2020 saw major shifts in the global data center market as increased data usage accelerated demand for storage and processing. To meet the needs of the rapidly expanding global colocation market, a significant amount of new infrastructure must be built quickly. But, there are a number of threats that inhibit data center speed-to-market, including market demand for OFCI equipment, supply chain issues, labor shortages, and conflicts around the just-in-time delivery of mission critical equipment. The solution is project buffering.
This paper outlines strategies for eliminating speed-to-market threats through project buffering, which reduces the risk of upstream disruptions and downstream delays. Strategies include streamlining OFCI equipment delivery and installation through smart warehousing and logistics management. Project buffering is a proven method for eliminating speed-to-market threats and ultimately, the strategies speed up the construction of data centers.
ProLift Rigging also presents a project buffering case study. They outline how they helped their hyperscale partner to overcome unforeseen equipment production and transportation delays to achieve savings around time, heavy lift contractor fees, and transportation. Perhaps most importantly, they also a saw a faster speed-to-market.