The digital transformation has highlighted the importance of data centers worldwide. Driven by the rapidly growing demand for cloud services, the spread of the IoT and the rise of AI data centers are experiencing enormous expansion.
But this growth brings challenges, too, from a shortage of skilled workers to stricter sustainability requirements. “Facilities management providers play a key role in this development. They are not only responsible for the smooth operation of the infrastructure, but also for developing sustainable solutions to these challenges,” says Stefan Gewehr, Managing Director of WISAG Facility Management Data Center.
Innovation driving growth
The data center industry is growing exponentially with no end in sight. One of the main reasons for this is the rising demand for data processing and storage capacity, driven by the growing use of AI and data-intensive applications. Companies are investing heavily in data centers to meet these requirements. Forecasts show that this growth will continue in the coming years.
Facilities management providers face the challenge of supporting the expansion and scalability of these infrastructures. This involves not only new data centers, but also the integration of innovative technology and processes to make more efficient use of existing resources.
“As a multi-service company, we need to be flexible and driven by innovation in order to successfully manage this ongoing growth. Using state-of-the-art technology, such as AI and automation, we can make a decisive contribution to making the operation of data centers more efficient,” Gewehr explains.
Preventive maintenance policies and real-time monitoring also play a crucial role in detecting and rectifying potential sources of faults at an early stage. This avoids costly data center shut downs.
The development of scalable facilities management services, which cover enterprise as well as colocation and hyperscale data centers, is also of key importance. Modular concepts and bespoke solutions based on the different requirements of the market ensure that operations run smoothly even in times of rapid growth.
Consultants and solutions providers
Data centers require a lot of energy to operate their servers and cooling systems. Reducing the environmental footprint is therefore a priority – for operators and facilities management providers alike.
‘We advise our clients from both environmental and economic perspectives and help them implement sustainable practices, technology and efficiency improvements. From planning to ongoing management, we keep an eye on the potential for optimization at all stages of the value chain,’ Gewehr says.
Improving the energy balance begins with analyzing current consumption and identifying potential for optimization. Modern technology, such as AI and machine learning, makes it possible to operate data centers more efficiently.
“One starting point is modern cooling technology, because cooling systems account for the majority of energy consumption in data centers. However, operators can also use the resulting waste heat to heat neighboring buildings or support industrial processes,” he says.
“The integration of renewable energy and the implementation of sustainable operating models is also in demand. Solar and wind energy, not to mention energy storage systems, are just some of the ways we can improve our environmental footprint.”
When it comes to energy-efficient building operation, the data center industry needs experienced partners who offer sustainable services themselves but also optimize the operation of the technical systems and equipment in the data centers and make a technical contribution towards the government’s environmental goals.
Consulting services are just as important as recording and optimizing energy consumption to achieve the specified power usage effectiveness value.
Facilities management providers are key players
Facilities management providers are already assuming responsibility by providing security services to ensure maximum operational efficiency and availability. To reduce downtime, facilities management providers develop and implement comprehensive contingency plans to ensure continuity of operations in the event of incidents such as power cuts.
Physical security plays a key role, too – site surveillance, access controls, alarm systems, video surveillance and biometric access systems. These comprehensive security services ensure smooth operation. Certifications such as ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) and ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management) not only contribute to compliance with international security and operational standards, but also ensure security and operational efficiency.
Through these measures, facilities management providers are helping to make the operation of data centers secure, compliant and stable.
But facilities management providers are also responsible for the challenges facing the data center industry. “We see ourselves as an indispensable partner. WISAG strives to continuously develop ourselves and our services. Identifying changing requirements at an early stage and reacting to them quickly is part of our success and makes us fit for the future,” Gewehr says.
“This goes for the data center industry in particular; aside from innovative solutions and tailored, modular service packages, the enormous growth requires flexibility from us as a service provider.”
