Is your data center being monitored enough?

Data center management is a balancing act. A center cannot get too hot or too cold, too dry or too humid… because it is all going to lead to downtime. Mission-critical data center equipment is high-maintenance but with the right monitoring, you will know what your equipment needs the moment it needs it.

Monitoring tools are used at data centers to keep track of the status of the systems in use, and to warn of failures, defects, or problems. There are monitoring tools for servers, racks, doors, networks, and power.

Monitoring ensures…

• Resources are used efficiently

• Organizations learn from their mistakes

• Organizations stay organized

Let’s look at the different ways that data centers can be monitored.

Physical security monitoring at a data center takes into consideration design, control, detection, and identification. One can use tools to monitor and deter attacks from occurring both within the center and from the outside. Monitoring in terms of video surveillance for instance is crucial in a data center. Even door locks can be monitored to ensure security is maintained. Other ways to monitor physical security includes regular audits, monitoring and strengthening access control system, and enforcing security measures.

Security Monitoring

Sensors help you keep track of environmental parameters in the data center such as temperature, humidity, power, etc. This is important because even the slightest change in a data center’s temperature can cause equipment malfunction, leading to downtime. With proper monitoring equipment, you can quickly detect and correct problems.

Temperature Monitoring

Humidity is almost as critical as temperature. Electrostatic discharge can occur if the humidity is too low, while condensation can occur if it is too high. Humidity controls allow centers to alter humidity levels before problems arise.

If the data center is bogged by poor air circulation, equipment can malfunction. Servers can overheat and that can lead to downtime. Airflow sensors enable centers to track airflow and design a more stable ambient environment. For example, airflow monitoring can tell you if your hot and cold aisle arrangement is working. Consider installing temperature sensors in a rack to create more precise temperature and airflow models. Remember, you cannot discover a hotspot if you can’t see it. Monitors give you real-time information.

Airflow Monitoring

Power demand, supply, usage, imbalances, etc need to be monitored continuously to optimize and maximize the capacity and efficiency of the data center. A power distribution unit (PDU) for example manage and distribute electrical power in a data center. Power monitoring systems help to identify and track inefficiencies in the system, reduce energy consumption, ensure safety, and save costs. For example, measurements of a PDU’s power consumption can be used to calculate power usage effectiveness thereby working out ways to reduce costs. PDUs ensure a data center is adequately and efficiently powered all the time.

Power Usage Monitoring

Hardy Racks is a trusted name in the industry for the installation, customization, and optimization of data center enclosures and accessories such as PDUs, fiber raceways, and aisle containment. We offer a wide range of PDUs for every kind of data center need. Do get in touch with us if you would like to explore ways to monitor and manage your data center.