Insights

Introduction

The purpose of a cabling infrastructure goes beyond keeping the wires and cables organized to achieve a neat-looking office. Aesthetics aside, cabling systems serve as a foundation for smooth, streamlined IT/OT operations in your office. The structure is there to ensure that your network, communication lines, and building management processes are integrated, functioning as intended, and experience little to no disruptions. The plan can also accommodate moves, additions, and changes in your office setup, which is helpful when your branch needs to scale or transfer locations.

If you want your office to achieve this disruption-free flow, or if you are considering an upgrade, hiring a structured cabling system company is your best move. With a contractor specializing in cabling installations, you can rest assured that your system can serve you today and well into the future. Of course, that is only if you hire the right one. To avoid working with an unreliable vendor, read the rest of this guide by InfoBahn.

What Structured Cabling System Companies Do

Contractors install structured data cabling systems to enable connectivity and interoperability in an office’s IT/OT infrastructure. For instance, they can build a network of computers for your records department by setting up components like ports and cables and connecting them to power, the internet, and the main server. Cabling system companies plan a layout that will best leverage the space and positions of your office’s endpoints, so that the cables are out of the way and neatly organized. The installers will also keep in mind possible changes or additions in their plans. 

Reliable contractors would not leave you clueless, either. They may talk with your IT team on how to troubleshoot and make adjustments with the cabling system, or they may offer after-sales support to better guide you.

Why the Right Partner Matters to Your Operations

Establishing a cabling system for your office will require professionals, particularly those with enough experience setting up modern network infrastructure. A structured cabling system provides the foundation for smooth operations, fast information sharing, and reliable connectivity within your workplace’s equipment and facilities. These enhancements, in turn, boost productivity and reduce downtimes. Ultimately, with a smooth-sailing process, the end-users — that is, the citizens who use your digital services — will experience little to no delays and hassle. The right structured cabling partner will ensure that your system works not only on the day of deployment but also in the future.

7 Red Flags To Look Out For When Hiring a Structured Cabling Company

To find the right structured cabling system company to partner with, it is important to narrow your options to only the reliable ones. You can snuff out the unqualified from a list of potential vendors by paying attention to the following signs:

No Site Visit or Assessment

Effective cabling system plans rely on a thoughtful and comprehensive assessment of the office or facility that requires the installation. A trustworthy wiring company understands that network spaces vary in architecture and layout, so they need to see your site before they create the final cabling blueprint. Furthermore, the department’s workflow will vary depending on which sector you belong to: a statistics office will have processes different from a social service facility, requiring tailored cabling solutions for each. If your vendor doesn’t perform a site visit, customization will be challenging.

Vague or Lump-Sum Pricing

The cost of a structured cabling system project varies depending on the site, the installation’s complexity, and other factors, including the cost of materials, labor, and deployment, plus additional charges for future technical support. Contractors should provide a detailed quotation of each item, especially the materials and labor costs, as these are the ones that frequently change depending on the project’s nature and timeline. A vendor that provides vague or lump-sum pricing may end up undercharging or overcharging you — either way, an inaccurate budget will affect you or the project’s quality, or both.

No Proof of Certifications or Compliance

Check with your vendor for relevant certifications and proof of compliance. The team you plan to work with should be able to present proof that their experts are trained professionals for specific network cabling services. Note also that structured cabling systems follow industry standards set by international and local rules and regulations. This means your potential contractor should have the necessary certifications proving their compliance. Otherwise, you might discover later irregularities and substandard materials used for your network cabling, which can cost you more in the future.  

No Warranty or Post-Installation Support

Structured cabling system installations are not a “one-and-done” job, wherein your vendor becomes unreachable after the initial deployment. Reliable vendors include post-installation support in their services, helping you ensure that your network cabling functions as intended. Issues are fixed within this period, and afterward, you should be able to contact the company for additional technical support. Vendors that do not stipulate a warranty period or further support might indicate a lack of confidence in their services.

Pushy Sales Tactics or Unclear Recommendations

Every vendor will want to sell their products and services to you, so discernment about which company is pushing it too far is crucial when selecting who to hire. To equip yourself with such knowledge, it’s best to have an idea of ballpark material and labor prices and the scope of services. You can do this by asking around other offices and reading client reviews. You can also get information straight from the vendor by booking a consultation with them first. If the solutions provider is confident with what benefits they can give, but can't provide proof or solid testimonials, then maybe it’s a good idea to reconsider and look for a backup company.

Lack of Portfolio or References

A reliable contractor should have a portfolio of past projects that they will be proud to present to you. Even starting companies will have at least a few accomplishments that they will want to showcase. The key is that no matter the size of the third-party company you’re hiring, they should be willing to provide references from previous clients. If they are not confident about this, there is a chance that they have a poor track record or several unsatisfied clients they don’t want you to discover.

Too Fast or Too Cheap to Be True

Overpromising service speed for a low price sounds too good to be true, especially in solutions involving network cabling. The project’s timeline will depend on the site and your requirements, and a company indicating a fixed period from inspection to deployment is a clear red flag, because a vendor can’t really tell the scope until after they have assessed your office or facility and communicated with you about your needs. 

Meanwhile, a structured cabling system service that is way more affordable than the industry standard might mean your contractor may use substandard materials, skip specifications, and do a generally sloppy job. Asking for quotations from different vendors will give you a general idea of the standard in this sector.

How InfoBahn Avoids These Pitfalls (and What Sets Us Apart)

InfoBahn Communications, Inc. is on a mission to provide stellar network cabling solutions. We work to sustain best practices in the structured cabling system service sector, ensuring that our experts provide detailed assessments, transparent pricing, thorough documentation, and reliable after-sales support. Our decades of expertise and solid reputation in the industry have made us a trusted vendor of government offices and private companies. Be one of our satisfied clients by contacting our team today!

Conclusion

With more public services undergoing digitalization, upgrading your network is needed more than ever. To pull this off, one of the contractors you need to hire is a reliable structured cabling system company. 

Choosing one from among the many vendors available to hire in the Philippines can be challenging, but you can narrow down your list by eliminating those that exhibit red flags. Basically, any company that overpromises, lacks transparency, and offers too-good-to-be-true benefits should not be included in your consideration.

At InfoBahn, we recognize these red flags and strive not to commit them by any means. Call our team today so we can discuss your needs and assess for yourself whether we are worth your time!