IT Solutions and Services Archives - Ascent

Internal IT Controls and Documentation in Mission Critical Facilities

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:03:05 +0000

Welcome back to Ascent’s new blog series, where we’re delving into the IT networks on which traditional data center building infrastructure operates. In our fourth and final blog, we’re addressing the mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and security systems, all of which run through digital controls and automation systems that support mission critical computing inside data centers.

If you have not read any of the three previous blogs, click here to head back to the beginning of the series.

In the complex landscape of multi-tenant facilities, the absence of stringent internal controls and comprehensive documentation can pose significant risks to stability, security and operational integrity. This dilemma is particularly acute in environments where multiple tenants exist within the same infrastructure, creating a dynamic and potentially vulnerable ecosystem.

Challenges in Multi-Tenant Environments

Within multi-tenant facilities, the lack of robust internal controls can lead to a cascade of operational challenges. Without clear documentation and change management procedures, it becomes difficult to monitor modifications effectively and ensure adherence to security protocols across diverse tenants. This potentially compromises the overall reliability and security of the facility.

Over time, this lack of oversight can undermine the very foundation of mission critical operations. Inadequate process controls erode the ability to maintain a stable and secure environment, exposing critical systems to risks such as misconfigurations, unauthorized changes, and security breaches.

Navigating Asset Tracking Complexity

One of the most pressing consequences of deficient internal controls is the challenge of accurate IT asset tracking. Without comprehensive documentation, IT teams may struggle to trace changes effectively or maintain an up-to-date inventory of assets. This can lead to delays in identifying and resolving issues, heightening the risk of downtime and service disruptions. Unauthorized changes occurring due to insufficient change management procedures, further exacerbate security vulnerabilities and operational instability.

Personnel Dynamics and Operational Risks

Personnel turnover and evolving infrastructure introduce additional layers of complexity and risk. New employees, unfamiliar with existing processes and protocols, may inadvertently introduce inconsistencies or errors into critical systems. This lack of continuity can manifest as misconfigurations, performance bottlenecks, or unforeseen security gaps, eroding the reliability and resilience of mission-critical facilities.

Mitigating Risks Through Proactive Measures

To mitigate these challenges, mission critical facilities must prioritize the implementation of robust internal IT controls and comprehensive documentation practices. This includes establishing clear policies and procedures for change management, configuration tracking, and asset inventory management. Furthermore, continuous training and education programs can ensure that personnel remain informed and compliant with established protocols.

By fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, facilities can minimize the risk of human error and fortify the integrity of their IT infrastructure. Proactive measures empower organizations to navigate the complexities of multi-tenant environments with confidence, safeguarding mission critical operations against the erosive effects of inadequate controls and documentation.

To learn more about the challenges relating to the convergence of mission critical facilities and enterprise IT operations, click here to download our white paper, Modernizing Mission Critical Facilities: Bridging the Gap Between IT and Critical Infrastructure.

The post Internal IT Controls and Documentation in Mission Critical Facilities appeared first on Ascent.

The Challenges of Rapid Growth and Transformation in Mission Critical Facilities

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:07:09 +0000

Welcome to the third blog of our four-part series, where we have taken an extensive look at the IT networks on which traditional data center building infrastructure operates, and will now review common challenges of mission critical facilities in the wake of digital growth and transformation. If you missed our previous two blogs, please click here to head back to the beginning of the series.

The evolution and expansion of businesses, particularly in the aftermath of pivotal events like the pandemic, or the arrival of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), can exert significant strain on the infrastructure of mission critical facilities. This strain introduces complexities in Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), often resulting in outdated inventories and inefficient operations. The surge in digital transformation initiatives amid evolving market demands further amplifies these challenges, necessitating robust solutions to effectively manage and optimize data center resources.

One of the primary issues arising from business growth is the mismatch between infrastructure capabilities and expanding operational needs. This disconnect can lead to inefficiencies in resource allocation and utilization within data centers, impacting performance and scalability. Moreover, workforce shortages have highlighted the critical need for streamlined processes and scalable solutions to bridge operational gaps and ensure operational continuity.

In response to these challenges, organizations are increasingly turning towards advanced DCIM tools and technologies. These solutions offer comprehensive insights into data center operations, facilitating real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and proactive maintenance. Here, we’ll cover some key areas wherein businesses can enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks associated with aging infrastructure, and optimize resource utilization to meet evolving demands effectively.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence

AI is rapidly transforming mission critical facilities, yet its implementation poses significant IT infrastructure management challenges. The pace of business growth and digital transformation initiatives demands that IT infrastructure scales to meet heightened demands. However, this rapid growth often outstrips IT teams’ capacity to effectively manage infrastructure, resulting in discrepancies in DCIM and outdated inventories. This manifests in hastily provisioned equipment and inefficient execution of move, add, and change procedures.

Addressing Workforce Shortages

Personnel shortages compound these challenges, as IT teams struggle to cope with increasing workloads. Existing personnel are expected to handle significantly larger volumes of data, leading to inefficiencies and potential bottlenecks in infrastructure management. Without streamlined processes and scalable solutions, mission critical facilities may struggle to adapt to evolving operational needs.

Ensuring Scalability

Today’s rapid transformation scenarios often necessitate scalable IT infrastructure to accommodate increased demand while ensuring reliability and security. As businesses expand into new markets, introduce new products, or undergo mergers and acquisitions, their IT needs evolve rapidly, straining existing infrastructure and processes.

A primary challenge associated with rapid growth is the scalability of IT infrastructure. Traditional architectures may struggle to keep up with increasing demands, resulting in performance issues, downtime, and disruptions. Legacy systems, for instance, may lack the flexibility needed to support dynamic workloads or sudden traffic spikes, leading to degraded performance.

Effective Infrastructure Management

Another critical challenge is the management of data center infrastructure to align with changing business needs. As businesses grow, their data center requirements evolve, often necessitating upgrades or expansions. However, managing these changes effectively demands meticulous planning, coordination, and execution, which can be daunting in fast-paced environments.

The compounded impact of personnel shortages further intensifies these challenges, delaying essential changes or upgrades which in turn leave mission critical facilities vulnerable to downtime and security threats. To address these issues, facilities must invest in scalable solutions, optimize processes, and prioritize workforce development to ensure adaptability to changing business demands.

The ecosystem of business operations currently demands a proactive approach to data center infrastructure management. By addressing the complexities introduced by growth and transformation with innovative solutions, organizations can navigate challenges more effectively and position themselves for sustained success in a dynamic market environment.

If your organization is interested in more information on making sure your data center operation is keeping pace with rapid business growth, click here to download our whitepaper, Modernizing Mission Critical Facilities: Bridging the Gap Between IT Infrastructure and Building Infrastructure.

The post The Challenges of Rapid Growth and Transformation in Mission Critical Facilities appeared first on Ascent.

Aligning Mindsets and Expertise in Mission Critical Facilities

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 17:22:46 +0000

Welcome back to Ascent’s latest blog series, where we’re delving into the IT networks on which traditional data center building infrastructure operates. In today’s data center environment, hiring traditional contractors can present challenges when it comes to managing building infrastructure IT effectively. Why? Unlike standard office IT setups, these environments demand a different approach to ensure minimal downtime, redundancy and stringent security measures. Traditional IT practices often fall short in meeting these specialized requirements.

Divergent Practices Impact Operations

The key obstacle in updating networks that run building infrastructure lies in reconciling traditional IT methodologies with the distinct needs of data center operations. While outsourced IT firms excel in standard office IT management, they may struggle to adapt to the rigorous demands of mission-critical settings. Unlike typical setups, mission-critical operations prioritize minimal downtime, robust redundancy and high-security protocols. This necessitates a shift in mindset and expertise towards proactive maintenance, comprehensive risk assessment, and strict change management.

Challenges in Integration and Management

While equipment vendors specializing in mission critical infrastructure excel in providing hardware solutions, their expertise in IT integration and management may be limited. As a result, mission critical facilities may face challenges in ensuring that the deployed infrastructure meets their operations’ stringent requirements. The mismatch between traditional IT practices and mission critical operations can have far-reaching consequences for facility uptime, security, and efficiency. Traditional IT approaches, focused on maximizing cost-savings and flexibility, may not adequately address the unique needs of mission critical facilities, where downtime is not an option and security is paramount.

For instance, conventional IT teams may prioritize cost efficiency over redundancy, opting for single points of failure rather than investing in redundant systems and failover mechanisms. While suitable for non-critical environments, this approach poses substantial risks in mission-critical facilities where service disruptions can have severe consequences. Similarly, traditional IT practices may prioritize ease of use over security, potentially leading to vulnerabilities.

Varied Levels of Expertise

Another issue arises from the varied expertise levels within manufacturer teams supporting mission-critical installations. Often times the field engineers dispatched by manufacturers to oversee mechanical and electrical installations focus solely on their equipment and may lack mission critical experience or expertise in the related IT network and software aspects. For example, technicians deployed to support a switchgear installation may have expertise in their own software, but may not have experience integrating it into a mission critical building automation system.

Addressing the Divide

To bridge the gap between traditional IT practices and mission-critical operations, facilities must prioritize specialized expertise and proactive risk management. This involves collaborating with vendors and service providers who grasp the unique requirements of mission-critical environments and can offer tailored solutions. It also necessitates a cultural shift within organizations, emphasizing collaboration, transparency and accountability across IT and critical infrastructure teams.

By aligning practices and priorities, facilities can ensure that their IT infrastructure is robust, resilient and capable of supporting mission-critical operations effectively.

Interested in more insights addressing the convergence of mission critical facilities and enterprise IT operations? Click here to download our white paper, Modernizing IT Infrastructure & Building Management Systems in Critical Facilities.

The post Aligning Mindsets and Expertise in Mission Critical Facilities appeared first on Ascent.

Unifying Fragmented Networks and Infrastructure in Mission Critical Facilities

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:18:59 +0000

Welcome to Ascent’s latest blog series, where we dive into the IT networks on which traditional data center building infrastructure operates. These are the mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and security systems, all of which run through digital controls and automation systems, that support mission critical computing inside data centers. Throughout this four-part series, we will address common challenges that arise when IT infrastructure and building infrastructure meet.

The ecosystem of mission critical facilities often features a patchwork of networks, each established by different subcontractors or specialized teams, that have the potential to result in fragmented and inefficient systems. This lack of cohesion extends to hardware and configuration standards, compounding complexity and impeding effective management and maintenance.

Diverse Networks, Siloed Systems

Building infrastructure in mission critical facilities, which encompasses everything from electrical to mechanical systems, typically operates on segregated IT networks. These networks, often set up by distinct subcontractors or specialized construction units, create isolated systems lacking interoperability.

For example, a typical facility might deploy separate networks for electrical, mechanical, fire safety, lighting, digital signage, security, office operations, and guest Wi-Fi. Each network may also rely on different technologies, exacerbating integration and management challenges.

Challenges of Network Fragmentation

Consider a recent hyperscale consolidation project that grappled with significant operational hurdles due to non-standardized network infrastructure. With over 90 network switches and 30 physical servers supporting various building control systems, seamless operation and maintenance became elusive.

The most glaring issues emerged in the electrical management software, which controlled multiple banks of electrical switchgear. Installed independently over several years, these systems operated in isolation without communication. The absence of standardized hardware, configuration and cybersecurity further compounded the challenges, underscoring the necessity of a unified management strategy.

Fragmented networks not only complicate management and maintenance but also heighten security risks and operational disruptions. Each network operates independently, making it challenging to monitor and manage interdependencies among systems.

The Risks of Non-Standardization

The absence of standardized hardware in mission-critical data center facilities poses risks that can impact reliability, efficiency, and maintenance. One of the primary concerns is compatibility issues among different hardware components from various manufacturers. This lack of uniformity can lead to challenges in integration and scalability, hindering the seamless operation of critical systems.

Without standardized hardware, troubleshooting and maintenance become complex tasks. Technicians may encounter difficulties in diagnosing and resolving issues promptly due to the diverse nature of equipment deployed. This can result in human error, increased downtime and potential disruptions to essential services.

Additionally, non-standardized hardware can impede effective resource management. It may limit the ability to optimize power consumption, cooling efficiency and overall space utilization within the data center environment.

Finally, the absence of standardization can impact security measures. Varying hardware configurations might introduce vulnerabilities that are harder to manage consistently across the infrastructure. This diversity can further complicate security patching and updates.

A Unified Approach to Infrastructure Management

To overcome these challenges, mission critical facilities must adopt a holistic approach to IT and infrastructure management. This involves consolidating disparate networks into a unified platform, standardizing hardware and configuration settings, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures.

By breaking down silos and promoting collaboration between IT and infrastructure teams, facilities can streamline operations, enhance security, and bolster resilience for scalability. This integrated strategy is crucial for maintaining efficiency and continuity in mission-critical environments.

For more informational insights into the convergence of mission critical facilities and enterprise IT operations, download our white paper, Modernizing IT Infrastructure & Building Management Systems in Critical Facilities.

The post Unifying Fragmented Networks and Infrastructure in Mission Critical Facilities appeared first on Ascent.

A Guide Preparing for Outsourced IT Services

Meghan Reuther — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:18:00 +0000

In a recent blog titled “The State of Post-Pandemic Data Center IT Services,” we addressed an issue that McKinsey and Company refers to as “the great attrition.” For a variety of reasons, the pandemic has left the mission critical IT workforce with fewer resources than before it began. This lack of human resources has precipitated a shift toward using smart hands or remote hands to augment IT staff and compensate for staffing shortages.

Based on our work supporting clients with national data center portfolios, we have compiled a list of the top data you will need to have available to get a smart hands engagement started. If you are considering an IT site services or smart hands model, here is some due diligence you can perform to get an engagement started off on the right foot.

We recommend gathering information in the following 8 categories:

List of Locations: Understanding the number of sites, location of sites, and the size of the sites will help define the overall scope of the engagement.
Access: Understanding the company’s access control process for vendors will ensure workers access to the facility without creating delays.
Point of Contact: Particularly for remote locations complete POC information is needed for scheduling, coordination, and for any onsite issues that might arise during the course work.
MOPs/SOPs Documents: An understanding of existing methods of procedure ensures that your organization’s expectations by following the proper safety and backout procedures.
Available Tools and Supplies: Inventory of all available data center IT tools to support work tasks.
- Crash carts; keyboard, mouse, monitor
- Invertible fork/tray server lifts
- Copper/fiber test kits to include visual fault locators and light meters
- Rack cage nuts and screws
- Hand tools to include cordless drill drivers, pliers, screw drivers etc.
- Label makers and label stock
- 12/3 extension cords
- Flashlights
- Velcro
- Zip ties
Spare Cabling Supplies: Inventory stock levels of single-mode, multi-mode, and copper cabling of various lengths on hand for support and or deployment tasks.
Spare Device Hardware: Inventory of various field replaceable hardware. Hard drives, RAM, line cards, SFPs, power supplies etc.
Cabling Standards: Having a copy of your company’s Cable Standards Guide will ensure consistency in the work provided by the site services team.

In addition to the above information, having your work ticket history will help determine what types of roles need to be filled in which locations. The volume of your tickets will provide clues to areas that need attention, and the nature of those tickets – whether they are for scheduled work or immediate response – will help your provider understand trouble patterns and the kind of work that is taking place.

Have IT-related flexibility, time, or workload issues? Contact our team directly to learn more about smart hands and IT site services at 1.877.427.2368, or email us at answers@ascentcorp.com.

The post A Guide Preparing for Outsourced IT Services appeared first on Ascent.

The State of Post-Pandemic Data Center IT Services

Meghan Reuther — Thu, 25 May 2023 19:15:00 +0000

If you have recently reached out to an IT service provider looking for support, you have likely been introduced to the “new normal” in IT customer service: waiting in line. From help desk and troubleshooting at prominent SaaS vendors, to attracting and hiring field technicians and engineers, the talent pool has gotten shallower since early 2020—in what McKinsey & Company terms “the great attrition.” One thing is certain: The way that companies get work done has changed, and it is difficult to predict when—if ever—work methods will return to what they were before the pandemic.

Work in a State of Evolution
For our data center customers, this has meant an even greater reliance on “remote hands” and other IT-related services. The percentage of outsourced work taking place inside the rack has increased over the past few years. For several pandemic-related reasons, the need for on demand “smart hands” or “remote hands” services has grown considerably. Our Ascent Business Development teams have stated that we are having 2 or 3 times as many conversations around our National IT Site Services and Smart Hands platforms as we did before the pandemic. Companies have lost a lot of good human resources in this area and are struggling to get an approved budget and source their replacements. For too many companies, this shifting landscape may be the result of either flexibility, time, workload—or all the above.

Evolving Work Models
First, let’s consider an example that speaks to flexibility. During the pandemic, mandates forced companies to rethink the workplace, and the work-from-home model quickly became the norm. Data center operators were ahead of the curve, with “virtual” or “lights out” facilities already becoming a goal a decade ago. With that said, the operators who staffed these facilities during the pandemic had to modify onsite schedules, with IT site services providing needed on-call, on-demand staffing to offset the absence of physical staff presence.

Evolving Work Windows
Now let’s talk about time. The pandemic changed expectations of time onsite and available work windows. Many IT workers did not return to a normal work week, which created staffing shortages for incident support and project-based move, add and change work in the data center. To fill the staffing gap, leveraging outsourced IT site services has become a means for companies to maintain their IT project schedules.

Evolving Workforce
This all brings us to the concept of adaptation. Over the past three years, we have seen many companies adapt to drastic changes, including a significant impact to the workforce. The pandemic has been tied to a change in the available workforce. Finding qualified technical personnel to build data center IT teams has always been challenging, and the “great attrition” has only exacerbated this condition. In addition, many enterprises have more maintenance work windows than employee availability. Leveraging outsourced IT site services is a flexible way to respond to changes in the workforce and keep projects on schedule.

Have IT-related flexibility, time, or workload issues? Contact our team directly to learn more about data center IT site services at 1.877.427.2368, or email us at answers@ascentcorp.com.

The post The State of Post-Pandemic Data Center IT Services appeared first on Ascent.