Rolling out new technology, whether for five locations or five thousand, is no small feat. No matter if it’s upgrading wireless networks, deploying security systems, or installing new in-store tech, every detail matters. At the center of it all is the rollout team: the planners, coordinators, and technicians who make large-scale deployments look seamless.

Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after a Wachter nationwide rollout, and how the right approach ensures success from the first site to the last.

Before the Rollout: Careful Planning and Preparation Building the Right Team

At Wachter, our rollout organization is led by a Senior Director and supported by a full team of senior project managers (PMs), project managers, coordinators, and a dedicated help desk.

Surrounding these functions are critical support roles that keep operations moving:

• A Fleet Manager who oversees all vehicle maintenance and logistics.
• Equipment Rental Managers who manage lift rentals, off-rentals, and invoicing.
• A Warehouse Team and Tool Manager who ensures every technician has the right tools and materials ready to go.

Russell Brown, Wachter’s Senior Director of Rollout, said of Wachter’s project planning process, “We have a wide array of support teams that allow our project managers to focus on keeping customers happy and tracking financials—not dealing with flat tires or missing equipment.”

Step 1: Bid and Evaluation

Every rollout begins with the bid phase. For existing customers, our team already knows many of the details. For new customers, this is when we ask key questions, including how many sites are involved, the timeline, and scope of work.

We use a detailed Bid/Request for Proposal (RFP) Evaluation Checklist to assess everything from work hours and scheduling windows to documentation and site access.

Accurate bids depend on the conditions. Some retailers only allow work two hours before opening, limiting how many installations can be done per day. Others allow full 12-hour shifts, which drastically changes deployment speed and cost. Getting these details right early prevents surprises later.

Step 2: Training and Preparation

Regardless of the project size, every rollout begins with structured training that includes both classroom learning and hands-on field experience. Technicians start by reviewing equipment and procedures with PMs and help desk staff. Afterwards, they complete live-site training to practice real installations, which helps them identify questions and build confidence.

“One of the cornerstones of any rollout’s success is the training we do up front. That initial training gives our project managers real insight into how each technician will perform when they’re out in the field,” said Brown.

Training time varies by complexity. A simple wireless survey may require a few hours, but a major retail network upgrade may take several days. The goal is always the same: to ensure every technician is skilled, prepared, and ready to represent Wachter at its best.

During the Rollout: Execution and Communication Underway Coordinated Project Management

Once the rollout begins, communication becomes the foundation that drives success. PMs lead daily calls with field teams to review progress, resolve issues, and coordinate logistics. Pertaining to communication, Brown stated “Communication is constant, both within our teams and with the customer, to remove roadblocks and keep things moving.”

Project coordinators support by managing shipments, tracking materials, and ensuring sites stay on schedule. PMs also collect detailed deliverables (like photos, data points, and completion reports) for each site before marking a location complete. This documentation ensures accuracy and a clear record for every stage of deployment.

Tackling Challenges Head-On

Delays and issues are bound to happen from time to time. When they do, PMs and coordinators quickly determine whether new materials need to ship, whether to escalate the issue or if it requires customer coordination.

One major retail wireless upgrade, for example, involved thousands of sites nationwide. The first few installs took new technicians up to seven days to complete. With the guidance from PMs and Quality Control (QC) leads, teams quickly became faster and more efficient, eventually finishing ahead of schedule.

Each QC lead oversees multiple teams, providing real-time troubleshooting and ensuring consistent performance across all locations. “Consistency in installation is one of the biggest advantages of our model. When the same team completes 100 installs, you get the same quality every single time,” Brown said.

Managing Scale and Scope

Our rollout team completes large-scale nationwide projects throughout the year. One project alone ran from February through October, covering 9,000 store visits and requiring 45 technicians. In speaking about Wachter’s technicians, Brown said “Our technicians learn the customer’s environment, including who to talk to, when to access the site, and how to operate with minimal disruptions.”

After the Rollout: Measuring Success and Strengthening Partnerships Defining Success

For Wachter, success begins with our top priority: we always keep our word to our customers.

Beyond that, we measure success through:

• Customer satisfaction: Building long-term relationships based on trust and reliability.
• Efficiency: Completing work effectively and minimizing disruptions for the customer.
  
  

Maintaining Strong Relationships

Even after the last site is complete, communication doesn’t stop. PMs stay in regular contact with customers, discussing future upgrades and upcoming initiatives. These ongoing partnerships are built on performance and predictability, qualities that make future rollouts even smoother.

What Makes Wachter’s Approach Different

On Wachter’s approach, Brown said “The word ‘rollout’ gets used a lot in this industry, but at Wachter, it’s better described as a dedicated technician deployment model. When our team starts a project, they stay on it from start to finish.” Our rollout model is designed for consistency and repeatability. The same technicians stay with a project from start to finish, gaining familiarity with customer operations, site procedures, and key contacts.

Consistency among technicians leads to fewer mistakes, less downtime, and higher quality outcomes. Competitors often rotate technicians, which can compromise consistency. We’ve found that dedicated teams not only deliver better work but also build stronger relationships with store managers and on-site personnel.

Final Thoughts

Large-scale rollouts succeed through preparation, communication, and consistency. From the first bid to the final site, every phase is guided by experienced PMs, trained technicians, and a support network that keeps everything running smoothly. For retailers and loss prevention leaders, choosing a rollout partner who understands your environment, and delivers reliably at scale, makes all the difference in bringing a smooth rollout

At Wachter, delivering successful rollouts is what we do best. At every stage, no matter the scope, we’re driven by commitment, consistency, and control. Contact us today to learn more.