Data Centre Development Process

After establishing and engaging with the stakeholders and project team, we create a project and a performance brief. These clearly define the team’s roles and responsibilities, and all of the project’s requirements, drivers and constraints.

This stage covers everything from conceptual data centre design to budget cost schedules to establishing the supply chain.

Based on the performance brief, our team will develop a conceptual data centre design to meet its requirements. This covers every phase up to and including its final day capacity. We’ll then engage local architects and civil engineers, as well as identify relevant equipment manufacturers. With the concept data centre design complete, we can create CAPEX and OPEX budget schedules and an operation cost schedule.

It’s now time for formal data centre planning application and to prepare a number of important documents. Firstly, the Equipment Data Sheet for all equipment and works packages is prepared ready for tender. This also informs the detailed performance specifications that will be created. Using 3D Revit, the data centre project work book is compiled. This document features drawings of all major elements and enables installation contractors to quote accurately. We also create the Basis of Design document, outlining the performance overall as well as of specific elements. This is the first document in the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Documentation, providing an operational foundation to the data centre build and critical systems.

Whether inviting a number of contractors to tender, or relying on one through an existing relationship, we will produce a full tender document. Even if one contractor is proposed, this is the opportunity for them to demonstrate that the data centre project has been fully understood. For a competitive tender, we will create a submission matrix enabling objective scrutiny of submissions.

During the data centre construction stage, Future-tech will fulfil the role of client-side representative. We will ensure the quality of information, equipment and workmanship provided by the appointed General Contractor is up to standard and meets specification.

Before any materials orders are placed, our data centre design team will sign off equipment, drawings and proposed works using an A, B, C classification process. Elements with long lead times will be prioritized. Likewise, major plant equipment will be signed off by the lead designer and/or specialist consultant following witness testing at the manufacturer’s test facility.

Integrated System Testing (IST) takes place once the data centre construction works phases are finished. All individual elements are tested together as one integrated system to ensure the data centre operates as one holistic system. It also checks BMS/DCIM reporting, and that all redundant equipment operates correctly in the event of a fault.

A written script for the IST procedures details every action and the expected consequences, with a tick box record of the results and supporting records such as BMS screen shots produced for the O&M documentation. The IST script will be followed, with complete reruns, until a 100% correct result is achieved. We recommend client teams attend IST as it can provide valuable training for staff who will be working on site day to day. A full testing schedule for UPS Power Quality will also be created and submitted as part of the facilities O&M information post data centre construction.

Available as an additional service, or as a standalone product for existing data centres, our experienced facilities management delivers exceptional service and results. Currently monitoring 98 data centres for 48 clients across the UK and Ireland (all with mission critical environments), we have maintained above a 99.999% uptime over the last five years.

We provide a dedicated account manager and regular meetings to discuss reports, performance, activities and future plans for your data centre. You will also benefit from a Consultant Engineer review reports, provide optimisation suggestions, share new best practice and be on hand in the event of a complex technical issue.

An agreed schedule for Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) for each 12 month period will be put in place at the beginning of the contract. These visits include general data centre maintenance checks, cleaning, leak tests and lubrication, filter replacements, electrical inspections, fire system checks and more. Our service engineers will provide a full report, reviewed by our Consulting Engineers who will feedback any observations, recommendations or risks.