At NTI, we have always believed that project management pays dividends for a hotel owner. The requirements for the technology systems are critical to guest satisfaction, and there are dozens of systems to consider in a hotel development or renovation. And as technology has advanced, proper planning, design, and implementation have become more complex. If an owner does not either employ or hire technology expertise, the knowledge absence can cost an owner in change orders, delays, and operational expenses.
Considering the importance technology in today’s society, it seems logical to have expert eyes planning, designing and managing the implementation of the hotel’s technology systems. However, unlike the the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, there is no legal requirement to have the technology inspected and verified, except for the life/safety (first responders) systems. Not hiring a technology consultant such as NTI can lead to oversights, mistakes, and delays.
As technology consultants, NTI most often is employed to design the cabling infrastructure, security and audio visual systems. And when an owner doesn’t have the resources inhouse, NTI can provide the procurement management to oversee the bid process and the subsequent vendor oversight to verify that all systems are implemented correctly. Real savings are achieved by having a well trained and expert technology team help with all phases of technology. Specifically with regard to project management services, areas where project management can save time and money are:
- Systems/Budget Process
- Review of Drawings
- Delivery of a Supplemental Set
- RFP Process Management
- Service Providers Liaison
- Installation Oversight
- Technology Installation Management
It is well established that technology changes rapidly, so logically it would follow that making certain the various technologies associated with a hotel should be verified by specialists. This is why project management is a good investment for a hotel project. Yet planning, budgeting, and management are often overlooked for technology. Our experience shows that in projects where the technology was managed from planning to implementation, there were fewer problems, change orders, delays, and operational issues.
Project management of technology is not a requirement, but it is certainly a smart business decision for the owner of a new, renovation, or adaptive reuse hotel project.
About the Author
Jeff Cook, RCDD – NTI Founder/Principal
Jeff founded NTI in 1998 with his partners the Greater Atlanta area. Under his leadership, NTI has built a portfolio including many markets including hospitality, multi-family, office, senior living, mixed use and others. NTI’s growth has come largely from clients that return with a 2nd, 3rd, or more projects after their initial experience.