Are you being informed by your team that your Data Centre is running out of space?
This typically triggers urgent budget requests, expansion plans and infrastructure reviews. However, the real issue is often not the lack of space, but how existing space is being used, your environment has become ‘defragmented’.
The Problem – Inefficient Rack Utilisation
I have seen it many times before where Data Centres suffer from poor rack utilisation due to inconsistent hardware sizing, legacy equipment, and ad-hoc deployments as the team operating the Data Centre do not fully understand that each Data Hall operates differently and so the solution may be different, depending on the Data Centre Suppliers optimal operations model.
The Operational inefficiencies typically lead to –
- Increased cooling and power costs
Underutilised racks often result in uneven heat distribution, forcing cooling systems to work harder than necessary. This drives up energy consumption and its associated operational expenses.
- Reduced operational efficiency
Poorly organised racks make it harder for technicians to access equipment, perform maintenance or deploy new hardware. This slows down response times and increases the risk of errors.
- Premature need for expansion
When racks are not optimised, available space appears to run out faster than it actually does. This leads to unnecessary capital expenditure on new infrastructure or facility upgrades.
DC Managers are frequently tasked with solving this problem, balancing technical constraints with budget and operational demands.
Our Approach – Strategic Rack Optimisation
At BARM, we’ve developed best practices and proven methodologies to address rack inefficiencies without resorting to costly expansions.
Comprehensive Audit
We begin with a full audit of the Data Centre, assessing rack layouts, airflow, power consumption and hardware utilisation. This includes thermal imaging and power draw analysis to identify hotspots and underused assets.
Standardisation of Equipment
We standardise mounting practices and hardware dimensions to maximise vertical space. This reduces gaps between devices and enable denser, more organised configurations.
Decommissioning Legacy Systems
Outdated servers and networking gear are removed or consolidated into virtualised environments. This frees up physical space and reduces energy consumption. It still amazes me how many times when I have been walking round a Data Centre with a client and the team point out powered up equipment that is no longer used.
Intelligent Rack Design
We work with your team to redesign rack layouts using modular systems that support future growth. Hot and cold aisle containment, power method utilised at the Data Centre, implementation of air dams, air flow management systems and cable management are implemented to improve airflow and accessibility.
Third-Party Coordination
We manage vendor and third-party coordination to ensure new installations align with the Data Centre optimised design models. This prevents disruption and maintains rack efficiency.
Validation and Handover
We conduct Integrated Systems Testing (IST) to validate the optimised setup. Once confirmed, the system is handed over with full documentation and performance benchmarks.
Clients who have adopted our rack optimisation strategy can typically reclaim 20 to 40 percent of their rack space back. This delays the need for expansion, reduces operational costs and improves overall Data Centre performance.
Optimising rack utilisation is not just a technical fix, it’s a strategic move that empowers you to deliver results without overspending. By focusing on smarter use of existing infrastructure, enterprise organisations can stay agile, efficient and prepared for future growth.
This has been a thought leadership piece on BARM’s advisory support services to provide advise and support to clients who are struggling with space in their Data Centre racks.
If you are running your own Data Centre or utilise the services of a Data Centre Service Provider and want to better manage your environment and/or save costs then reach out to us to share your concerns and let us show you how we save you money. Contact BARM.