Joshua Feinberg and Benjamin Myers discuss the roles and responsibilities of managing data centers, particularly in new and post-construction phases.
They note that the main point of contact can vary, from facilities directors to project managers, depending on the size and specialization of the operator.
They highlight the challenge of managing large facilities with few staff, which can lead to inefficiencies and delays.
Joshua mentions the difficulty in selling new projects due to the lack of job creation compared to traditional buildings.
Both agree that stakeholders, including general contractors, architects, and operators, generally align with the project's goals but may prioritize different aspects of physical security and maintenance.
This video is excerpted from the podcast Ep. #56 Benjamin Myers, National Accounts Sales Executive of DH Pace Company | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast.
Action Items
- Coordinate with the project managers, architects, and design teams on the client side to ensure the technical requirements and physical security needs are addressed adequately in the new construction project.
- Determine the main point of contact for the client, whether it's a facilities director, physical security director, or someone else, depending on the size and structure of the organization.
- Engage with on-site and off-site facilities maintenance personnel to understand the operational challenges and requirements for the new data center facility.
Outline
Roles and Responsibilities in Facility Management
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about the typical point of contact on the client side, whether it is a facilities director or a physical security director, and whether it varies based on the size of the facility or operator.
- Benjamin Myers explains that the roles can vary significantly, with new construction involving project managers, architects, and design teams, and post-construction involving facilities maintenance personnel who may be on-site or off-site.
- Discusses the logistics of managing multiple facilities, including the challenges of having one person cover multiple sites and the impact of their schedule on their effectiveness.
- Ben highlights the incongruity between the size of some facilities and the small number of people working within them, noting that gaining access for technicians can be time-consuming due to clearance processes.
Challenges in Developing New Projects
- Joshua Feinberg mentions the challenges developers face in getting new projects approved, particularly due to the lack of significant job creation compared to traditional buildings.
- He notes that the growth of these facilities presents unique challenges in terms of selling the project to new stakeholders, who may have different expectations and priorities.
- Benjamin Myers agrees, emphasizing that the general contractor (GC) and other stakeholders, such as architects and operators, are generally aligned with the project's goals but may prioritize different aspects of physical security.
- Joshua Feinberg concludes that the key is understanding the insights and priorities of each stakeholder to ensure a cohesive and effective project management approach.
Resources
Watch the full podcast Ep. #56 Benjamin Myers, National Accounts Sales Executive of DH Pace Company | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast
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