Real-time data visualization and reporting
DCIM platforms working in real time and incorporating AI and machine learning (ML) tools can create interactive chats, graphs, and heat maps of data center performance. For instance, operators can track cooling usage and energy consumption, analyze specific racks, servers, and workloads, or home in on what’s causing specific bottlenecks.
Asset and connectivity visibility and management
Operators can access detailed information about the location, movement, and status of all their physical inventory, from servers, to storage devices, to networking gear. They also have access to a large library of templates outlining hardware specifications, maintenance and end of life (EoL) protocols. This can help them more accurately manage integrations, deployments, refreshes, and decommissioning.
Similarly, data center managers can track all network cables and connections to reduce latency issues and ensure that data is flowing adequately.
Capacity planning
DCIM platforms provide up-to-date, accurate information about space capacity, power and cooling use. These details can not only support existing use needs but inform growth strategies. Operators can run “what-if” scenarios to identify capacity requirements and estimate space, hardware, software, connection, and storage needs. Some DCIM software tools can also build model representations that could be tested out in digital twin or 3D environments.
All of this can help operators better predict data center life spans and support proactive management.
Change and workflow management
DCIM tools can automate time-consuming, repetitive — yet critically important — workflows, such as work orders, changes, approvals, or equipment replacements to avoid downtime or breakdowns. This can help streamline processes, while providing digital audit trails and ensuring that requests are compiled and addressed quickly and accurately.
