IT Moves, Adds and Changes (MACs)

What IT moves, adds and changes are

Business needs change faster than buildings do. IT moves, adds and changes (MACs) are the modifications made to your existing data cabling network so it keeps up: relocating workstations, expanding the network or upgrading equipment. Done well, they keep the network flexible and scalable without disrupting the people using it. This service is part of ACCL’s wider office cabling capability.

Moves: workstations, servers, cabling and AV

Moves relocate existing network infrastructure. That can mean moving computers, phones and other devices to new desks; transferring servers and associated equipment to a new server room or data centre; and properly disconnecting, moving and reconnecting cables so the network stays intact, including data cable removal and disposal.

Moves are also a good time for data cabinet tidies and reorganising equipment. AV systems play a major part in modern offices, so we can safely remove them and refit them in the new location.

Additions: new data points and capacity

Additions bring new components into the existing network: data points for new desks, meeting rooms, Wi-Fi access points or CCTV cameras, additional servers, and new cabling, switches and routers to support growth. Every new connection is tested and certified to match the current installation.

Changes: upgrades, layouts and PoE

Changes modify the existing setup to improve performance or meet new requirements: replacing outdated hardware, altering the physical or logical layout, and upgrading cabling to a higher standard. Cable category upgrades are among the most common changes we make, from single runs to whole floors, from Cat5e to Cat6, Cat6A or fibre depending on bandwidth needs.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is popular as networks expand: one cable carries power and data to devices such as access points, phones and cameras.

Furniture, floor boxes and safety

When desks move, floor boxes and power and data in furniture move with them. Our planning checks that furniture, floor boxes and equipment comply with the relevant health and safety standards before the work starts.

Office moves and fit-outs

Many MACs are part of something bigger. ACCL regularly works with interior designers, fit-out contractors and project managers, fitting into the existing timeline so the infrastructure is ready on schedule. For a whole office move, see our office relocation cabling service and the IT office relocation checklist.

Changes in historic and listed buildings

Older buildings make every change harder: routes are limited and fabric must not be damaged. We delivered new structured and fibre cabling across the historic walled garden at Chelsea Physic Garden, and Cat6A and OM4 fibre in two phases at Skinners’ Hall, a Grade I listed building.

Fault finding during a change

Changes sometimes expose problems that were already there. Our engineers trace and resolve issues as they arise, and where the existing network is undocumented, a network audit first shows what is installed before anything is moved.

Where we work

ACCL provides IT moves, adds and changes across London, Kent, Surrey and the wider South East, from our offices in the City of London and Orpington, Kent. See our data cabling in Kent coverage for sites outside London.

What affects the cost of moves, adds and changes

Cost depends on the number of points moved or added, cable runs and routes, any cabinet or patching work, equipment to move, testing, and whether the work runs out of hours. Grouping changes into one visit is usually more efficient than many small ones.