The ARSAT Data Center is a finalist in the DCD Latam Awards for reaching the pinnacle of the operational maturity pyramid.
ARSAT, Bjumper, and Grupo Signa from Argentina have led the implementation of a management model based on DCIM, a project for which they have been nominated finalists for the DCD Latam Awards 2024 in the “Data Center Evolution” category.
They share how this project has been key to the operational transformation of the ARSAT Data Center.
Q. Why did you decide to implement a DCIM at ARSAT?
Guillermo Santos
At ARSAT, the availability and reliability of our services are essential. We manage a Data Center that is the heart of the Federal Fiber Optic Network and cloud services, connecting over 1,000 locations in Argentina. We faced operational challenges in resource monitoring and management, where accurate and real-time information is vital.
It all started after conducting a thorough audit of our Data Center, in which an external consultant presented us with a Gap Analysis identifying key areas for improvement according to industry best practices. This report revealed areas to work on monitoring, proactive management, and automation.
The audit results demonstrated that to continue scaling and ensure uninterrupted availability of our critical services, we needed a system that would allow us to better manage our assets and optimize daily operations. So, we decided to undertake the DCIM project not only to address those deficiencies but also to leap toward automation and proactive resource management.
Q. What immediate benefits have you seen with the implementation of DCIM?
Guillermo Santos: One of the most immediate benefits was the reduction of errors in daily operations. Before DCIM, we relied on multiple sources of information and manual processes, increasing the risk of failures. Now, with all the information centralized and automated, we can manage our resources more efficiently.
Additionally, the monitoring system allows us to anticipate problems, such as overheating and lack of capacity in specific areas, resulting in a more reliable service for both our internal and external customers.
Q. Could you share concrete examples of how DCIM resolved operational problems?
Guillermo Santos: Of course. For example, one of the biggest challenges was managing energy and cooling capacity. Before DCIM, we did not have a clear view of how resources were distributed, resulting in inefficient planning. Thanks to DCIM and ThinkData, we can now optimize the use of energy and cooling in real time, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most, which has allowed us to reduce energy consumption without compromising service security.
Improving the pre-feasibility process through DCIM not only increases accuracy and confidence in investment decisions but also significantly reduces the time and costs associated with assessing and planning new facilities.
With this technology, we are also achieving savings in operational and energy costs, which, combined with the access and transparency of information we provide to internal/external clients, enables us to deliver better service with greater profitability.
Q. How do you see the future of ARSAT with this new management system?
With DCIM, we are prepared for the future. The system provides us with a single source of truth, meaning any decision we make is based on reliable and up-to-date data. This not only allows us to manage our current resources more efficiently but also to proactively plan for future growth.
Moreover, now that we have a clear view of our capacity and resources, we can expand our services more quickly and reliably, meeting the growing demand for connectivity and cloud services. This project has been an essential step for ARSAT to continue leading the telecommunications sector in Argentina.
Q. What technology did you choose to implement DCIM and why?
Juan Rivero
We chose the EcoStruxure IT solution from Schneider Electric, implemented by Bjumper and Signa. This technology was selected for its ability to efficiently integrate with our existing infrastructure and because it offers a comprehensive solution for monitoring, managing, and optimizing all Data Center resources, from energy to climate control systems and IT equipment.
We turned to Bjumper and Signa for their proven experience not only in this type of project but also for their differentiation in data collection with the TakeData system, as well as the relevance of the results with ThinkData.
Q. And how do you see the long-term benefits?
Juan Rivero: The implementation of DCIM has not only improved daily operations but also laid the groundwork for ARSAT's future growth. With the ability to monitor and manage resources more efficiently, ARSAT is in an ideal position to scale its operations without the issues that can arise from rapid, unplanned growth.
Moreover, the simulation capability offered by DCIM allows ARSAT to plan future projects, ensuring that infrastructure investments align with the actual needs of the business.
Q. What role did the collaboration between ARSAT and Bjumper-Signa play in the success of the project?
Juan Rivero: It was a constant team effort. By involving all areas from the beginning, we not only implemented the technology but also aligned people and processes. Knowledge transfer was a key aspect to ensure that once the implementation was completed, ARSAT could operate and fully exploit the capabilities of the DCIM system.
Q.How did technologies like TakeData and ThinkData influence this project?
Jeremías Donato
Both technologies were crucial for the success of the project and the subsequent natural integration into the day-to-day operations of DCIM. TakeData allowed us to accurately capture information about all Data Center assets using NFC tags, reducing data collection times and human errors.
Instead of manual processes that could take weeks, we were able to map out the entire infrastructure in less time and with greater reliability. It’s important to understand that this point is the foundation for the management model based on DCIM.
On the other hand, ThinkData provided us with real-time visibility into energy usage, cooling capacity, and IT resources. Highlighting data for decision-making is essential for the rest of the management team to understand why investing in DCIM is profitable.
Q. What role did the collaboration between ARSAT and Bjumper-Signa play in the success of the project?
Alvaro Vallejos
Collaboration was crucial. From the beginning, we worked closely with ARSAT's IT operations, networking, infrastructure, NOC, and project management teams.
This allowed us to align objectives and ensure that each step of the project was focused on solving the specific problems of the Data Center.
