3 Strategies to Accelerate Physical Security Design for Your Data Center Project 

The data center industry is booming, and with it comes an increasing demand for secure and reliable facilities. As a data center operator, you're constantly balancing the need for robust physical security with the pressure to build and launch new facilities quickly. Working with many of the world's leading data center firms, we've identified three key strategies to help keep complex physical security projects on track, ensuring you can launch your new data center on time, on budget, and with the utmost security. 

1. Standardize Your Equipment for Global Consistency 

Consistency is key when it comes to physical security across multiple data center sites. Standardizing equipment, layouts, and implementation allows for seamless integration and management, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective approach. 

Best practice today still focuses on a combination of an “outside in” and “inside out” approach to make it more difficult for unauthorized people to gain access and, if they do, then more difficult to move around and to exit: 

• External: From the road layout, designed to slow vehicles down, to physical impediments such as perimeter fencing and ballistic and ram-proof barriers, right through to advanced electronic security in the form of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and video surveillance with video analytics that can track and identify vehicles and people anywhere within the site. 
• Entrance: From the building design which restricts entry/exit to one point only (plus emergency exits) that is both blast and bullet proof, through to ‘air lock’ electronic access control with anti-tailgating and anti-pass back measures and comprehensive video coverage. 
• Internal: With every door secured through electronic access control including down to rack level and a well-designed camera layout, based around the core principals of optimizing Pixels of Target (POT) – this is essential for achieving the desired image quality and clarity for various surveillance purposes. 

Standardizing the design can reduce the amount of back and forth between architects, building owners, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in the design process. It also simplifies sourcing of critical components, keeping your project on track. 

2. Leverage BIM for Detailed Planning and Problem Prevention 

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a powerful tool for proactive physical security planning. By creating a detailed 3D model of your data center – and potentially a full “digital twin,” you can identify potential security issues before construction even begins. The entire building can be developed first on a computer to allow simulation, testing, and, if necessary, correction in a virtual model. This makes it much easier to eliminate any potential errors before construction. 

• Identify Obstacles by using “Clash Detection”: BIM enables you to virtually map out the layout of your entire physical security infrastructure, pinpointing any potential obstructions that could hinder the installation of security systems. This early detection allows for efficient adjustment of the design, avoiding delays during construction.
• Plan Access Points: Using the digital twin model, you can see what impact each point of access to the data center will have in terms of access control, evacuation scenarios, staff comfort, and heating costs. 
• Anticipate System Conflicts: BIM provides a visual representation of how different security systems will interact within the data center space. You can identify potential conflicts in device placement, allowing for adjustments to minimize interference and optimize system performance. 
• Eliminate Camera Blind Spots: BIM helps you strategically place cameras to ensure comprehensive coverage of the entire facility. By digitally mapping camera fields of view (FOV) you can identify potential blind spots and optimize camera locations proactively, eliminating vulnerabilities that could jeopardize security as well as potentially reducing costs. 

It's important to note that not all electronic security providers have access to advanced BIM capabilities. Make sure you ask about this before your project begins. 

3. Build a Data Center Security Checklist for Seamless Operation 

A well-structured data center physical security checklist is essential for a smooth transition into the operational phase of your data center security. It ensures that all systems are properly integrated, tested, and ready for day-to-day operations. 

• Comprehensive System Testing: Include rigorous testing of all security systems, including access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection, to ensure their functionality and integration before going live.  This typically involves multiple levels of commissioning during the installation phases rather than waiting until the final phases of a project. 
• Training and Documentation: Provide comprehensive training for your security personnel on the operation and maintenance of all security systems. Develop detailed documentation that outlines procedures, troubleshooting guides, and contact information for technical support. 
• Emergency Response Plan: Create a clear and concise emergency response plan that outlines protocols for handling security incidents. Conduct regular drills to ensure your team is well-prepared to react effectively in case of a breach. 
• Onsite Emergency Spares:  Maintaining an inventory of critical spares on site is essential for ensuring the uninterrupted operation of a facility, particularly in environments where downtime can have significant financial or operational impacts. Critical spares are essential components that, if they fail, can halt operations or severely impact functionality. By keeping these spares readily available, a site can quickly address equipment failures, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity. This proactive approach not only enhances operational reliability but also supports efficient maintenance practices and reduces the risks associated with supply chain delays. 

By implementing these three key strategies – standardization, BIM, and a comprehensive physical security checklist – you can effectively accelerate the design and deployment of your data center's physical security system. 

This approach minimizes potential delays, reduces costs, and ensures that your data center is protected with a robust and reliable security infrastructure, allowing you to launch with confidence and peace of mind. 

_{Disclaimer: By using the Blog section of this website ("Blog"), you agree to the terms of this Disclaimer, including but not limited to the terms of use and our privacy policy. The information provided on this Blog is for information purposes only. Such information is not intended to provide advice on your specific security needs nor to provide legal advice. If you would like to speak to a Security representative about your specific security needs, please contact us.}