Critical Environment Site Assessment (CESA)

Below is a complete description of the typical items covered in our CESA.  Each client will have specific needs, so we always start off by visiting our client at the site, to determine the exact requirements of the CESA.  The site visit typically takes between 1 and 3 hours (depending on the complexity of the site), with an additional few hours to prepare our proposal.  Don't hesitate to contact us directly at (613) 821-9700 or e-mail 

You have identified a need for a comprehensive Critical Environment Site Assessment (CESA), in order to effectively document and assess your site’s present status and capabilities, for future development. The CESA is essentially a comprehensive baseline site audit. The report is intended to take the form of a reference manual that would include all current status information pertaining to the equipment center’s physical elements (i.e. hardware layout, electrical distribution system, mechanical systems, fire suppression system, architectural layout, etc.).  It is essentially both a "snap-shot" of the data center at that particular point in time, and a comprehensive audit of the computer room environment and it's critical support equipment (i.e. mechanical and electrical systems). The CESA provides you with an immediate assessment, including recommendations, and serves as a valuable document that can be referred to on an ongoing basis.  Some of the benefits of the CESA would include the following:

• establishes a current baseline reference for the equipment center (let’s you know where you are at that point in time)
• identifies any existing areas of vulnerability (i.e. reliability) and will suggest effective means for improvement if/as required
• provides a comprehensive review and evaluation of your facility’s electrical and mechanical support systems (i.e. the lifeblood or your IT operation)
• provides an accurate inventory of all data center support hardware (proper inventory, tech specifications etc.) of all critical components)
• will allow you to effectively plan and budget for equipment life cycle replacement projects (i.e. UPS, batteries, air-conditioning units, replacement and upgrade strategies, etc.)
• will provide an accurate prioritized list of maintenance and upgrade items (i.e. "To Do" list)
• provides a collection of accurate current status drawings for efficient site planning management, maintenance, and growth
• will provide you with a long-term site enhancement/growth strategy (i.e. future site changes)

We have outlined the general format of the report. It would include these sections dealing with the following elements:

1. Site Overview

The site overview would provide you with a detailed description of the site, it’s function, and the support systems found within it.

2. Current Status Drawings (AutoCAD Format)

Drawings (AutoCAD format) would be prepared to reflect the current status (as built) of the site (i.e. Electronic Environment area). The drawings would include (limited to):

1. Architectural (rooms, walls, partitions, etc.)
2. Equipment Layout (hardware location - IT and support systems)
3. Electrical (single line and layout)
4. Mechanical (single line and layout)
5. Fire Suppression (single line and layout)

This section would assess the existing loading (electrical and mechanical) of each functional area (i.e. network area, server area, etc.) and provide estimates for future growth potential. This section will also collect all pertinent information (which is presently being compiled by others), with regards to the following related items:

1. Computer hardware inventory list (by room and functional area basis)
2. Electrical support systems hardware inventory list (including technical specifications)
3. Mechanical support systems hardware inventory list (including technical specifications)

4. Support Systems Review and Audit (Electrical and Mechanical)

Generally, the two main critical environment support systems are comprised of both electrical and mechanical elements. We will provide analysis of the facility's electrical and mechanical systems, in order to properly assess present condition, total capacity, and present level of reliability.

For the electrical distribution system, we will provide load testing (capacity) and power quality analysis at the major distribution point(s) affecting the critical area.

The test performed on the electrical system will also attempt to quantify and isolate potential sources of electrical power problems. We shall provide a detailed description of the suspected and/or problem causing agents, and provide specific recommendations and instructions for remedial action (if/as required). Measurements and investigations will be performed at appropriate locations within the facility. Special attention will be provided to specific areas of interest that have been identified as the data center’s mission critical areas.

For this phase, we will use a collection of "state-of-the-art" data logging and data capturing equipment.

5. Under floor Raised Floor Area - Electrical distribution review

The study will also include the proper identification of all electrical cabling and circuitry, located under the raised floor area (and or within the critical environment). All power cables and receptacles will be identified and labeled by tracing and identifying their point of distribution (i.e. panel boards and circuit breakers).

All circuit breakers at load centers will be properly traced, identified, and labeled for circuit identification. An "as-built" single line electrical drawing will be completed. All unused and/or abandoned cables will be identified for removal.

Based on our analysis of the site, we will provide you with an efficient and cost effective support system hardware upgrade and replacement strategy as/if required (i.e. mechanical and electrical systems, etc.). This plan will deal specifically with the data center support hardware which will include your electrical distribution system (i.e. UPS system, batteries, generator, etc.) and mechanical systems (i.e. air conditioners, etc.).

7. Long Term Growth Strategy

A proposed long-term growth strategy would look at the present status of the data center (existing features, etc.) and would provide a basic plan for efficient future growth based on both the facility's existing and/or future capabilities.

Based on the findings of the report, we will provide recommendations for site enhancement and improvement as/if necessary. The recommendation list will take the form of a prioritized "TO-DO" list that will provide you with the basis for immediate and effective site maintenance and management.

 

Site Assessment Time Frame

The "On-site" study and data collection generally takes between 10 to 20 days for completion. The final preparation of the report along with drawings can generally be completed in approximately 1 to 3 weeks after the completion of the data collection.

Deliverables

The report format will be a printable PDF file.   We will also deliver a  formal final presentation (debriefing, class room style, if/as required) of the report at your site.

Client Responsibilities

In order to meet our objectives, the client will be responsible for providing complete access to the facility during working hours and after hours, if need be. The client shall provide facilities personnel to assist in accessing electrical rooms and electrical panels for connection of load metering equipment (i.e. electrical load analyzers, etc.).

We will require complete access to the existing base AutoCAD files and drawings relating to the data center facility. We will also require access to all technical manuals relating to the data center's support systems (i.e. UPS, AC, Fire Suppression, etc.). The client will also be responsible for providing accurate lists of EDP hardware, for both existing and future requirements.

Call us at (613) 821- 9700 to discuss your needs or click here to email us

Last updated November 24, 2010