CASE STUDY industry experts and partnerships developed over decades in both the electrical and IT sectors . product life and circularity while the product itself will enhance AI applications and their effectiveness .
This extensive expertise allows us to provide comprehensive end-to-end asset management solutions that covers everything from the electrical infrastructure to cooling systems . We deliver proven and sustainable solutions within the data centre and IT spaces and this ensures continuous improvement for both end-users and CIOs , thereby helping them manage their assets more effectively .
Currently , there are several critical challenges in asset management . Notably , over 53 % of data centre operators are struggling to find qualified employees capable of optimising maintenance and modernisation efforts , especially when IT infrastructure is distributed across multiple locations . How to manage and address this effectively is also a key concern .
The industry faces a significant skills shortage at time of rapid growth , which requires a shift in how assets are deployed and managed . Digitalising IT assets is one solution and this involves the strategic placement of sensors and proper connectivity to extract data and feed it into data lakes , like those we have within our global ecosystem .
With these digital tools , we can monitor equipment like uninterruptible power supplies ( UPS ) and assess whether they are operating within the correct parameters . No maintenance is necessary if everything is functioning as expected .
However , if any asset operates outside the expected range , we can adopt a proactive approach where we schedule maintenance to ensure the asset continues to support the organisation ’ s goals . This proactive asset management helps prevent power outages which can lead to revenue loss , non-compliance with sustainability standards and customer dissatisfaction . By offering a predictive view of asset management , we enhance the experience for both the organisation and its customers .
What role can circular economy thinking play in CIOs ’ strategy , particularly in managing the lifecycle of both AI infrastructure and traditional IT assets ?
The role of the circular economy today and in the future is different and we are only at the beginning of this journey . However , there are encouraging signs emerging in the market . This shift will transform CIO strategies and extend system and product lifecycles . AI will play a crucial role in this context . It will help to extend
There are three key pillars we follow : use longer , use better and use again . The ‘ use longer ’ principle enables CIOs to extend the life of IT and electrical assets by selecting equipment designed with ecoprinciples , including more modular designs that facilitate easier upgrades . This approach also involves ensuring sustainable material sourcing , which we manage across our supply chain at Schneider Electric . We work closely with our suppliers to ensure they meet our sustainability targets and the broader goals we have as a business .
The ‘ use better ’ pillar focuses on the next generation of maintenance services . Technologies like remote monitoring , condition-based maintenance and predictive analytics will be critical components of the future CIO model and will ensure that systems are better utilised .
The ‘ use again ’ concept centres around product takeback programmes where products are refurbished and
THERE ARE THREE KEY PILLARS WE FOLLOW : USE LONGER , USE BETTER AND
USE AGAIN .
reintroduced to the market in ‘ as-new ’ condition . This allows us to offer the same warranty and service as a new product while extending its lifecycle .
A case study we currently have is when CGR Cinémas , a leading operator in the French film industry , approached us with a similar challenge . They have now adopted circular UPS solutions where units are taken back , refurbished and redeployed in over 713 theatres . By opting for this solution , they have saved approximately 11,600 tonnes of CO 2
, while ensuring reliability , energy efficiency and the protection of their equipment – all without compromising their business objectives .
This example illustrates how a CIO , by thinking differently , can achieve cost savings , enhance sustainability , reduce environmental impact and maintain the high standards of reliability and safety required for their infrastructure . It ’ s a great demonstration of how circularity can drive both business success and environmental responsibility . p
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