How Do You Handle Projects?

Understanding Projects vs. Standard Support

Projects are initiatives that:

• Take 8 hours or more to complete
• Involve project management from multiple Framework IT team members
• Include moves, additions, or changes to core infrastructure
• Impact more than one user or your overall technology environment

Examples of projects include:

• Replacing or installing new networking hardware
• Migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365
• Moving servers to the cloud
• Building a SharePoint intranet
• Installing internet connections at new office locations
• Network upgrades and cloud migrations
• Software implementations
• Multi-location deployments

What's NOT a project:

• Routine support for incidents (service interruptions)
• Moves, Adds, and Changes (MACs) like employee onboarding, software installations for single users, or minor configuration changes

How Projects Are Managed

1. Planning & Scoping

Your vCIO (virtual Chief Information Officer) works with you to:

• Identify project needs during Strategic Business Reviews or ad-hoc discussions
• Define clear scope, objectives, and deliverables
• Develop timeline estimates
• Provide detailed cost quotes
• Ensure alignment with your Business Optimization Roadmap and technology strategy

Important: All project work requires explicit approval from your designated authorized billable approver before work begins—part of Framework IT's No Surprise Billing Guarantee.

2. Dedicated Project Management

Framework IT assigns a dedicated Project Manager to coordinate larger initiatives, ensuring:

• Clear communication and milestone tracking
• Coordination with your internal stakeholders
• Progress reviews and blocker resolution
• Change management planning and user training
• Quality assurance and documentation

3. Project Execution

Your project team includes:

• vCIO: Strategic oversight and business alignment
• Project Manager: Day-to-day coordination and timeline management
• Client Lead Engineer (CLE): Technical expertise and historical context
• Specialized Engineers: Network administrators, cloud architects, systems administrators (depending on project type)
• Help Desk Team/Pod: Post-implementation support

4. Project Meetings

For larger projects, Framework IT schedules dedicated meetings to:

• Review project scope, timeline, and deliverables
• Discuss progress, milestones, and blockers
• Coordinate with your internal stakeholders
• Plan for change management and user training

Two Service Plan Options for Projects

Standard Managed IT Services Plan

• Larger projects are scoped and quoted separately on a project-by-project basis
• You receive a detailed proposal with timeline and cost before work begins
• This approach provides transparency and control over project spending

Enhanced Managed Services Plan

• Unlimited project work included in your monthly fee
• No separate project scoping or approval required for IT initiatives
• Simplified budgeting with predictable monthly costs
• Priority scheduling for major technology improvements

Who benefits from the Enhanced Plan?

• Organizations with frequent technology changes or infrastructure improvements
• Multi-location operations requiring ongoing standardization
• Companies with aggressive growth plans requiring continuous IT expansion
• Organizations preferring predictable monthly costs over variable project invoicing

Cost Considerations: The Enhanced Plan carries a higher monthly fee but eliminates variable project costs. Your vCIO can help evaluate whether this makes financial sense based on your anticipated project volume.

Multi-Location Project Experience

Framework IT has extensive experience with complex, multi-location deployments:

Example Projects:

• VC-Funded Primary Care Startup (70 facilities): Designed standardized templates and deployed technology at all locations without causing opening delays
• Cannabis Company (50+ locations): Standardized retail and grow facility technology (company later acquired by largest cannabis company in North America)
• Primary Care Provider (12+ locations): Currently designing and implementing network infrastructure for approximately a dozen new locations

Multi-Location Project Process:

1. Design & Planning: Create standardized technology blueprints with site-specific customization
2. Vendor Coordination: Manage ISP installations, equipment procurement, shipping logistics
3. Pre-Configuration: Configure equipment at Framework IT's facility to reduce onsite time
4. Onsite Implementation: Deploy via Technical Account Managers or local field technicians
5. Testing & Documentation: Verify functionality and document configurations
6. Go-Live Support: Provide hands-on support during transition

Cost Range: Multi-location deployments typically range from $10,000 to $60,000 per location, depending on:

• Office size and user count
• Network complexity and equipment needs
• ISP installation requirements
• Physical infrastructure (cabling, conference room technology, access control)
• Specialized or industry-specific equipment

Smaller satellite offices typically fall on the lower end of this range.

Project Support from Your Account Team

vCIO (Virtual Chief Information Officer):

• Strategic planning and technology roadmap development
• Project prioritization and business alignment
• Vendor selection and contract negotiation
• Budget forecasting and cost-benefit analysis

Project Manager:

• Day-to-day coordination and timeline management
• Stakeholder communication and meeting facilitation
• Resource allocation and blocker resolution
• Quality assurance and deliverable tracking

Client Lead Engineer (CLE):

• Technical validation and feasibility assessment
• Historical context and environment knowledge
• Solution design and architecture review
• Post-project knowledge transfer

Specialized Engineers:

• Hands-on implementation and configuration
• Testing and quality assurance
• Documentation and training
• Post-implementation support

Best Practices for Project Success

✅ Engage your vCIO early to ensure proper planning and resource allocation
✅ Define clear success criteria and acceptance requirements
✅ Allocate internal resources for decision-making, testing, and training
✅ Plan for change management to ensure user adoption
✅ Schedule around business cycles to minimize disruption
✅ Document everything for future reference and knowledge transfer

Key Differentiators

Why Framework IT's Project Approach Works:

1. Strategic Alignment: Projects align with your Business Optimization Roadmap and long-term technology strategy
2. Dedicated Resources: Your consistent account team (vCIO, CLE, Project Manager) ensures continuity and context
3. Transparent Pricing: Detailed quotes with no surprise billing
4. Proven Experience: Successful multi-location deployments and complex migrations
5. Post-Project Support: Your Help Desk Team/Pod provides ongoing support after go-live

The Framework IT team is here to help you make informed IT decisions and build a strategy that supports your business goals.

Call 312-564-5446 or book your FREE Initial Consult to connect with our team.