Capacity Planning and CFD Modeling
All organizations do capacity planning. Our clients seek guidance to challenge how they are currently doing it or want our expertise in building a tool for them that can be easily used for planning and modeling. They may not have invested in a Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) system and require an interim tool until they do.
Capacity planning is a key issue during an acquisition. Determining whether the acquired organization’s IT infrastructure can be merged into an existing data center can result in significant financial savings – or stressed if miscalculated. We have experienced situations in which IT takes an uninformed approach to capacity potentially overspending by millions. We peel back layers to understand how capacity decisions are being made. Our favorite question is “How did you get to that number?”
One option to determine capacity is to leverage Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling. This tool enables you to consider a myriad of aspects in the context of your specific Data Center thereby providing the most valuable decision-making data. We have developed a process for which we have removed a significant amount of the costs and time associated with conducting a CFD modeling project. We have stream-lined the gathering of information. As a deliverable, you are provided a link which gives you access to reports and associated graphics. The model is yours to keep via a free viewer that is provided to you.
Our deliverables include charts for different audiences (technical and executive), models that generate charts and enable “what if” scenarios, and executive level presentations. All are custom tailored to each client’s requirements.
Our Point of View
The most important data point of capacity planning is not the date when you will run out but the date you need to act so that you don’t. Contingency built on contingency makes the participants feel safe but erodes the true facts and can result in sub-optimal decisions. The focus should be on precision. Let the business leader make and live with the amount of contingency allocated.
Capacity of a system should not be based on its nameplate rating but rather the extent to which it can be utilized in the environment in which it is installed. We call that “actual” capacity versus “apparent” capacity.
We Work Differently
We spend time upfront with our clients iterating on a SOW until they feel comfortable. In addition to empowering our clients to have significant input into the creation of the SOW, it provides an opportunity to see how we work and get to know us. This builds confidence in the relationship and results in a tighter, better financially targeted SOW.
Our clients seek independent advice to solve difficult issues. As a third-party, we are the outside voice and don’t bring organizational bias with us. Fodere’s guidance will always be aligned with your organization’s goals.