Industry Perspective is a regular Data Center Journal Q&A series that presents expert views on market trends, technologies and other issues relevant to data centers and IT.
This week, Industry Perspective asks Craig Robinson about implementing a systematic labeling scheme in the data center. Craig is Business Development Manager for Brother Mobile Solutions.
Industry Perspective: Why would you consider the data center physical-layer infrastructure to be the mission-critical nerve center of the entire data storage facility? What impact does reliability and maximum uptime have on data center performance, security, compliance and so on?
Craig Robinson: The reason the physical-layer infrastructure is the “nerve center” is that it is essential to the inherent functionality of the data center, providing the signal-transmission pathways for bidirectional flow of mission-critical data across the entire networked communications infrastructure. Whether commercial, institutional, governmental or educational, reliability and maximum uptime are critical in any data center operation.
IP: What is the value of implementing a long-lasting, end-to-end labeling scheme in designing and installing the data center infrastructure?
CR: A durable end-to-end labeling scheme implemented throughout the data center infrastructure serves to future-proof the installation by simplifying troubleshooting and the inevitable moves, adds and changes likely to occur over time. The purpose of using labels as part of a professional cable-management system is to accelerate tracing and initiate problem-solving measures and repairs as quickly as possible to avoid downtime. Lacking such a system, troubleshooting and cable tracing can be time-consuming and expensive, whether the work is performed by the end user’s maintenance or IT staff or by an external contractor.
Effective cable administration and management adds economic value for owners, as well as greater assurance of warranty protection. A well-documented installation is easier to update, troubleshoot and repair, which equates to lower maintenance costs over the life of the project and, ultimately, lower total cost of ownership.
IP: Specifically, which data center components should be identified with labels, and how does it play into the overall planning for future-proofing, day-to-day management, troubleshooting and maintenance?
CR: The ANSI/TIA 606-B.1 Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure for identification and labeling approved in April 2012 provides clear specifications for labeling and administration best practices across all electrical- and network-systems premise classes, including large data centers. Although not mandatory, these guidelines help ensure greater quality assurance for the long term.
The standard sets guidelines for record keeping, identification and labeling of key components of information transport systems (ITSs). It sets forth industry best practices on how to label wires and cables, cabinets and racks, network and security equipment, custom panels, electrical panels, faceplates, patch panels and punch blocks. These guidelines provide an accurate map of the entire installation, which benefits all involved—owners, managers, consultants, contractors, installers and facility personnel—from startup through the entire administration and maintenance life cycle.
Here is just a small sampling of the general labeling guidelines:
Text on the labels should be machine generated, and labels should be visible during normal maintenance of the infrastructure.
Labels should be resistant to the environmental conditions (such as moisture, heat or ultraviolet light) at the point of installation and should have a design life equal to or greater than that of the labeled component
Keeping and maintaining good records is the most important aspect of a labeled infrastructure, and identifier information must be referenced in permanent records, backed up and secured by building administration
If these and other 606_B.1 labeling guidelines are followed, it’s easy to see how it helps future-proof the installation and improve the accuracy and efficiency of day-to-day management and maintenance.
IP: What attributes should contractors and installers look for in selecting labeling tools to accomplish this task efficiently, and why are these attributes important?
CR: It’s important to select industrial-grade labeling tools designed for professional contractors and installers. Today’s next-generation handheld thermal-transfer label printers are ideal for large, complex IT projects. Best-in-class labeling tools combine rugged design with smart technology features and intuitive operation to make the labeling task faster and simpler for work crews, without the need for extensive training.
Some features and attributes contractors and installers should look for include the following:
Qwerty-style keyboard and easy-grip design for one- or two-hand operation
Clearly marked buttons and easy-to-follow navigation menus for intuitive use
Large backlit LCD display for at-a-glance view of label-design settings and the ability to preview and edit labels before printing
Fast label-printing speeds for increased labeling efficiency and productivity
Automatic smart font-sizing technology for printing clear, readable labels that conform to short and long ANSI/EIA/TIA 606x identifier formats
PC connectivity and built-in software so users can download and store data from common databases, as well as preformatted label templates containing text, symbols and barcodes
Multilingual user interface to make the labeler amenable to a multitude of users
IP: Are the same labeling tools suitable for all installation applications, or should data center operators invest in different types of labelers?
CR: Many of today’s industrial labeling tools are engineered specifically for data center applications, eliminating the need to invest in different types of labelers to fulfill the identifier requirements of other types of cable, wiring projects or premises. There are super-efficient, simple-to-use, handheld thermal labelers—like Brother’s next-generation P-touch Edge series—that can do it all, thanks to smart keys for common label applications, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, qwerty keypads and convenient drop-in cartridges, which make it easy to swap out labeling media quickly for various labeling applications. It’s important to note that we’ve been primarily discussing handheld labeling tools, which are great for creating on-demand labels at the job site, but desktop label printers should be mentioned here as well. Desktop barcode label printers—like the Brother PT-9800PCN—are great for interfacing with network databases and printing one or hundreds of labels, quickly and cost effectively.
IP: What about the labels themselves? Are there different types, sizes, colors and so on? What characteristics are important to ensure clear readability and long-term durability? How can different label types and sizes be used to mark different components in the various data center areas?
CR: Durable laminated labels that encapsulate the print between two protective layers ensure the long-term integrity and readability of labels as recommended in the ANSI/TIA 606_B.1 Standard. Users should look for UL-recognized labels compatible with HGe and TZe tapes. These come in a variety of adhesive and color choices suitable for virtually any labeling application.
Laminated labels are produced from a continuous tape available in six standard widths (36mm, 24mm, 18mm, 12mm, 9mm and 6mm) and in adhesive types that include standard, extra-strength and tamper-proof variants. High-quality laminated labeling tapes are tested to meet high standards for abrasion resistance and the ability to withstand hot and cold temperatures as well as moisture exposure without fading, loosening or losing legibility.
IP: What is heat-shrink tubing and how can it be used in labeling wires and cables? How does it work and what are some of its advantages? Does heat-shrink tubing require any special equipment?
CR: Heat-shrink tubing is a thin, flexible tube that contracts when heat is applied using a heat gun. On heating, the adhesive material shrinks, forming a strong, secure sleeve anchored firmly to the individual cable or small bundles of wires or cables, whether copper or fiber. Newer labeling tools make printing on heat-shrink tubing fast, easy and economical. The tubing can provide insulation, as well as added strength and strain relief, by helping to prevent flexing or crimping at the wire-to-termination point. The finished effect is smooth, semipermanent and professional looking, and no special equipment is needed, except for the label printer and conventional heat gun.
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