TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSESSMENTS

• Conduct a telecommunications Assessment of all telecommunications systems and networks being utilized

• Identify all systems and network vendors, key contacts, addresses and phone numbers

• Complete an in-depth Needs Analysis as to the current requirements and determine where gaps exist in the telecommunications infrastructure

• Identify the Strategic business initiatives of the organization and match technical requirements to meet business objectives

• Recommend solutions to meet current & future needs in a phased approach

• Identify Risks in regard to Systems, Networks and Vendors / Providers so as to avoid Disasters and/or Adverse Exposures

AUDIT & INVENTORY

• Conduct a telecommunications survey of all locations to identify all related products and services being utilized.

•  Identify all systems and network vendors, key contacts, addresses and phone numbers.

• Complete an in-depth inventory of all voice, data and system products, services and expenses including all related billing and/or circuit numbers.

•  Conduct 3-way check of all products/services to determine billing validity & accuracy.

• Conduct an inventory of all network cable including identification of cable pairs

NEEDS ANALYSIS & DISCOVERY

• Conduct interviews with pertinent staff to identify existing communications problems

• Conduct a “discovery process” as to possible current & future system or network applications that could improve efficiency and/or reduce costs

• Research and evaluate current conditions within a company/division to determine current and future needs prior to selecting a “course of action”

LOCAL NETWORK ANALYSIS

• Optimize local network configurations and expenses to optimize to reduce costs and/or increase communications efficiency

• Determine local telephone company over-billings and related back-credits

• °  Research tariffs to determine possible savings and/or improved services

• °  Manage & coordinate implementation of all recommended products and services with all appropriate vendors and carriers

LONG DISTANCE ANALYSIS & DESIGN

• Analyze all voice / data long distance products, services, calling-patterns and expenses

• Design voice & data networks using more effective products / services to meet current and long-term requirements

• Manage & coordinate implementation of all recommended products and services with all appropriate vendors and carriers

SYSTEM CONSULTING SERVICES

• Research & analyze customer specific requirements for developing specs for new Computer Telephone Exchange systems, fully integrated Message Processing Servers (platform for voice-mail, auto-attendant, fax-mail & e-mail), Interactive Voice Response (IVR), ACD systems and Call Accounting Systems

• Prepare and distribute Request-For-Proposals (RFP) and evaluate RFP responses in relation to the above customer requirements

• Prepare detailed report, including recommendations for the appropriate system and present to the client

• Assist in contract negotiations including initial costs, installation parameters, post-installation costs and on-going service support

• Manage and coordinate the implementation of new systems and related network services (or relocation of existing systems) with all vendors, including periodic project meetings with meeting notes, action items and responsibilities

CALL PROCESSING ANALYSIS

• Interview key personnel to uncover voice and/or data communications problems or requirements

• Define communication needs that can be addressed in a cost efficient manner with ancillary systems and/or network design modifications

LAN / WAN ANALYSIS & DESIGN

• Conduct needs analysis to determine existing system capabilities, various departmental functions and software requirements

• Design An appropriate network structure that meets the user needs within the capabilities of existing or new data systems

• Manage & coordinate implementation of the LAN with all appropriate vendors

STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PLANNING

• Assist in the development of a long-term, comprehensive telecommunications strategy that includes time frames, budgetary costs and benefits

• Research and interview executive management to gain a solid understanding of the short and long term business strategy so that RMS can analyze & design systems and networks to meet those needs and requirements.

• Included in the Strategic Technology Plan would be a breakout by specific time periods of the necessary actions needed to meet the business plan goals including budgetary costs, operations impact and resulting benefits (efficiency, savings, cost avoidance, etc.)

CABLE PLANNING

• Assist in the development or improvement of an internal standards-based cabling plan for voice, data and LAN networks

• Communication Distribution Designers analyze network requirements and translate them into the proper cable media and performance parameters

• Design open systems that do not obsolete when computing or telecommunications systems are replaced

• Provide design and recommendations for wiring closets, cabinets and distribution pathways and spaces insuring the long term performance of the cabling investment

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

•  RMS can assist in contract negotiations with system vendors and network carriers to reduce costs and/or rates, set standards for implementation, time frames, on-going service & support, penalties and typical contract terms and conditions 

HELP DESK

• RMS can provide an off-site telecommunications team that provides a “one call” resource for all telecommunications such as problem resolution, software changes or physical hardware changes.

PROBLEM RESOLUTION

• Provide assistance in resolving any minor or major problems including escalation to senior or highly technical levels.

PRODUCT ANALYSIS

• Analysis and evaluating of the various network components and communications systems. These include Telecommunications Systems, Paging Systems, Audio and Video Conferencing, Wireless Voice and Data communications, Inter net and Intranets, Network Analysis and utilization benchmarking and Capacity Planning. 

PRESENTATIONS & TRAINING

• The senior consultants at RMS provide formal presentations and/or training to various organizations on various telecommunications topics.  These presentations can be to Corporate Boards, Executive Committees, Planning Committees or Association Meetings.  Training can be tailored for specific needs such as industry updates on technologies (e.g., wireless), in-depth training for telecommunications certification (e.g., “Convergence” or VoIP) or more general in nature such as training on how to develop Strategic Technology plan or develop a Disaster Recovery plan.  Or, RMS staff can train on how to audit monthly expenses or Project Management Methods & Procedures.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT SERVICES (TMS)

• Provide on-going support services on a contract or per-hour basis

• A fully customizable suite of services ranging from Bill Management and cost control to Quarterly Strategic Reviews all services designed to client’s unique requirements

• RMS can provide an off-site telecommunications team that provides a “one call” resource for all telecommunications such as problem resolution, software changes or physical hardware changes.

• Define and create a “Value Chain” for telecommunications services that includes vendor relationship management, business partnerships and strategic perspective making telecommunications an asset rather than just an expense

CERTIFICATION – Society of Telecommunications Consultants (STC)

R M Shoemaker & Associates, Inc. has a long-term relationship with the Society of Telecommunication Consultants (STC). The STC is a professional affiliation that possesses strict criteria for membership. This insures the highest ethical and professional performance of Consultants who are Members.  For example:

• Members of the STC are required to be independent and are restricted under the STC Code Of Ethics from selling any product or service other than independent services. 

• Every consultant member must sign annually renewing and reinforcing his or her independence and ethics by signing the Code Of Ethics as follows: 

• Every member has the professional responsibility of fair dealing toward the member's clients, past and present, fellow members, and the general public. 

• Every member has the professional responsibility of adhering to generally accepted standards of accuracy, truth, and good taste at all times. 

• No member shall represent conflicting or competing interests, nor shall be placed in a position where the member's interest is, or may be, in conflict with duty to the client.

• Each member shall safeguard the confidences of both present and former clients, and shall not accept retainers that may involve the disclosure or use of these confidences to the disadvantage or prejudice of such clients. 

• No member shall intentionally disseminate false or misleading information and each member is obligated to use as much care as is humanly possible to avoid dissemination of false or misleading information. 

• No member shall intentionally injure the professional reputation or practice of another member. However, if a member has evidence that another member has been guilty of unethical, illegal, or unfair practices, including practices in violation of this Code, the member is obligated to present the information to the proper authorities of the Society for action in accordance with the procedure set forth in the by-laws. 

• In performing services for a client, no member shall accept fees, commissions, or any other valuable consideration in connection with those services from anyone other than the member's client. 

• Each member shall, prior to the commencement of the services to be performed, make the client fully aware of the fee structure, and all associated costs.

• It is imperative that no member should be in conflict by retaining ownership in any company selling or leasing telecommunications products where such interest constitutes a conflict of interest. 

• A member shall, as soon as possible, sever the relationship with any organization when the member knows or should know that continued employment would require the member to conduct himself contrary to the good conduct principles of this Code. 

CERTIFICATIONS / GENERAL INDUSTRY

• Certified Network Engineer (Affiliate)

• Traffic Engineering and Capacity Certified

• Registered Communications Distribution Designer / RCDD (Affiliate)

• Local Service Tariff & Design Specialist

• Instructors: Telecommunications Accreditation for Business and Industry (TABI) 

• Instructors: Professional Accreditation for Telecom in Healthcare (PATH)

Send mail to tsuren@rmstelecom.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2003 R M Shoemaker & Associates, Inc.
Last modified: February 17, 2003