Adding Sites 🏢
Introduction
Adding a new site is often your first step in managing a client relationship. Whether you're preparing for a future installation or setting up an active site, this process lays the foundation for effective site management. This guide will walk you through the process of creating and configuring new sites properly.
Accessing the Add Site Form 📝
To begin creating a new site, navigate to the Sites section in the main menu. You'll find the '+' icon in the top navigation bar which, when clicked, provides the option to "Add Site". This will take you to the Add Site form, where you'll input all the necessary information for your new site.
Essential Information
Site Name Configuration
The site name serves as a primary identifier in the system and requires careful consideration. A well-structured site name helps teams quickly identify and locate specific installations. When naming your site, consider including elements such as the company name and location, particularly if the client has multiple sites.
For example, a site name might be structured as "Company Name - Location - Building", such as "AQA - Milton Keynes - Main Office". This naming convention makes it easy to identify and sort sites, especially when dealing with multiple locations for the same client.
Address Details
The site address needs to be complete and accurate, as it serves multiple purposes within the system. Beyond simply locating the site, this information is used for:
- Engineer visit planning and navigation
- Equipment delivery coordination
- Coverage area calculations
- Service area documentation
- Emergency response planning
Ensure you include any specific access points, building names, or landmarks that might help engineers locate and access the site efficiently.
Cel-Fi Site ID
The Cel-Fi Site ID is a crucial identifier used for device registration and system configuration. This ID plays a vital role in:
- Device registration processes
- System configuration
- Performance monitoring
- Technical support
- Warranty management
Company Information
Selecting the Company
The company selection process connects the site to its parent organisation in the system. When selecting a company:
First, use the company dropdown menu to search for existing companies. The system will display matches as you type, helping you avoid creating duplicate entries. If you find the company, selecting it will automatically populate various fields with existing company information.
If the company doesn't exist in the system, you'll need to create a new company record before proceeding with the site creation. This ensures proper organisational hierarchy and maintains data integrity.
Primary Contact Assignment
Assigning a primary contact is essential for effective site management. This person will be the main point of contact for:
- Day-to-day communications
- Access arrangements
- Technical queries
- Emergency situations
- Service coordination
The primary contact should have sufficient authority and site knowledge to assist with any site-related matters that may arise.
Optional Information
Job Association
While not required, linking a site to a specific job can enhance project tracking and management. This connection allows you to:
- Track installation progress
- Monitor project timelines
- Coordinate resources
- Manage documentation
- Track costs and billing
If you're creating the site as part of an installation project, linking it to the relevant job helps maintain proper project documentation and workflow.
Installation Planning
The installation date field helps with resource planning and project management. When setting this date:
- Consider equipment availability
- Account for access restrictions
- Coordinate with client schedules
- Allow for preparation time
- Plan resource allocation
Even if the exact date isn't known, providing an estimated timeframe helps with resource planning.
Post-Creation Steps
Document Management
Once your site is created, you can begin adding important documentation:
The floorplan management system allows you to upload and mark up building layouts, which is crucial for:
- Planning equipment placement
- Documenting coverage areas
- Guiding installation teams
- Recording as-built configurations
- Tracking system changes
Site Configuration
Additional configuration options become available after site creation:
Hardware Setup If this is an active site, you can begin adding hardware devices:
- Configure Network Units
- Add Coverage Units
- Detail number of attached internal antennas per Coverage Unit
- Set up monitoring
- Establish baseline metrics
- Document device locations
Maintenance Planning You can also set up maintenance schedules and agreements:
- Define visit frequency
- Set service levels
- Schedule initial visits
- Document special requirements
- Configure monitoring alerts
Best Practices
Information Accuracy
Maintaining accurate site information is crucial for effective operations. When creating a new site:
Take time to verify all information before saving. Incorrect details can cause delays and confusion later, particularly for engineering teams trying to locate or access the site. Double-check:
- Physical address accuracy
- Contact information
- Access requirements
- Special instructions
- Location details
Documentation Standards
Establish consistent documentation practices from the start:
Ensure all site-specific requirements are properly documented during creation. This might include:
- Access hours and restrictions
- Security procedures
- Health and safety requirements
- Parking arrangements
- Equipment storage locations