Poly Plan FAQ En

Planning for UC Audio Devices

Undertaking the audio aspect of a Unified Communications (UC) rollout

can be daunting. But a well-organized, thoughtfully considered plan

that includes user input will make the overall rollout run smoothly and

increase user adoption.

To that end, we’ve outlined three stages of UC audio deployments: Plan,

Deploy, and Adopt. For each stage, we’ve compiled FAQs and supporting

Checklists to help you through the entire process.

These Plan FAQs address typical questions that IT organizations raise

very first call—naturally maximizes user adoption. But UC audio doesn’t plug itself in;

thorough planning helps ensure a successful initial experience for users and increases the

likelihood of solid return on your UC investment.

2. THIS IS OUR FIRST UC AUDIO DEVICE DEPLOYMENT. WHERE DO I START?

Look at the workstyles of your employees. Are they primarily in the office, mobile, or a

combination? Do they work at home? No one wants to adopt entirely unfamiliar habits,

so think about how UC is going to benefit them using ways in which they work already.

Depending on their workstyle, users need a different kind of audio device for the way they

will use UC.

3. HOW DO I SELECT THE AUDIO DEVICES TO PILOT?

After you’ve reviewed and selected the products to test, start mapping functional

requirements of product features. Focus on basic ones as well as those expected to be

used most. In addition to general product features such as volume and mute control,

tested aspects might include audio quality (sending and receiving), ease of use, durability,

flexibility, wearing comfort, length of talk time before recharging, portability, and plug-

and-play capability—as well as overall user experience. Develop a trial test plan that

meets your business communication goals.

UC Toolkit FAQs

One in a series on helping IT organizations

employees normally work, and let that guide the scenarios.

6. WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE TEST GROUP?

Your short list of candidates should be a representative cross-section that reflects the

way your organization works. For example, executive administrators and mobile workers

typically are excellent testers. Also, identify potential super-users—tech-savvy early

adopters or advocates for IT—to act as an extension of IT.

7. HOW DO I INTEGRATE UC AUDIO DEVICES INTO MY OVERALL STRATEGY?

Sometimes audio devices augment your existing telephony. In other cases, they

replace desk phones entirely. Hybrid scenarios are also possible. It’s important to

understand the overall UC objectives of your company and then align your audio

mobile, or virtual—will help you choose the number, and the kind, of wireless headsets

you should pursue.

9. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KEEP EMPLOYEES IN THE LOOP?

Whenever you change the way employees work, it’s vital to give them a sense of

ownership. From the beginning, explain the ways it will benefit them. Keep employees

continually informed. Most important, make them feel as if their specific needs guide

the decisions.

10. HOW SHOULD I MEASURE SUCCESS?

Establish metrics that reflect how much your audio devices can help meet the goals

of your organization. For example, can you decrease paid conference call minutes and

with the efficiency and

compatibility options.”

–Senior IT Architect,

Healthcare Organization

©2015 Plantronics, Inc. Plantronics and Simply Smarter Communications are trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. registered in the US and other countries. Bluetooth trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., any use by Plantronics,

Inc. is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

©2015 Plantronics, Inc. Plantronics and Simply Smarter Communications are trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. registered in the US and other countries. Bluetooth trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., any use by Plantronics,

Inc. is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 03/15