peripheral  Pre installation set time for installation approximate time required ensure all tools and documentation are at hand  Site preparation ensure the installation will not disrupt the clients work ensure there is adequate space and light to work with (OH&S)

11 Installing the peripheral cont’d  Check all components and documentation are present  Record serial number and check against invoice  Read the setup documentation  Connect cables to peripherals according to manufacturer instructions

12 Post installation  Follow organisational procedures for storage or disposal of old peripheral  Update the asset database with any information that is required on the new peripheral  Update the asset database with the information on the old asset  Store any returned equipment according to procedure