Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to have a conversation among friends discussing the topic of automation during the event organized by Datacenter Dynamics.
During the chat, we analyzed some data from the survey conducted earlier this year, in which more than 100 industry collaborators participated. Therefore, we believe it is a representative sample for the study.
With great humility, we discussed points about how operational efficiency can be improved in critical infrastructures such as data centers.
We started by discussing something as simple as the level of monitoring in data centers. In general, we all assume that improving the existing level of monitoring is important because obtaining information is the foundation for building enough information for decision-making.
In this regard, our colleagues mentioned the difficulty of solving such problems when the data center is in operation. The inability to disconnect active services makes this approach very complex.
However, if we look at other markets, we can see that there is reasonably simple technology that can be used to enhance the monitoring capabilities of data centers while they are operational. So the conclusion is that we have a potential improvement at our disposal for decision-making.
In another market inquiry, we addressed the issue of data sources that need to be consulted daily for the management of new additions, removals, report generation, etc.
The conclusion is that the vast majority have multiple sources of information, with the most common being Excel, CMDB, and Visio, among others.
The problem that arises is the complexity in coordinating the need for multiple sources of information that are also distributed across various departments.
Unifying information into a single repository is clearly a useful way to improve and make operations more efficient. It allows for information sharing across different areas and makes the information much more accessible to all users since they all know where to go for operations or report generation.
In summary, unifying information is considered a very useful option for improving operations.
Within the topic of report generation, we raised the question of whether executives are actually requesting reports or KPIs related to the operation and management of data centers. The conclusion is that they are. Planning investment for the growth or upgrade of data centers requires a solid information foundation to develop investment plans that align with real needs in a timely manner.
Therefore, we can conclude that increasing the available information and making it more accessible helps generate the reports required by top management to make the right investments for achieving proactive, effective, and efficient operations.
In summary, proper management allows executives to interpret investment as something necessary and positive as part of the company's core, rather than as an expense with an uncertain destination.
As conclusions, we can say that automation requires information that is unified, accessible, constantly updated, reliable, and can become a useful communication system to inform the management of the situation and needs. This process is simply automating operations.
And as demonstrated in all markets over time, "Automation is highly profitable".
