Removing barriers to global integration projects. (installing systems and networks in foreign countries) (includes related article on global integration tips) (Enterprise Computing/Management)

Global integration projects can become nightmarish experiences for IS managers when it comes to bridging the technical disparities, distribution barriers, and cultural differences of foreign network users.

To minimize the headaches and maintain project momentum, IS managers should follow some basic rules of thumb for implementing international networks.

The most fundamental rule is to expand your project time line with the understanding that it will probably take you twice as long to complete each phase of an international project as it does to finish a domestic one.

If it takes months to order telephone circuits in Europe, plan ahead and adjust your activities accordingly. Make sure your project plan is flexible and can accommodate technical changes based on the maturity of local technologies and the availability of products used in your domestic implementations.

TECHNICAL HURDLES. Tackling basic technical hurdles, such as power distribution and cabling, is a good place to start. Power distribution systems vary significantly from country to country. For example, voltages and plug types in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are 240/oblique flat blades with ground; 220/Schuko and 380/Schuko with side-grounding; and …