Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
| Title | Naming Conventions for IT Devices and Network Components |
| Version | 1.1 |
| Date | 20th November 2024 |
| Owner | Tuso Business Dynamics |
| Audience | Network Engineers, IT Support Teams, and Installation Technicians |
Purpose
To establish a consistent and structured naming convention for IT devices and network components to ensure uniformity, ease of identification, and efficient management within the network infrastructure.
Scope
This SOP applies to all computers, routers, and network switches deployed across health facilities, including data centres, branch offices, and remote locations.
Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
| IT Infrastructure Team | Ensure adherence to the SOP when configuring and labelling devices. |
| System Administrators | Update and maintain documentation of device names in the asset inventory system. |
| IT Support Staff | Follow the naming convention when troubleshooting or adding new devices. |
Definitions
| Attribute | Description |
| Facility Code | A unique three-character abbreviation representing a site or facility. |
| Device Type | A predefined abbreviation representing the type of device (e.g., PC for desktop computers). |
| Sequential Number | A two- or three-digit number identifying individual devices of the same type at a specific site. |
Naming Convention Guidelines
- Computers (Desktops and Laptops)
Format: PROVINCECODE-DISTRICTCODE-FACILITYCODE-PC-XX
- Example: CBT-KIT-KAW-PC-01
Explanation:
| Code | Explanation |
| CBT | Province code for Copperbelt. |
| KIT | District code for Kitwe. |
| KAW | Facility code for Kawama Urban Health Centre. |
| PC | Indicates a desktop or laptop computer. |
| 1 | Sequential number for the device. |
- Routers
Format: FACILITYCODE-RTR-XX
- Example: CBT-NDL-NTH-RTR-01
Explanation:
| Label | Explanation |
| CBT | Provincial code for Copperbelt |
| NDL | District code for Ndola |
| NTH | Facility code for Ndola Teaching Hospital |
| RTR | Indicates a router |
| 1 | Sequential number |
- Switches
Format: FACILITYCODE-SW-XX
- Example: CBT-LYA-RGH-SW-02
Explanation:
| Code | Description |
| CBT | Facility code for Copperbelt |
| LYA | District code for Luanshya |
| RGH | Facility code for Roan General Hospital |
| SW | Indicates a network switch |
| 2 | Sequential number |
Procedure
- Assign Province code, District code and Facility Code:
Use the pre-approved three-character code for the Province/District/site or facility where the device will be deployed.
- Determine Device Type:
Use the predefined abbreviation for the device type as per the guidelines above.
- Assign Sequential Number:
Start from 01 for the first device of that type at the facility and increment sequentially.
- Label Device:
Ensure the name is physically labelled on the device and configured in the Tuso or Zabbix software/system.
- Update Asset Inventory:
Record the device name, type, serial number, and location in the asset management system.
Compliance
Non-compliance with this naming convention may result in mismanagement of resources and delayed troubleshooting efforts. Violations will be addressed through the IT governance framework.
Review and Revision
This SOP will be reviewed annually or as necessary to incorporate updates in organizational structure or technology
Revision History
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