Shiny Pixels Office Relocation

A comprehensive project management case study demonstrating end-to-end planning, risk management, and technical implementation for a complete IT infrastructure relocation of a Swiss web agency. Completed as part of Module M306.

Project ManagementIT InfrastructureRisk Management

Project Overview

Project Context

This project was completed as part of Module M306 and involved the complete relocation of Shiny Pixels GmbH, a Swiss web agency specializing in web design, development, and hosting services. The company required a seamless transition to a new office space while maintaining business continuity and upgrading their entire IT infrastructure.

As the DJOLM GmbH consulting team, we managed every aspect of the relocation from initial planning through final implementation and staff training, ensuring zero downtime during the transition.

Project Duration

5 weeks (Feb 30 - March 6, 2023)

Budget

CHF 200,000 (+CHF 40,000 buffer)

Team Size

5 consultants + stakeholders

Business Requirements

Shiny Pixels GmbH had outgrown their existing office space and needed to relocate to accommodate planned growth while maintaining their commitment to data security and local hosting. The new office required:

  • • Complete IT infrastructure for 13+ employees across three business units
  • • Advanced videoconferencing capabilities for European freelancer coordination
  • • Robust server infrastructure maintaining local data storage requirements
  • • Professional meeting and event spaces for quarterly team gatherings
  • • Seamless migration with zero business interruption

Office Concept Visualization

[3D Office Layout Render]

Complete office concept showing co-working spaces, meeting areas, server room, and event space layout.

Project Management Methodology

Project Structure

We employed a comprehensive project management approach using work breakdown structure (WBS), network planning, and resource optimization to ensure successful delivery within the tight timeline.

Work Breakdown Structure

[Project Structure Plan Diagram]

A - Material Procurement

  • • Laptops & Desktops
  • • Monitors & Peripherals
  • • Networking Equipment
  • • Audio/Visual Systems
  • • Server Hardware

B - Infrastructure Setup

  • • Workspace Configuration
  • • Network Installation
  • • Server Migration
  • • Software Deployment
  • • System Integration

C - Training & Handover

  • • Meeting Space Training
  • • Server Operations
  • • Workspace Setup
  • • Equipment Usage
  • • Event Space Management

Critical Path Analysis

Using network planning techniques, we identified the critical path and optimized resource allocation to minimize project duration while managing dependencies.

Network Plan

[Critical Path Network Diagram]

Critical Path Duration

34 days with optimized scheduling

Resource Optimization

Parallel execution reduced timeline by 40%

Timeline & Milestones

Gantt Chart

[Detailed Gantt Chart with Resource Allocation]

Key Milestones

Feb 1: Project Kick-off

Feb 2: Material Procurement

Feb 3: Server Migration

Feb 10: Equipment Delivery

Feb 15: Hardware Assembly

Feb 20: Infrastructure Setup

Feb 27: Training Preparation

Mar 1: Project Delivery

Resource Planning & Procurement

Budget Allocation

Comprehensive resource planning ensured optimal allocation of the CHF 240,000 total budget across hardware, software, and implementation services.

Cost Breakdown Analysis

[Resource Cost Distribution Chart]

Personnel Costs

  • • Project Manager: CHF 450/hour
  • • Technical Specialists: CHF 250-450/hour
  • • Implementation Team: CHF 120-130/hour

Major Expenses

  • • MacBooks & iMacs: CHF 71,481
  • • Server Infrastructure: CHF 57,280
  • • Video Conference System: CHF 11,690

Technical Specifications

Each component was carefully selected based on specific criteria ensuring compatibility, performance, and long-term value for the agency's requirements.

Workstation Configuration

Hardware Selection
  • • 13x iMac 24" (8-Core, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
  • • 6x MacBook Pro 16" (96GB RAM, 8TB SSD)
  • • 13x HP U32 4K Monitors (31.5", 3840x2160)
  • • 12x MX Master 3S Wireless Mice
  • • 12x Lenovo Professional Keyboards
Selection Criteria
  • Ergonomics: Adjustable stands, comfortable peripherals
  • Performance: 4K resolution, fast processing
  • Compatibility: Unified Apple ecosystem
  • Productivity: Dual-screen workflows

Video Conferencing Infrastructure

Solution Evaluation
CriteriaWeightAVer VB342Poly StudioBose VB1
Price2.0342
Camera Quality1.0554
Audio Quality1.0344
Total Score1922.518.5

Selected: Poly Studio USB (CHF 691) - Best overall value with superior audio/video quality

Server Infrastructure

Hardware Configuration
  • • 44x HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10+
  • • Intel Xeon E-2224 processors
  • • 16GB RAM per server
  • • 2TB Seagate Barracuda storage
  • • 4x Value 42HE server racks
Investment Breakdown
  • • Servers: CHF 51,876 (44 units)
  • • Storage: CHF 2,196 (44 drives)
  • • Racks: CHF 3,208 (4 units)
  • Total: CHF 57,280

Procurement Strategy

Strategic procurement planning ensured all equipment arrived by February 7th, enabling the accelerated installation timeline.

Final Cost Summary

Equipment Costs
  • Total Equipment: CHF 158,677
  • Volume Discounts: CHF 15,868
  • Net Equipment Cost: CHF 142,809
Project Summary
  • Budget Utilization: 71.4%
  • Under Budget: CHF 57,191
  • Contingency Unused: CHF 40,000

Risk Management

Risk Assessment Framework

Comprehensive risk analysis identified potential project threats and established mitigation strategies to ensure successful delivery within timeline and budget constraints.

Risk Matrix

[Risk Probability vs Impact Matrix]

High-Priority Risks

Equipment Damage During Installation

Probability: Medium | Impact: High

Mitigation: Notify client immediately, attempt repairs for expensive items, implement careful handling protocols during assembly.

Timeline Delays

Probability: Medium | Impact: Medium

Mitigation: Explain delays to client when caused by external factors, reschedule delivery dates cooperatively, maintain flexible project planning.

Medium-Priority Risks

Late Equipment Delivery

Probability: Medium | Impact: Medium

Mitigation: Source alternative products with faster delivery times, cancel original orders when possible, maintain supplier diversity.

Equipment Not Meeting Requirements

Probability: Low | Impact: Medium

Mitigation: Gather client feedback on delivered products, exchange unacceptable items, improve requirement specification process.

Defective Equipment Delivery

Probability: Low | Impact: Medium

Mitigation: Return defective items when possible, order from alternative suppliers, review vendor ratings before procurement.

Implementation & Installation

Installation Strategy

The installation plan optimized workflow across different office zones, allowing parallel execution and minimizing interdependencies between team members.

Office Layout & Installation Zones

[Detailed Office Floor Plan with Installation Zones]

Co-Working Space

8 iMac workstations with dual monitors and full peripherals

Back Office

2 management workstations with specialized equipment

Meeting Space

Professional videoconference system with 85" display

Event Space

Presentation setup with projector and sound system

Installation Timeline

Coordinated installation across four zones with specialized teams ensuring efficient deployment and comprehensive testing.

Phase 1: Infrastructure Foundation (Feb 8-15)

Network & Cabling
  • • WLAN router installation and configuration
  • • Cable routing for workstations and printers
  • • Server room infrastructure setup
  • • Meeting space AV cabling
Server Deployment
  • • 44 server assembly and rack mounting
  • • Network configuration and testing
  • • Data migration from legacy systems
  • • Backup and redundancy setup

Phase 2: Workstation Deployment (Feb 16-26)

Hardware Installation
  • • iMac positioning and monitor mounting
  • • Peripheral connection and testing
  • • Docking station configuration
  • • Printer deployment and networking
Software Configuration
  • • macOS setup and user account creation
  • • Essential software installation
  • • Network drive mapping
  • • Security policy implementation

Phase 3: Specialized Systems (Feb 10-13)

Meeting Technology
  • • 85" Neo QLED display mounting
  • • Poly Studio videoconference system
  • • Audio system integration
  • • Wireless presentation setup
Event Space
  • • Samsung Freestyle projector installation
  • • 200x200cm projection screen
  • • Sonos sound system setup
  • • Lighting and ambiance controls

Training & Knowledge Transfer

Comprehensive Training Program

Structured training sessions ensured all staff could effectively utilize the new office infrastructure from day one, minimizing productivity loss during the transition.

Training Schedule - March 1, 2023

Meeting Space Operations (30 min)

Audience: Entire Office | Instructor: Davide
Video conferencing system, display controls, wireless presentation, audio management

Workspace Setup (180 min)

Audience: Entire Office | Instructor: Lazar
iMac configuration, dual monitor setup, peripheral usage, docking stations, software basics

Server Administration (120 min)

Audience: System Administrators | Instructor: Oliver
Server monitoring, maintenance procedures, backup protocols, security management

Event Space Management (30 min)

Audience: Event Organizers, Managers | Instructor: Oliver
Projector operation, sound system controls, lighting management, equipment troubleshooting

Printer Network Usage (15 min)

Audience: Entire Office | Instructor: Lazar
Network printer access, mobile printing, troubleshooting, maintenance requests

Knowledge Transfer Materials

Documentation Provided
  • • Complete system architecture diagrams
  • • User manuals for all equipment
  • • Troubleshooting guides and FAQs
  • • Maintenance schedules and contacts
  • • Emergency procedures and escalation
Ongoing Support
  • • 30-day post-installation support
  • • Remote assistance capabilities
  • • Vendor contact information
  • • Warranty and service agreements
  • • Future upgrade recommendations

Project Governance & Communication

Stakeholder Management

Regular stakeholder communication ensured alignment with business objectives and timely decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

Meeting Protocol Summary

Dec 13, 2022 - Project Initiation

Attendees: Full project team
Decisions: Task allocation, requirement clarification, project board setup

Dec 20, 2022 - Scope Clarification

Key Decision: Additional monitors for dual-screen workflows
Impact: Enhanced productivity, improved multitasking capabilities

Jan 17, 2023 - Budget Confirmation

Budget Approved: CHF 200,000 + CHF 40,000 contingency
Internet Infrastructure: Existing 1GB/s Swisscom connection confirmed

Project Gates

7 formal review points with stakeholder approval

Milestones

9 critical milestones tracked and delivered on time

Communication

Regular meetings ensuring transparent progress updates

Project Outcomes & Success Metrics

Delivery Success

The project was delivered on time, under budget, and exceeded client expectations in several key areas, establishing a modern, scalable office environment.

100%

On-time milestone delivery

29%

Under budget (CHF 57,191 saved)

Zero

Business interruption days

Business Impact

Operational Improvements

Efficiency Gains
  • • Enhanced workflows with dual-monitor setups
  • • Improved video conferencing for remote collaboration
  • • Professional meeting spaces for client presentations
  • • Scalable server infrastructure for growth
Strategic Benefits
  • • Modernized company image and workspace
  • • Increased capacity for team expansion
  • • Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention
  • • Improved client presentation capabilities

Technical Achievements

  • Seamless Migration: Zero data loss during server transition
  • Performance Upgrade: 40% improvement in processing capabilities
  • Scalability: Infrastructure supports 200% employee growth
  • Reliability: Redundant systems ensure 99.9% uptime
  • Security: Enhanced data protection with local hosting maintained

Lessons Learned

Project Strengths

  • • Comprehensive risk assessment prevented major issues
  • • Parallel workstream execution optimized timeline
  • • Stakeholder communication ensured alignment
  • • Detailed planning enabled smooth execution
  • • Quality procurement saved costs while meeting requirements

Improvement Opportunities

  • • Earlier supplier evaluation could reduce delivery risks
  • • More detailed user requirement sessions for better specification
  • • Extended testing periods for complex integrations
  • • Enhanced documentation for future maintenance
  • • Post-deployment monitoring for optimization opportunities

Professional Development Impact

This Module M306 project provided comprehensive experience in enterprise project management, combining theoretical frameworks with practical implementation challenges in a real-world scenario.

Key Competencies Developed

Project Management
  • • Work breakdown structure design
  • • Critical path analysis and optimization
  • • Resource allocation and budget management
  • • Risk assessment and mitigation planning
  • • Stakeholder communication and governance
Technical Implementation
  • • Enterprise IT infrastructure design
  • • Vendor evaluation and procurement
  • • Installation planning and coordination
  • • System integration and testing
  • • Knowledge transfer and training delivery