When investing in data center construction, you want to be sure that your project moves quickly and within the constraints of your budget. Many people make the mistake of prioritizing short-term goals with no regard for future costs that will accumulate. To avoid this, take into consideration these common data center construction mistakes.

1. Having an Unclear Leadership Structure

Having a specified chain of command is essential for all construction projects, and data center construction is no different. In fact, it is especially important. With data center projects, there is a variety of stakeholders involved, like:

 

  • IT staff
  • Contractors
  • Data center owner
  • Investors

You have to determine who is in charge of different design elements and who other workers report to while working on your data center installation. IT staff may have additional considerations concerning technology layout that an everyday contractor might not think about. Designate responsibilities up-front to avoid confusion later on.

2. Choosing the Wrong Power Equipment

In order to maximize uptime while also minimizing power consumption, you will have to pick the proper power equipment. If data center energy management is not a priority during the design process, your systems and wallet will eventually suffer the consequences.

Keep in mind long-term power consumption, generator usage, additional power backups, and energy waste can create additional costs. Conduct research and complete calculations during the planning stages of your data center construction. If you find yourself lost, do not hesitate to consult with a company like LDP Associates.

3. Underestimating the Project’s Timeline

Timelines that are undetailed or poorly communicated result in unnecessary spending. Take the time to draw out each period of the data center construction schedule to avoid uncertainty, disputes, and dragging construction. Each person working on the project should understand and agree to the timeline before work begins.

4. Forgetting About Cooling Components

Data center air conditioning is a significant area of data center design. According to Energy Star, 80% of data centers currently use or are looking to install hot or cold aisle containment systems to maintain server temperatures and limit energy use. Factor cooling components into your design to ensure that your equipment will be well-maintained and ready for peak performance.

If you have additional questions about data center maintenance or construction, be sure to contact the professionals at LDP Associates. Taking time to hear from professionals before getting started with construction will save you time, money, and stress.