Scenario 2 shows how an agency is able to consider whole-of-life cost when procuring lessee assets.
When the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) went to tender for its meeting room technology in its new head office building they included a request for technology partners to present options to them for meeting room clocks that would minimise maintenance costs.
Up until relatively recently the default clock option for an organisation wanting a large number of clocks was either fixed AC powered clocks or movable battery operated clocks, as found in MBIE’s old head office building. The former, while relatively easily adjusted and synchronised, require a costly AC outlet at each location and lack flexibility. The latter, while flexible, need to be set individually, monitored for battery replacement, adjusted for daylight saving time and checked for synchronisation.
MBIE required 125 clocks and was intent on reducing the burden on the facilities team of having to change batteries and alter the time settings for daylight saving time. They were also aware that other agencies had removed battery powered clocks from their office fit-outs as they struggled to get them all lined up and to stay at the same time.
MBIE chose to install power over ethernet (PoE) clocks. The clocks are powered by an ethernet connection and are synchronised with the IT system. This eliminates the requirement to change batteries and ensures that all clocks show the same time and that daylight saving time adjustments are made automatically in line with the IT systems.