DEAR EXPERT
Upgrade Without Upsets
Tech specialist KEITH HANADEL explains how to avoid unfortunate surprises when making news-facility improvements. Dear Expert, My company’s news operations are about to receive a big technology upgrade to support our increased online activity and to provide a better workflow. How can we make sure we do this in the best way possible? Prepping in Pittsburgh, PA
the overall organization of the facility to be viewed. An accurate look at room sizes and distances is invaluable for understanding existing assets and challenges moving forward. Different versions of the plan drawings can be developed to look at the cost benefit Dear Pittsburgh, As these criteria are reviewed and devel- of various approaches to the required renFirst, congratulations on getting a green oped, they should be compiled into a proj- ovations. One proposed plan may require light on your company’s new technology ect program document. This becomes the too much time and have too many interim overhaul. I’m happy to give you some point- place where all the requirements – both the moves. Another may involve the relocation ers on how to make sure the whole process data points and the narrative – are noted. of critical systems or services that cannot goes as smoothly as possible. After the project program document is be interrupted. A third may result in the The first step is to develop a “project pro- thoroughly developed, use it to compare fu- relocation of building structural elements, gram.” Begin with a discussion among core ture needs with the facility’s existing rooms, causing it to be too costly and invasive. project team members when the technology spaces and MEP infrastructure. Broadcast As you study the options, an additionselection process is underway. This conver- technical requirements must be tested al approach may emerge that is more cost sation should focus on the operational effective and that would result in issues, activity sequencing and work Examining the entire workflow process fewer disruptions to ongoing operflow for each task within the entire ations. This previously unknown facility – even the ones that are not will add to the clarity of the results and solution then becomes the most likely may turn up unexpected information. slated to be changed. to achieve the crucial portion of the Examining the entire workf low project’s goals. process will add to the clarity of the results against the size and location of the available The entire planning process can help to and may turn up unexpected information spaces and the level of power and AC in each determine the level of renovation required that is valuable for an overall solution. space. Room sizes should be checked against to make operations run more smoothly. It The project program should take stock of staff levels and adjacency requirements. Ad- will not only help produce an “ideal” solustaffing needs for each task in the newsgath- jacencies must be reviewed and tested. tion from the standpoint of technology, ering operation. Consider the critical space Spatial considerations are key. Sometimes but also show your team the optimal way requirements. Is a given work area going when news operations are upgraded, the to utilize available resources and maximize to be occupied by one person or 10? Also work areas that make up the facility are the usefulness of the facility. This will all look at mechanical, electrical and plumbing overlooked, or a set of “workarounds” are support the organization’s mission and the (MEP) infrastructure requirements. established that can hinder a team’s ability creative staff’s work. Question every assumption about future to use the new technology to its best adToday’s successful media facility is built needs: the physical space size, location and vantage (or to its full potential). Production for a creative staff; powered by innovative infrastructure needs of each work space. and post rooms may be oriented in a way technology; and supEach activity in the workflow – from in- that makes more work for the staff respon- ported by clever use of gest and logging, all the way through to the sible for them. A room may be sized incor- space. By evaluating final edit and insertion into the rundown rectly, enclosed when it should be open, or the existing condi– has a specific set of space needs supported located at too great a distance from some- tions along with new by lighting, cooling, power and data infra- thing it should be close to. technology solutions, structure requirements. Accurately scaled plan drawings of the you’ll yield the most existing facility are a critical tool for the productive outcome. Do you have a professional puzzle that ultimate success of this step. These are Keith Hanadel is principal, media and MFM and BCCA experts might be able to sometimes available from a facility’s man- entertainment of HLW, which designs and builds answer? We’ll mine the contact base and find ager, but sometimes must be created for the the right person to answer your question. technology architecture. He can be reached at Just contact TFM editor Janet Stilson at (212) 353-4946 or khanadel@hlw.com. task. In either case, plan drawings allow for TFMeditor@mediafinance.org.
6 The Financial Manager • July/August 2019
