The Need For Speed
In the fast-paced world of data, speed matters. Data center developers like CyrusOne are making speed-to-market a hallmark of their business, and efficient construction can make all the difference.
Above: Data center design may look simple, but a complicated network of infrastructure and equipment lies beneath the surface.
With now over 30 data centers across the globe, CyrusOne knows what it takes to design, build and operate these mission critical facilities. They frame their philosophy around three main principles: lowering capital and operating expenses for their clients, reducing risk through redundancy and building scalable facilities that allow clients room to grow.
Making all of this work means finding partners that understand those principles, data center infrastructure needs and the necessity of high-quality but highly efficient construction.
“We’ve been building mission critical facilities for over 25 years, so we’ve developed a really keen understanding of how to move the obstacles that can slow it down,” says Structure Tone vice president of mission critical, Lane Anderson. “We’re able to anticipate challenges and creatively plan around them, which works well for a firm like CyrusOne.”
Cable plant infrastructure, equipment availability and racking, IT integration, hot and cold aisle containment systems…those are just some of the challenges unique to mission critical buildings. While experience with these elements is a major advantage, experience alone doesn’t equate to speed. Solid project management and a working knowledge of technology are crucial.
“Virtual design and construction and BIM make a world of difference to efficiency,” says Anderson. “They help us identify and resolve potential and existing conflicts on the spot, in real-time.”
Cloud-based collaboration has also boosted the project team’s ability to move quickly. While cloud-based tools aren’t brand new, they’re still unconventional in the construction industry.
“These tools have been game-changers,” Anderson says. “They allow us to resolve issues together onsite or remotely since project team members can access and review documents from anywhere with an internet connection.”
Now with eight projects in Texas under their collective belts, CyrusOne and Structure Tone continue to hone their process. “We do a lessons learned after every project,” Anderson says. “We have a database of all of those lessons and how best to approach them the next time.”