Written by Ajith Joel Peter, Assistant General Manager - IT, The Ramco Cements Ltd

Technology Summary

The Smart Row solution is an intelligent integrated infrastructure that can be implemented in just weeks. Instead of constructing a traditional data centre space from the ground up, deploying a Smart Row results in a significantly faster and more efficient data centre setup by providing a pre-configured, integrated infrastructure with power, cooling, monitoring, and security systems all combined in a single, modular unit, leading to reduced deployment time, lower operational costs, optimized space utilization, and improved overall reliability compared to traditional data centre builds, making it ideal for rapid edge computing deployments or situations where quick scaling is necessary.

Key Objectives to meet Sustainability, Efficiency and Social objectives

Sustainability in Data Center is critical due to their significant environmental impact, particularly in terms of energy consumption, water usage, and e-waste.   Sustainability in Data Center is becoming increasingly important as businesses and organizations like us look to reduce our environmental impact while still meeting our technological needs.  As the demand for cloud services, data processing, and storage continues to grow, ensuring data centers are sustainable poses several challenges.  Here are some of the key objectives for achieving sustainability in data centers:

       1. Energy Efficiency

Usually Data centers consume vast amount of electricity to power Servers, Storage Devices, Networking equipment and other infrastructure component.  Emerging technologies like AI, Block chain requires significant computational power.  To achieve energy efficiency, I have to focus on reducing the energy consumption by adopting energy efficient appliances and improving how energy is used.

       2. Space Optimization

To maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a data center by reducing wasted space, improving resource utilization and enhancing overall performance.  To ensure the available space is used optimally, I have to do server consolidation, virtualization and efficient equipment refresh.

       3. Cooling Optimization

Cooling is one of the biggest energy consumers in a Data Center.  I have to find a scalable, efficient, and environmentally friendly cooling solution for the cooling optimization

       4. Reduction of Water Usage

In order to reduce the water usage, I have to implement waterless cooling alternatives which is important to mitigate the strain on water supplies.

       5. Reduction of Carbon Footprint and Emissions

There will be significant production of carbon footprint by the energy source utilized in Data Centers and the amount of energy consumed by the devices installed in Data Centers in terms of power and cooling.  I have to optimize energy and cooling requirement for the reduction of carbon footprint and emissions.

Solution Design to meet the Business objectives

       1. Energy Efficiency

I have achieved energy efficiency by the upgradation of rack servers and storage with hyper converged infrastructure (HCI) and network equipment.  Achieved the power usage efficiency (PUE) ratio as 1.2

       2. Space Optimization

By the upgradation of rack servers and storage with hyper converged infrastructure (HCI) and network equipment, I have reduced lot of room space and rack units accordingly. I had consolidated the space from 8 racks to 4 racks with 42U.

       3. Cooling Optimization

Instead of cooling the entire room in the conventional DC, upgraded the same with smart row solution, which will do a dedicated rack level cooling with the use of energy-efficient cooling solution, including optimized air flow led to a reduction in energy consumption which will significantly reduce the operational costs.

       4. Reduction of Water Usage

I have to implemented waterless cooling alternatives which helped eliminate the need for water-based cooling systems.

       5. Reduction of Carbon Footprint and Emissions

The implementation of energy efficient solutions and green technologies contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions, supporting our sustainability goals and aligning with industry best practices for eco-friendly data center operations.

Build or Change process including key stages and the decisions that were made in terms of infrastructure, technologies and logistics

       1. Initiation, Planning and Requirement Analysis

We used to have a conventional DC with challenges mentioned below. So I have identified an optimal solution which will address this challenges listed below and drafted the execution plan with timelines.  Appraised the same with my management and got the budget approval accordingly.

            a) Power and cooling cost

            b) Physical security

            c) Space constraint

            d) Structured cabling

            e) Real-time monitoring and reporting

            f) Governance, Risk and Compliance

            g) Scalability

            h) Sustainability regulation

       2. Design, Architecture & Build

By the upgradation of rack servers and storage with hyper converged infrastructure (HCI) and network equipment, I have reduced lot of room space and rack units accordingly. I had consolidated the space from 8 racks to 4 racks with 42U. Post to the consolidation, I finalised to deploy a DC with smart row solution.

Instead of cooling the entire room in the conventional DC, upgraded the same with smart row solution, which will do a dedicated rack level cooling with the use of energy-efficient cooling solution and waterless cooling alternatives, including optimized air flow led to a reduction in energy consumption which will significantly reduce the operational costs

       3. Procurement & Supply Chain

After identifying the appropriate solution, three OEMs offering similar solutions were shortlisted. Following the completion of the procurement process in adherence to standard operating procedures, the purchase order was issued to the selected OEM. As per the project plan, the materials were delivered to our site on time, with no delays in the supply chain.

       4. Implementation & Testing

Formulated a comprehensive implementation strategy with clearly defined milestones and deadlines. Identified potential risks (technical, operational, and vendor-related) and established appropriate mitigation and contingency plans. The entire process was aligned with all stakeholders at each step, ensuring transparency and coordination. Tested and ensured the same.  As a result, the implementation was successfully completed within the scheduled timeline.

       5. Evaluation

The implementation of energy efficient solutions and green technologies contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions, supporting our sustainability goals and aligning with industry best practices for eco-friendly data center operations.

Key points of Success

Cost Reduction - The advanced power management systems, coupled with AI-driven cooling and automation, significantly reduced operational costs, resulting in a 20-25% reduction in energy expenses.

Energy Efficiency - The use of energy-efficient cooling solutions, including liquid cooling and optimized airflow, led to a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional setups, helping lower our carbon footprint.

Water Conservation - The integration of waterless cooling technologies helped eliminate the need for water-based cooling systems, saving approximately 50,000 gallons of water annually.

Reduced Carbon Emissions - Overall, the improved energy efficiency and green technologies contributed to a 20% reduction in carbon emissions, supporting our sustainability goals and aligning with industry best practices for eco-friendly data centre operations.

Productivity Improvement - Real time monitoring and reporting for all the rack level components like power, cooling, cold aisle, hot aisle, fire detection & suppression, temperature, humidity and rack access allows us to improve our productivity in terms of data centre operations.

Business Process Agility/Transformation - My strategic evolution towards a more adaptive and responsive future, solving challenges and unlocking new opportunities in an ever-changing business environment, I had redesigned entire data centre to improve efficiency and reduce the data centre operational costs.  By this initiative I had fostered a culture of innovation and experimentation to achieve the goals.

Talent Acquisition, Development, and Retention - Operational efficiency of our engineers got developed by adapting the technology and we improved the retention rate by creating a challenging environment to them by adapting technology.

Learnings

Don’t Rush Things - While it is tempting to adopt the latest trends and tools in the market, it is crucial to assess whether they are suitable for your business needs and objectives. Otherwise, you may end up wasting time, money, and resources on solutions that do not deliver value or even cause problems.

Measure Success - To define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure the impact and value of your digital initiatives. Without proper metrics, you will not be able to evaluate whether your digital transformation is achieving its desired outcomes or identify areas for improvement.

IT and Business Alignment Is Key - IT and business alignment is essential for creating a shared vision and strategy, leveraging the best technologies and practices, and delivering value to the customers. Without alignment, there may be conflicts, duplication, or gaps in the digital transformation efforts.