Technology is playing a more central role in buildings of all types, but not every building owner is able to realize the full value of their technology systems. This can be the result of a disconnect between technology design and installation – a disconnect that technology project management can bridge.
Building owners may already have design or construction project managers overseeing their schedule and keeping the project on budget. But as low-voltage technology systems have begun to make inroads in powering sophisticated technology-driven solutions across every aspect of operations, building owners will find these systems require specialized expertise to install, program, and integrate. This is where working with good technology project managers becomes essential.
What is a Technology Project Manager?
Technology project managers serve as liaisons between building owners, designers, and integrators. As with traditional project managers, the technology project manager may perform design work in addition to coordinating communication across project stakeholders, establishing and managing budgets, ensuring project deliverables are on time, and ultimately closing out this portion of the project. However, these specialized experts also help prevent the multitude of potential problems that can occur when installing fast-changing technology-driven systems. A good technology project manager should have knowledge of the low-voltage systems being used to ensure they are being installed, operated, and integrated correctly.
Technical project managers are crucial for the seamless design and installation of technology systems in modern facilities, ensuring their smooth operation post-construction and guiding projects and clients toward innovative solutions. Technology project managers are responsible for overseeing the design and installation of various systems, including structured cabling for telecommunications, audio/visual systems for effective communication, and physical security measures such as access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection to safeguard personnel and property. They also manage the integration of overhead paging systems for critical announcements and emergencies, as well as the deployment of wireless systems to facilitate seamless mobile connectivity. By staying updated on emerging trends, technical project managers contribute significantly to project success and pave the way for future innovation and efficiency in our field, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of functionality and design excellence.
3 Ways Technology Project Managers Deliver Value
Building owners rely on their project managers to keep things running smoothly. Yet adding one more individual into design and construction conversations can feel like bringing in another voice to slow the process down. And with an architect and technology integrator already overseeing technology design and installation, a technology project manager might seem redundant. That is, until something doesn’t operate as expected. However, a technology project manager can bring tremendous value to a project.
Among other things, experience technology project managers will:
- Make sure building owners get a technology solution that meets their expectations. During the design phase, a technology designer will drill down into the building owner’s expectations for building performance to advise on solutions that best meet their needs. The technology project manager will ensure that the design aligns with the client’s expectations, then may coordinate with the architect, specifier, and system integrator to ensure the proper technology systems are selected, integrated, and efficiently installed. This oversight can help prevent unwanted vendor lock-in on specific systems, duplication in cabling, and other problems that may limit functionality or increase costs.
- Catch potential problems early. An experienced technology project manager will be able to spot design conflicts and prevent installation errors before they happen, keeping projects on schedule. This oversight can also make sure that systems are installed efficiently and safely. After all, small changes in the field can lead to big problems. For example, shifting a cable tray to make room for ductwork may mean longer trays and more cabling is required to connect systems, driving up costs. A technology project manager could recommend a more effective solution.
- Verifies that all systems are integrated appropriately. An experienced technology designer or master systems professional (MSP) will define how each installed building system must interact with other systems to provide the range of integrated functionality building owners expect. This programming can be incredibly complex. An experienced project manager can provide support in ensuring that the design integration is carried out by the installation team.
What to Look for in Technology Project Managers
Technology project managers must be adept at leading teams and guiding people through project challenges. To ensure a project manager has the specialized insight necessary to move your project forward, building owners should consider working with partners who hold trusted certifications that point to project management proficiency.
The Project Management Institute offers a number of credentials to ensure proficiency in project or program management. The expertise required of these credential-holders can give building owners confidence in their technology project manager’s ability to demonstrate leadership in moving a project forward.
Owners may also wish to consider selecting a project manager who holds specialized technology insight. Bicsi, a professional association supporting the advancement of the information and communications technology professional, offers the Registered Telecommunications Project Manager credential. RTPM-certified professionals have demonstrated mastery of technology project management best practices.
Get the Building Experience You Want
Using low-voltage technology in buildings is not new, but it is changing fast and growing to permeate virtually every aspect of building operations today. Given the scale of technology in modern buildings, it makes sense to have a dedicated professional overseeing the efficient design and installation of your connected systems. That said, technology project management is a somewhat new and fast-changing field. By working with a partner who holds demonstrated experience in supporting project teams, and low-voltage systems expertise, building owners can trust that they will get the smarter building experience they and their occupants expect.
To learn more about how technology project managers can support your next project, contact CRUX Solutions.