Datacom NZ Data Center (Facilities Manager)

After my role as a Site Lead of Operations in 2022 in Datacom Orbit Data Center,
In July, 2023, I transitioned into the Facilities Management Role.

My primary responsibility still is to ensure the smooth operation of our
data center. This involves coordinating and managing my team’s
workload, and also maintenance of the physical
infrastructure that supports the Data Center’s IT systems.

In this role I am responsible for maintaining all mechanical, electrical, and
plumbing systems within the data center to prevent downtime or
disruptions.

I conduct regular inspections, perform repairs when needed,
and replace equipment as necessary for our generators,
uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems,
humidifiers, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems,
and fire suppression systems.

Power management is another key area where the Facilities Management Team plays a significant role.
We monitor the data center’s power usage and identify areas for improvement
to ensure we have sufficient power supply to meet our needs.

Additionally, we implement energy-efficient solutions to minimize
wastage and reduce costs.

My expertise extends to managing cooling systems efficiently and effectively
by maintaining optimal temperature, humidity levels, and
airflow within the data center.
This ensures that IT equipment stays
cool and performs optimally while preventing overheating.

When it comes to physical security, all the team has a proactive approach in
implementing and enforcing measures to protect our data center from
unauthorized access.
This includes managing access control systems,
installing surveillance cameras,
and setting up alarm systems to
safeguard our valuable assets

Vendor management is yet another area where I play a significant role.
I coordinate with vendors and contractors for maintenance, repair, and
upgrades of Mechanical and Electrical systems and other facility-related services
to ensure that our data center remains in top shape.

Collaborating with IT and Facilities teams to develop standard and
work operation plans is another crucial aspect of my job.
In the event of an outage or natural disaster,
these plans help minimize downtime and keep our business
running smoothly.

Lastly, I develop and manage budgets related to facilities management,
including forecasting costs, tracking expenses, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Ensuring that we comply with relevant regulations, codes, and industry standards
is also a critical part of my role as a facilities manager.

In summary, my role as a facilities manager in a data center is vital to maintaining the reliability,
availability, and security of our physical infrastructure.
By taking on these responsibilities and utilizing my expertise in various areas,
I contribute significantly to ensuring business continuity and uptime for our organization.
contribute to the success of Datacom. I’m grateful for the
chance to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team, and I look
forward to continuing to drive innovation and excellence in the data center.

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Key skills I acquired from this role:
Technical expertise in MEP Systems and Power Management in a live enterprise Data Center.
Project management and Vendor Coordination to maintain the infrastructure up to the standards.
Problem Solving and Decision Making for ensuring the reliability, availability, and security of the physical infrastructure

To see more about Datacom, please visit: https://datacom.com/