For most organizations, the data center serves as a brain and central nervous system. It is the center of indispensable data, applications, and services. That’s why it’s critical to keep it running as safely and efficiently as possible. Environmental sensors can play a huge role in protecting critical equipment and improving efficiencies. Consider these five benefits of using sensors in your data center.
- Optimal Cooling Usage
Real-time and historic sensor input helps to identify both hot and cold spots in the data center. For example, sensors can indicate when an aisle is overcooled and the thermostat can be raised. Environmental sensors can also show when more cooling resources are needed to prevent equipment failure.
- Proper Airflow
Separating hot air from cold air is a critical part of keeping cooling costs in check. Airflow sensors allow you to monitor both cold airflow and hot air return. In the cold aisle, this ensures that the cooling system is functioning, and that the entire rack is receiving cold air. It also helps ensure that hot air from the back of the aisle doesn’t leak toward the front.
- Physical Cabinet Security
Physical security is paramount in many data centers across several industries. Contact closure sensors can activate a webcam whenever a cabinet door is opened. They also help to ensure equipment changes are executed in correct cabinets. And, they be can integrated with smoke detectors to alert you to faulty devices and fires.
- Water and Humidity Protection
Water incursion from faulty cooling systems or leaky pipes is a common cause of downtime. Water sensors can alert you to leaks that are dangerously close to mission critical equipment. Similarly, humidity sensors can provide an alert when relative humidity is high. Too much humidity introduces the risk of condensation and corrosion.
- Strategic Decisions
Do you have enough cooling resources in your data center today? What will happen if you add additional devices? These are questions that environmental sensors can help companies to answer. Data centers can make smarter decisions about building or refurbishing facilities. Or deploying to a cloud or cloud provider. This makes them more agile and cost-efficient in the long-term.
If you aren’t convinced, consider these five more reasons environmental sensors are used in all modern data centers. You’ll learn how sensors can save you thousands of dollars per year on energy bills. And, when you’re ready to get started, trust 2N Systems to deploy and help maintain your environmental monitoring solution.