Compass and Schneider utilise AI to transform DC maintenance

Author: Simon Rowley

Schneider Electric, a specialist in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, and Compass Datacenters, are utilising AI to transform the data centre facility lifecycle – maximising uptime and driving cost reductions across the design and build, operation, maintenance and decommissioning phases.

Thanks to collaborative innovation with Schneider Electric, and its EcoCare next-generation services plans, Compass is meeting the surge in data demand faster and more reliably – delivering accelerated speed-to-market while enabling end-user customers to grow more quickly and meet requirements for data processing, storage, and delivery.

By transitioning from a calendar-based approach to maintenance and services, to a condition-based maintenance plan based on predictive analytics and AI, Compass is achieving a 40% reduction in manual, on-site maintenance interventions, alongside a 20% reduction in operating expenses (OPEX).

These savings were realised by integrating sensors and gateway technologies, pre-commissioned at the factory level, which were ready to be connected from day one to Schneider Electric’s IoT, advanced analytics platform, which is monitored 24/7 by its Connected Service Hub – enabling the reduction of intrusive on-site maintenance activities.

As a co-creator and early adopter of Schneider Electric EcoCare next-generation services, Compass is leading the way by using AI and predictive analytics to significantly improve the industry’s approach to lifecycle services and maintenance.

Modernising data centre servicing models

Despite rapid changes across the data centre physical infrastructure space, over the past 30 years there has been little change to the way lifecycle services are delivered. Given market dynamics, the industry has begun to learn from other use cases.

Predictive maintenance is not only more cost-effective and accurate than traditional time-based maintenance, but it also allows data centre operators to reduce planned and unplanned downtime by reducing the risk of human error. Further, the use of condition-based servicing helps operators address the continued workforce shortages threatening the industry.

Designing for condition-based maintenance and allowing it to be implemented and deployed on day one of data centre startup/commissioning is a crucial consideration, enabling today’s owners and operators to shift from reactive to proactive servicing, and drive down their total cost of ownership (TCO).

By taking this approach, not only has Schneider Electric helped Compass Datacenters’ transition from calendar-based maintenance to condition-based maintenance, but has enabled Compass to utilise proactive asset management for greater cost optimisation and system reliability.

Building faster with prefabricated data centres

Generative AI has also opened the floodgates for high-density computing power, and the data centre industry has accelerated its efforts to meet the speed, scale and environmental impact of its demands. To address this, Compass Datacenters is working on an in-depth study with Schneider Electric to create a quantified analysis of OPEX, CAPEX and sustainability comparing Compass’ prefab module to stick-build construction.

For today’s AI, colocation and hyperscale cloud organisations, Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure modular data centres also promise a host of benefits, including reduced waste; the ability to right-size for traditional and high-density workloads; to scale capacity at speed; improved design quality and resilience; enhanced supply chain transparency and sustainability; end-of-life reuse; and next-generation remote monitoring, management and maintenance services.

Serving the industry through partnership

“Schneider Electric has long-been committed to transforming industries through the power of collaboration, and it’s clear that Compass Datacenters shares this same mindset,” says Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President, Secure Power & Data Centres and Global Services Businesses, Schneider Electric. “With the unique growth of data centres, one of the key challenges facing operators is the lack of skilled talent. To address this, the industry must change the way they manage electrical and cooling assets by adopting proactive asset management at-scale. Through our collaboration with Compass, we are proving that dynamic analysis for multiple technology systems can deliver exceptional value and ROI.”

Chris Crosby, CEO, Compass Datacenters, adds, “We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support and unparalleled expertise that Schneider Electric has already provided in supplying us with prefabricated data centre power rooms. Our collaborative efforts will allow us to meet the increasing demands from our customers to deliver cutting-edge data centre solutions in an innovative manner.”

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