A Quick Start Guide: Building a Data Center Digital Twin

Even if you know a new software solution could help improve your workflow and data center performance, it can still feel quite daunting to begin the implementation process. In our experience, customers have found that the benefits of digital twin software for data centers far outweigh the effort involved in the onboarding process, but we get it—implementation needs to be as straightforward as possible because you already have enough on your plate.

That’s why we’ve developed a straightforward four-step implementation process for building and incorporating a data center digital twin into your workflow. You’ll leave this blog with an understanding of the specific steps of how to build a Cadence Reality DC Digital Twin, plus a framework for what the onboarding process could look like for your organization.

Step 1: Create the Digital Twin Model

The first step in creating a digital twin model of your data center is to input physical data, such as IT asset lists, Computer-aided Design (CAD) floorplans, and branch circuit monitoring data, into our simulation software solution. The Cadence team will be there to guide this process and—while the goal is to have most of this work accomplished off-site—brief on-site visits (about one to two days) can also be carried out to validate the input data and adjust where necessary.

Step 2: Calibrate the Model

Once the initial data center digital twin model is created, it can be calibrated against real-world measurements using spot check readings and environmental monitoring data. Adjustments can then be made to ensure an exact replica of the data center is created, checking any measurements in the simulation to provide a true reflection of the actual facility.

After the calibration process, initial readings can be generated to create the first assessment report on how the data center is operating. As part of this, Cadence engineers will share guidance on airflow and cooling management. We provide a detailed performance assessment in PowerPoint format, which includes recommendations to remediate airflow and cooling management issues.

Step 3: Train, Integrate, and Implement

Next, Cadence engineers provide the necessary training to operate and interpret the software for decision making in the day-to-day operations of the data center.

Cadence data center software can be integrated with existing tools and systems you likely already use, such as data center infrastructure management (DCIM) and configuration management database (CMDB). Some of these integrations include ServiceNow, Nlyte, StruxureWare, and Sunbird.

At this stage, you have the option to implement our software in a test environment to ensure the software is working optimally. Once tested, the model can be officially deployed. Deployment involves installing the software and security certificates, as well as establishing admin and user accounts as necessary.

Step 4: Ongoing Support

Our data center engineers collectively offer decades of expertise building, managing, and conducting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis on data centers. We provide around-the-clock, global support to ensure you can unlock the full capabilities of your data center using our software. Our team can also schedule online and in-person training sessions, including routine support, refresher courses, or new team member onboarding classes, as requested.

Learn More

We believe transparency in our process accelerates solution implementation. Check out our data center product pages to learn more about our specific software packages or if you would like to discuss any concerns you might have about the implementation process, as well as how we can best accommodate your organization’s unique priorities and workflow, then fill in a free trial form here, and a data center expert will be in touch.