Audit Activities

Reviewing the existing design documentation

We also review existing service and maintenance agreements. This is done to identify non-redundant components of the data center’s engineering infrastructure. We also identify errors in the design documentation. In other words, we identify nodes that do not have redundancy either for the system’s intended purpose or along the engineering routes leading to that system.

Survey of the engineering infrastructure

A physical survey of the engineering infrastructure by Vicom Plus specialists. Collection of general information (number of server racks, current total power consumption and power consumption for each individual server rack.

Completing checklists

Vicom Plus specialists conduct interviews with the employees responsible and complete checklists. The checklist forms were developed by leading global manufacturers of engineering equipment, as well as the globally renowned Uptime Institute. The questions are based on an analysis of operations at hundreds of data centers, where signs of management deficiencies were identified.

Verifying that the actual labeling of all components matches the labeling specified in the design or other documentation

As part of this work, we also verify that printed operating procedures for various electrical panels are posted in a clearly visible location. We also verify that the responsible operators understand the operating procedures for the various electrical panels.

Updating single-line diagrams

If necessary, Vicom Plus engineers and designers correct or redraw selected sections of the design and cost-estimate documentation.

Diagnosing the monitoring system’s operation

Diagnostics are performed to determine:

• the equipment status polling frequency;

• the functionality and retention period for storing historical data;

• the data backup functionality;

• visualization functionality for historical data.

Testing the Operation of Selected Engineering Infrastructure Components

Testing is performed by certified and qualified Vicom Plus specialists. During testing, it is necessary to verify that the engineering infrastructure components initially specified as redundant (in accordance with the design or other technical specifications) are in fact redundant.

Consolidation of All Collected Data into a Single Report

Audit Results

The following documents may be provided as the results of the audit:

• Updated design and as-built documentation for the data center;

• A list of standards, SNiPs, and GOSTs used in preparing the design and as-built documentation and the report;

• Updated single-line diagrams for all power supply systems, for placement on electrical panels;

• Updated current hydraulic diagrams, along with the corresponding hydraulic calculation (if applicable). As a rule, the hydraulic calculation makes it possible to determine the actual cooling capacity;

• An up-to-date CFD model (More about the CFD model ). In brief: an up-to-date CFD model makes it possible to identify areas with the most difficult access for cold air;

• A report prepared based on the results of the inspection and testing. The report may include:

  • A list of identified potential points of failure;

  • "Upper and Lower Cooling Indices for Server Racks"—a metric for measuring cooling efficiency in a data center;

  • "Return Temperature Index"—a metric used to determine the effectiveness of the airflow management system. It is needed to determine how effectively the cold aisle is isolated from the hot aisle and whether airflows are mixing;

  • PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness)—a metric for measuring data center cooling efficiency;

  • A list of recommendations based on global best practices for operating engineering equipment and managing IT assets.