Writing an Installation Journal

A lot of things happen at the same time when a dedicated circuit is being set up. Technicians conduct tests, and nitty-gritty specifics of the circuit are discussed. I recommend keeping a journal of everything that takes place during the installation of your circuits. You may need to refer to it at some future date to clarify what really happened and refresh the memory of a forgetful, finger-pointing carrier or hardware vendor. Be sure to include the following:

• Date and time of the installation.

• The name, contact information, and title of everyone involved in the call, along with the contact’s company affiliation.

• A running chronology of events. Include what each individual said or did. For example:

  • When each specific circuit was fully activated and ready to send and receive calls. You know your circuits are at that state if your carrier’s installation technician tells you he has effectively idled up the circuits.

  • When each test call was attempted.

  • The results of each test call.

  • Specific troubleshooting tests that were attempted.

  • The results of the troubleshooting tests.

  • The moment each circuit was accepted.

  • The moment the installation was abandoned and rescheduled (and of course the reason for the abandonment).