CASE STUDY
Challenge
A semiconductor manufacturer needed to scale its data center builds sustainably and cost-effectively. Most of their locations were built onsite, presenting numerous challenges such as labor shortages, timeframe constraints, onsite logistical challenges and waste accumulation from product being brought onsite. A primary goal for future data center builds was to streamline operations, mitigate labor and staffing challenges, and reduce costs.
Solution
Wesco worked with Black Box, a leading provider of copper cabling, patch cabling and bulk cable for business communications systems, to develop a plan to relocate three types of cabinet services offsite: a high-density cabinet with (6) 4U FDU for MTP backbone, a fiber distribution cabinet for 288 strand backbone, and a server cabinet with fiber and copper patch panels and rack-level PDUs.
Each build included installation, removal, and consolidation of OEM packaging from the cabinets and components. We focused on weight reduction and ensured that documented cardboard recycling was in accordance with LEED standards.
Additionally, cabinets were repackaged and labeled outside of their original packaging, incorporating the finished goods part number, description, and/or site designation information to help ensure that all components and accessories were delivered and installed as a fully assembled cabinet under one part number.
Results
By moving the builds offsite, Wesco reduced onsite staffing, resulting in cost savings, increased profitability, improved timelines and minimized logistical challenges. By optimizing installation readiness, helping to ensure compliance, and meeting key project deadlines and budgets, Wesco enhanced the manufacturer’s productivity. This shift enabled employees to concentrate on business-critical functions associated with their skilled labor challenges. By freeing up this labor, employees could focus on tasks they were licensed and skilled to do, resulting in greater efficiency. This led to a 35% reduction in costs and onsite labor while boosting profitability and productivity.
Summary
Customer
Engineering and equipment fabricator
Challenges
The manufacturer needed the ability to rapidly scale its data center deployments but faced the challenge of labor shortages, accumulation of onsite waste from incoming products, timeframe constraints, and onsite logistical hurdles
Solutions
- The data center cabinet builds were moved off-site, resulting in fewer resources needed to manage material delivery and space allocation
- Wesco delivered pre-assembled racks and cabinets on-site to meet customer specifications
- All packaging waste was diverted from the jobsite
Results
- On-site labor reduction led to 35% cost savings and increased profitability
- Installing fully configured cabinets helped to accelerate timelines and streamline logistical challenges
- There was a significant reduction of onsite waste adhering to LEED standards while reducing cost
