Rabbit & Pork have recently been asked by some of our clients how exactly Alexa devices are set up and what is included in the setup of the smart speakers for our Alexa Smart Properties installations.
Therefore, during our most recent installation of Alexa devices, we took the chance to document the process so that all your questions can be answered. Rabbit & Pork offer a full end-to-end installation and setup process for Alexa Smart Properties, which allows you as our client to hand over the reigns and we will carry the workload.
To kick off the process, steps 1 to 5 are all completed at the Rabbit & Pork headquarters, to ensure that the installation day is quick and simple.
Alongside this physical device process is a separate software setup process, one which we will cover in a future blog.
1. Device purchase
We purchase the devices on behalf of the client in bulk from our Amazon Business account. This simplifies the setup process for us and ensures that the client doesn’t have to deal with payment to Amazon or delivery
2. Device unpacking
Alexa Echo show devices are incredibly well packed by Amazon for protection during delivery, which means each device needs to be unpacked from its outside box, display box, cardboard holder, and paper protector.
Clearly, even unpacking the devices is time consuming. With our service, this is all done for you.
3. Device labelling
Each device needs to be labelled with a unique identifier which is generally the room number or location for the device.
Labels are printed and placed on the underside of the device. At the same time, we can place a sticker with a friendly reminder that the device will only work in the the specif property that it belongs to (devices are locked to the Wi-Fi, and so they won’t work elsewhere if taken).
As well as a label, on the device we label the box ready for the installation day to further speed up the devices process.
Alexa Echo devices with labels.
4. Wi-Fi and Account setup
Devices are setup on the Wi-Fi network that will be used in the hotel. To do this, we replicate the client’s specific Wi-Fi in our office, or we programmatically send the Wi-Fi details to the device.
During this process the devices are added to a central Amazon account, associated to the hotel and specific room. Afterall, no Amazon account for the hotel or end user is needed for Alexa Smart Properties.
Once logged in, we update the devices to the latest firmware.
Alexa Smart Properties Echo devices are set up in bulk.
5. Room allocation and test
The final step here is to programmatically allocate the device to their room. Devices then update and we run a quick test, “Alexa, what room are you in?”. Alexa then replies with the room number as a final check to ensure we have device setup for the right room.
We are then all set for the physical installation.
6. Device delivery
Depending on the number of devices or location, we’ll either deliver the devices ourselves or have them couriered to you.
Boxes are labelled ready for installation in order of your specific room layout, colour-coded for floors or buildings.
The smart speakers packed and ready to be installed.
7. Device installation
Once the devices have been delivered, we then install the devices into each room. It only takes a few minutes per room to plug the device in, test, and place the custom collateral next to the device.
For hotels, ideally this step is done during the changeover of guests, and if not possible, we can leave device’s for installation later.
It’s as simple as that. The whole installation is handled by us with the physical installation normally only taking one day to complete.
We are also able to handle the installation of any smart home devices such as lights, plugs, TV, or smart heating at the same time.
If you are interested in Alexa Smart Properties, please get in touch for a demo of the system.