The construction of a data centre is a complex process in which a number of factors must be taken into account, including choice of location, infrastructure planning, building work, installation of IT systems and comprehensive testing. Using conventional building methods, this process can take between 15 and 24 months, depending on the size of the project and the specific requirements of the data centre.
However in recent years the modular construction of data centres has become increasingly popular, primarily due to the fact that it can reduce construction time significantly. Modular data centres, also referred to as prefabricated or containerised data centres, are prefabricated in a controlled factory environment and then transported to the installation site.
The main advantage of this method is efficiency. Because the modules are built in a factory, they are not affected by weather conditions or other unpredictable delays which often occur in the case of conventional construction projects. This enables them to be completed more quickly, generally between 4 and 8 months.
Another advantage of modular construction is scalability. Companies can initially build a small data centre and add further modules as required. This is particularly beneficial for companies undergoing rapid change or expansion as it enables them to match the data centre capacity precisely to current requirements.
In addition, modular data centres can contribute to cost reductions. Prefabrication in a factory allows materials and resources to be used more efficiently which results in lower construction costs. Moreover, faster construction and entry into service mean that operating costs can be realised earlier.
Overall, the speed with which a data centre can be built depends very much on the method chosen and the specific requirements of the project. While conventional building methods can take longer, they offer greater flexibility and control over the data centre design and infrastructure. On the other hand, modular data centres can be constructed more quickly and can offer an efficient, cost effective solution for many applications.
