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From managing remote job sites to managing remote everything

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Effective remote work IT infrastructure is essential to keep projects and operations running smoothly. As more employees work from home for safety and flexibility, organizations must ensure their IT systems support productivity, secure access, and reliable communication.

Managing remote work has some parallels to setting up a job site trailer:

  • Ensuring everyone has access
  • Maintaining stable lines of communication
  • Keeping equipment secure and functioning

However, remote work introduces unique challenges:

  • Will your key software function off-site?
  • Can your team access shared or large files efficiently?
  • How are updates being shared?

All of these factors directly impact user experience and productivity.

Why Current Infrastructure May Struggle

When you set up a job site, you plan the network infrastructure to support specific activities, balancing:

  • Functionality
  • Performance
  • Security

Your existing IT environment was likely not designed for a sudden, large-scale remote workforce. Home internet connections, software limitations, and bandwidth constraints can strain systems, leading to:

  • Glitchy Zoom calls
  • Slower file transfers
  • Frustration with large files or BIM models

Adapting IT Infrastructure for Remote Teams

While designing your infrastructure for the “new normal” is possible, it can be time-consuming and costly. Meanwhile, consider the following strategies:

Laptop & Application Management

  • Review laptop backup deployment strategy
  • Ensure patching and security updates are applied on schedule
  • Prioritize virtualization for apps that need secure remote access

Network & Sync Optimization

  • Review sync features and schedules to reduce network strain
  • Prioritize critical network traffic
  • If using a Virtual Desktop, ensure network protocols fit each user’s needs

User Guidance
Communicate with employees about optimizing their home network experience:

  • Limit streaming apps or devices during Zoom calls
  • Use audio-only or a static profile image when bandwidth is limited
  • Schedule device syncs at off-peak times
  • Use all available security settings in video meetings

Educate Users on Available Tools
Many employees may not realize remote-friendly tools exist:

  • Access email through Outlook on the Web
  • Use online file-sharing platforms like Egnyte
  • Leverage web-based applications that reduce VPN dependency

These solutions are often more bandwidth-efficient, improving overall network performance.

The Opportunity

This shift to remote work is unprecedented, but it’s also a chance to streamline, secure, and optimize your IT infrastructure. Remote work is here to stay for the near future, and Datotel is ready to help your organization optimize its remote work IT infrastructure and thrive.