**London**: GCG is addressing the booming data centre construction market by enhancing supply chain efficiency and advocating for innovation. Amidst challenges like supply bottlenecks and project delays, GCG’s initiatives aim to provide tailored solutions for diverse operational needs, ensuring reliability and sustainability.
Data centre construction is experiencing a significant surge, with an estimated 10 gigawatts of new capacity set to be established this year to cater to increasing power demands. However, the rapid expansion comes with its own set of challenges, particularly concerning distribution bottlenecks that hinder operators from meeting this rising demand efficiently.
Addressing these issues is GCG, a global provider specialising in automation services and products for data centres. The company aims to enhance the supply chain for data centre operators by improving access to essential infrastructure components, including aisle containment systems and cabinets. Chrissy Olsen, GCG’s Vice President of Sales, emphasised the company’s innovative approach by stating, “GCG is built on the philosophy of ‘distribution done differently.’ This bold approach is not just about delivering products but also solving the systemic issues that have plagued the data centre supply chain for years.”
Historically, the data centre distribution market has been heavily dominated by hyperscale firms. Olsen noted that this has often resulted in bottlenecks, as operators find themselves reliant on a limited number of companies for the infrastructure necessary to run their facilities. To combat this, GCG is advocating for increased competition and innovation within the marketplace. “We recognise that no two data centres are alike, and this understanding is at the core of our mission to provide diverse solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients,” Olsen explained.
The company’s forward-thinking strategies include a focus on specialisation in niche segments like environmental technologies and high-performance computing, allowing GCG to remain at the forefront of industry developments. Plans are also underway to collaborate with leading technology providers and manufacturers to establish an efficient logistics network intended to streamline product delivery. Olsen highlighted the importance of this collaboration, noting that the data centre industry operates on tight schedules.
Despite advancements in the scalability of data centres, challenges related to supply chain management continue to hinder the industry. Extended lead times on products such as fibre optics, power distribution units, and cooling equipment, as well as ongoing labour shortages, are contributing factors to project delays and increased costs. GCG addresses these challenges through flexible inventory solutions tailored to the scale and requirements of individual data centre projects. By leveraging advanced inventory management systems, the company aims to track products in real-time, thereby enhancing warehouse operations and ensuring timely equipment delivery.
In addition, GCG has launched a Critical Spare Parts Inventory Program designed to support facility maintenance by providing a dedicated stock of essential spare parts. By proactively identifying key components that require immediate access for maintenance and repairs, GCG enhances the reliability and performance of data centre infrastructure. Olsen elaborated on this initiative, stating, “Our program not only supports the ongoing maintenance of the data centre but also enhances the overall reliability and performance of the facility, allowing our customers to focus on their core business operations with confidence.”
As the industry approaches a turning point with unprecedented growth demands, GCG aims to redefine data centre distribution. Their mission is to provide customers with the flexibility, reliability, and efficiency necessary for success in an evolving landscape. “We want to help the next generation of data centre distribution by providing the flexibility, reliability and efficiency operators need to stay ahead,” Olsen remarked.
To achieve this, the company is looking towards advanced work packaging—a method that prioritises the planning and execution of construction projects, including data centre deployments. “By implementing this step, we can be more cost-effective and help mitigate risk while increasing labour productivity and ensuring clients have the tools they need to get projects done on time,” Olsen stated.
In line with contemporary demands for sustainability, GCG is also exploring best practices for optimising shipping processes and reducing packaging waste in order to adhere to the environmental goals of the industry. Through these efforts, GCG seeks not only to provide an end-to-end experience for clients—from product sourcing to delivery and post-sale support—but also to do so in a manner that aligns with environmental considerations.
This article was produced in collaboration between GCG and Studio B, Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. The news staff at Bisnow were not involved in the production of this content.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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