With the ever-increasing demand for qualified talent, data center operators face the challenge of managing complex infrastructure while ensuring efficiency, reliability, and scalability. To achieve this, a comprehensive approach that encompasses systems and tools, training, diversity, and a global mindset is essential.
Systems and Tools
Data center operations involve a myriad of tasks, from monitoring environmental conditions to managing power distribution and maintaining critical equipment. To effectively manage these tasks, deploying advanced systems and tools is crucial.
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Data Center Infrastructure Management Systems DCIM
DCIM tools provide real-time visibility into the physical and logical infrastructure of the data center, enabling operators to track asset inventory, monitor energy consumption, and optimize space utilization.
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Building Management Systems BMS
BMS systems manage the mechanical and electrical systems within the data center, including HVAC, lighting, and power distribution. These systems help maintain optimal environmental conditions and ensure efficient energy utilization.
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Computerized Maintenance Management Systems CMMS
CMMS software streamlines preventive maintenance schedules, tracks equipment performance, and manages spare parts inventory. This helps prevent downtime and reduces maintenance costs.
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Automation and Predictive Analytics
Automation can automate routine tasks; they free up operators to focus on more complex issues. Predictive analytics can identify potential problems before they occur, enabling proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime.
Training
In addition to technical training and industry certifications, cross-training employees in different areas of data center operations enhances their knowledge base and versatility, enabling them to handle a wider range of tasks and support each other during emergencies.
Salute Mission Critical leads the industry with a proven model embracing Multi-Skilled Operators (MSO) to break down barriers between various silos that had hindered efficient on-site operations. It’s a variation of creating flow from Lean Principles (Figure 1) where employees become cross-functional or multi-skilled, working across boundaries while ensuring consistent service delivery. Where demand is predictable and manageable, this strategy improves communication between resource managers and stakeholders. There are several ways to optimize in this area, each with unique primary and secondary values to be realized. In the end, the goal is to find and maintain a balance that creates career development opportunities and improves efficiency without overutilizing employees to the point that impacts their performance and leads to burnout.
Diversity
In addition to cost savings, an MSO model that promotes diversity can significantly reduce attrition and human resources costs. Promoting diversity means actively recruiting and promoting diverse talent from various backgrounds, cultures, and educational experiences to foster a more inclusive and innovative work environment. Across one of our largest customer’s portfolios, we have the following diversity spectrum:
We’re seeing the results of employees from different backgrounds coming together; they bring with them different perspectives and experiences. When employees from different backgrounds are involved in decision-making, they are more likely to consider all sides of an issue. This can lead to more informed and well-rounded decisions. In addition, when employees feel valued and respected for their differences, they tend to take more pride in their work and are more engaged. These drive improved productivity and employee satisfaction.
The data center industry is starting to see how diversity, creativity, and innovation in operating sites can save money and improve operational efficiency compared to traditional models.
Scalability for Global Operations
As data center operations expand globally, the ability to manage and scale effectively presents a crucial challenge. Here are some key strategies to achieve effective scaling:
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Global Collaboration
Encouraging collaboration among data center teams across different regions and time zones can promote knowledge sharing, best practice adoption, and a global mindset for problem-solving.
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Standardization
Utilize standardized processes and procedures across all data center locations. This ensures consistency, simplifies training and knowledge transfer, reduces errors, and facilitates overall consistency in operations across the portfolio.
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Centralization
Implement a centralized set of technology tools for global data center operations. This enables real-time monitoring, comprehensive data analysis, remote troubleshooting, and collaborative decision-making across distributed sites.
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Automation and Artificial Intelligence AI
Leverage automation for routine tasks and preventative maintenance. This reduces manual workload, minimizes human error, and allows personnel to focus on more complex tasks and strategic initiatives. AI-powered predictive analytics for proactive maintenance will help identify potential issues before they occur, preventing downtime and enhancing overall system reliability.
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Workforce Management
Develop a global talent pool. Recruit and train personnel from various regions to build a multi-skilled workforce with diverse expertise and knowledge of local markets. Cross-training programs empower employees to handle a broader range of tasks and support efficient collaboration within a global team.
By adopting a strategic approach that combines collaboration, standardization, centralization, automation, AI, and skilled workforce development, data center operators can create a robust and scalable platform for global operability and achieve continuous growth within a dynamic and demanding landscape.
Conclusion
Efficient data center operations require a holistic approach that encompasses systems and tools, training, diversity, and a global mindset. By implementing advanced technologies, investing in workforce development, embracing a diverse workforce, and adopting global strategies, data center operators can ensure efficient, reliable, and scalable operations that support the ever-growing demands of the digital world.
Mike Jones is the Executive Vice President of Global Operations and CTO at Salute Mission Critical. With more than 35 years of experience in the data center industry, he is recognized as results-driven problem solver who leads data center strategy, transformation and global FM and IT operations while promoting innovation to improve costs, performance, sustainability, and resiliency. Mike has vast experience partnering with enterprise, colocation and hyperscale clients in the delivery of services across the data center lifecycle.
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