Commissioning strategies to ensure uninterrupted data center performance

The commissioning phase – where a data center transitions from construction to full operation – is a pivotal moment that can make or break a facility's long-term reliability and efficiency.

The foundation of successful commissioning lies in meticulous planning. This involves thorough review of design documents, precise planning of each commissioning phase, and detailed documentation of all systems and processes. "Our role is to advocate for the owner," explains Anthony Russo, Executive Director of Technical Services at JLL. "We ensure that every step, from design and installation to final turnover, is carefully documented and executed."

A strong commissioning plan includes clearly defined objectives and scope, a detailed timeline and milestones, roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, comprehensive testing procedures, and documentation requirements. By investing time in thorough planning, data center operators can significantly reduce the risk of costly downtime and set the stage for long-term reliability.

Prioritize Proactive Risk Assessment

Understanding and mitigating potential risks is crucial for maintaining uptime during commissioning. The focus should be on identifying systems most likely to encounter post-turnover challenges, to anticipate risks and address potential issues early in the planning phase.

"We focus on the systems most likely to encounter challenges post-turnover, such as UPS systems, backup generators, mechanical and cooling systems, and pumps," Russo states. "Understanding the importance past day one from an operator's perspective gives your team the strength and experience to prioritize vital systems that evolve rapidly year over year."

Key aspects of effective risk assessment include conducting thorough system vulnerability analyses, developing contingency plans for various failure scenarios, and regular review and updating of risk assessments throughout the commissioning process. By adopting a proactive stance towards risk, data center operators can prevent minor issues from escalating into major disruptions.

Design and Test Robust Redundancy Mechanisms

Redundancy is the backbone of data center reliability. During commissioning, it's essential to develop rigorous testing procedures for critical systems, simulate multiple failure scenarios, and verify redundancies in cooling and equipment.

"We carefully develop our procedures to rigorously test the critical systems and equipment response to multiple failure scenarios, including loss of utility power and loss of any single critical component," Russo explains.

Effective redundancy testing involves conducting specific room validation tests, monitoring temperature trends to plan against single component failures, and testing different failure modes for systems and equipment. This thorough approach ensures that in the event of a failure, the system can smoothly transition to backup components without disrupting operations.

Master the Art of Staged Cutover

The transition from construction to operation is perhaps the most delicate phase of commissioning. For example, JLL's approach to staged cutover involves developing detailed, comprehensive procedures, collaborative planning with all stakeholders, and methodical, step-by-step execution.

"Proper planning is essential, and we develop detailed procedures, often 10-20 pages long, to guide this stage," Russo notes. "A collaborative approach is crucial, involving the design team, construction team, and, most importantly, the client's operations team."

Key elements of a successful staged cutover include clear communication protocols, predefined go/no-go criteria for each stage, continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments, and thorough documentation of each step. By adhering to a well-planned, staged approach, data center operators can ensure a smooth transition to full operation.

Invest in Continuous Team Development

The ever-evolving landscape of data center technology demands a team that's always at the cutting edge. A full-service operator such as JLL prioritizes hiring experienced engineers with backgrounds in both construction and operations, providing continuous education and training, and staying current with industry developments and trends.

To train your own team, effective development strategies include regular training sessions on new technologies and methodologies and cross-training to ensure versatility and comprehensive knowledge across data center systems. By maintaining a highly skilled and knowledgeable team, data center operators can effectively manage the complexities of modern facilities and adapt to emerging challenges.

Emphasize Knowledge Transfer and Documentation

Of course, the commissioning process doesn't end when systems are operational. Ensuring long-term success requires comprehensive knowledge transfer to facility staff, accurate and detailed documentation of all systems, and ongoing support during the transition to full operation.

Key aspects of effective knowledge transfer include developing comprehensive training programs for facility staff, creating detailed, user-friendly documentation for all systems, and establishing clear communication channels for ongoing support.

By prioritizing knowledge transfer and documentation, data center operators can ensure that their facilities remain efficient and reliable long after the commissioning team has departed.

In an industry where every millisecond counts, the commissioning phase of a data center is a critical moment that sets the stage for long-term success. By implementing these essential strategies, data center operators can lay a foundation for reliability, efficiency, and adaptability in the face of ever-increasing demands.

Your data has never been more critical, and neither has your data center partner. From site selection and land acquisition to upgrades and facilities and energy management, JLL’s team of dedicated technical experts are trained and experienced in every phase of the data center lifecycle.

To learn more about JLL’s data center commissioning services, click here.