Data Center Build-Out Checklist

Scope of Work (SOW):

• ► General Scope of Work and overview of the entire project
• ► Include a description of the services required to complete the build
• ► Details included for each piece of equipment

• ► Additional instructions for the various build and engineering teams.

Level Of Effort (LOE):

• ► Determine the Level of Effort required to complete the build
• ► Determine the window of time you have to build on-site
• ► Determine how many technicians and engineers you will need for the duration of the project

Bill Of Materials (BOM):

Have a detailed Bill of Materials and identify lead times so orders are placed in time to minimize any risk of missing or late equipment.

• ► Racks and Cabinets and associated hardware
• ► Network, Systems and Storage Equipment
• ► Power and Network Cables
• ► Other non-serialized hardware

Data Center Location:

Select a Data Center location based upon:

• ► Location in relation to users, service providers, historic record of natural disasters and risks of other human events
• ► Power reliability, availability, and redundancy
• ► Security, both physical and logical
• ► Space for current build and future growth

Rack Elevations:

Determine elevation early so the cable BOM will be accurate and the installation team will know how the equipment will be mounted.

• ► Excel front and rear
• ► Visio front and rear

Cable Matrix:

• ► Excel format is recommended for ease of use and making changes
• ► Cable labeling requirements
• ► Wiring diagrams

Logical Configuration:

• ► OS or Firmware upgrade/downgrade
• ► Configurations and Logs
• ► BIOS Settings
• ► RAID Configuration
• ► Management IP
• ► Automation QA output

Product Information:

• ► Product specifications
• ► Product or materials special handling instructions
• ► Submittals used to sell products to customer

Proof Of Concept/First Article Build (POC/FAB):

• ► New rack builds will require a POC/FAB for the best design
• ► This may take several extra days to determine the final design
• ► For custom length cabled racks a fully built rack can help determine cable lengths without unneeded extra slack
• ► This is also essential for testing network architecture, configurations or compatibility prior to deployment
• ► POC is not required for rack builds that have a proven design

Project Plan:

• ► The on-site date required by the customer will dictate the shipping and deployment dates
• ► The LOE will determine the project plan working backward from the completion date with extra time to mitigate the risk of missing deadlines.
• ► The BOM and equipment will need to be ready and in the loading dock, storage area or pre-stage area prior to the first day of the build.
• ► Any delays in equipment or information may delay the project plan milestones or completion date.

Work Book:

• ► Work books are developed as a comprehensive as-built document fore very rack build
• ► These tabs/sheets are standard for rack build project workbooks