Ken's Korner

Communicating Critical Information

With most data centers running 7X24, it is important that each team member is aware of problems or issues with critical equipment. This could include what components are on order and their lead times and current vendors called to your site to address specific problems. Even with today's technology (i.e. blackberries, iPhones, etc.) managers and team members may sometimes fail to pass on valuable information.

A simple solution to communicate issues to all team members is to install white boards in each of the critical infrastructure rooms.

When problems occur with the critical infrastructure equipment, a brief explanation of the problem along with the date, time and your initials can be written on the boards, so all team members know exactly what is occurring and who to call if questions arise during their shifts. This information also enables facilities to keep their IT customers informed of issues that can affect their critical raised floor equipment.

Another helpful idea is to place electrical one-line drawings in picture frames and hang them on the walls in the rooms with corresponding equipment. This makes them readily available when doing maintenance and repair on equipment and eliminates unnecessary time taken to track down electrical one-line drawings during an emergency situation.

Ken Koty

kkoty@pducables.com

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