Operations Readiness Zones

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This zone provides a comprehensive process designed to conduct immediate after-action reviews through cross-functional discussions, evaluating the performance of planning, scheduling, execution, construction, testing, and turnover activities. The primary goal of this Zone is for Field Operations and the Construction Manager, along with their teams, to categorize and record various topics into the After Actions Tool. This includes areas such as safety, construction delivery, design coordination, quality, communication, resource allocation, asset management, and security. Each topic is documented with detailed lessons, sequences of events, metadata, and key players for effective tracking. 

The asset management zone looks to ensure a comprehensive solution designed to streamline and systematize equipment management and onboarding for new data center projects. The Asset Management Zone ensures efficient coordination with Design Engineering, Sourcing, Equipment Teams, and Facilities Engineering to develop a detailed equipment list template. This includes assigning part numbers, designating new assets, engaging with vendors, and creating procurement logs. Additionally, the Zone identifies First of Kind (FOK) equipment, develops maintenance strategies, and ensures proper documentation and asset tagging. Through coordinated training sessions, it drastically improves clarity and compliance among contractors and trade partners.  

The BMS zone is designed to prepare and verify the Production PLC Server for the Integrated System Testing (IST) phase. Here your team will assign specific tasks to the Engineering Controls and Monitoring Infrastructure (CMI) Team, ensure the setup and validation of control system workstations, verify reliable power supply with UPS, and check configuration of DCIM and BAM systems. It also includes checking user accounts and access levels, setting up proper alert configurations, and addressing operational and maintenance concerns for IT systems. The ultimate goal of the BMS Zone is to ensure a seamless transition from construction to production environments, with all systems and user permissions properly configured and operational, ensuring the site is fully prepared for the IST phase. 

The Commissioning Zone is a comprehensive approach designed to ensure a seamless and successful data center turnover. It coordinates the review and feedback of Level 4 and Level 5 scripts with cross-functional partners, ensuring alignment with Standard Operating Procedures and proper formatting. This involves engaging various stakeholders in open review sessions to resolve issues and provide feedback, verifying First of Kind Functional Performance Testing scripts, and coordinating calibration report reviews. Additionally, the Commissioning Zone addresses installation criteria for sensors and water systems, escalates construction issues, and supports incident risk mitigation, design reviews, maintenance improvements, site training, and corrective actions. It also includes Factory Witness Testing for equipment, with both virtual and in-person participation, ensuring all steps are documented and scheduled through a detailed project plan and FWT calendar. 

The Communication Zone is the Compass Facilities approach designed to ensure successful installation and functionality of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and 2-Way Radio Systems from day one of new data center operations. The Communication Zone coordinates the physical network and pathway installations for DAS, with the operations team overseeing this aspect and engineering handling cellular contracting and fiber circuits. Key stakeholders, including the connectivity team, Facilities, engineering, collaborate on DAS system designs and installations. 

The Contract Review Zone is a built process designed to ensure the financial, operational, and logistical preparedness of new data center sites. This approach aligns with corporate financial standards and includes review of financial operations, such as purchase order management, spend tracking, forecasting, and accruals. Key steps involve developing pre-allocation and sourcing plans, setting up procurement logs, and engaging critical service suppliers. The process requires coordination among sourcing, facility service management, and other teams to establish generator contracts and forecast fuel demands accurately. It also includes thorough contract, specification, and drawing reviews to prevent miscommunications and manage change orders effectively. This Operational Readiness Zone emphasizes supplier onboarding, compliance with safety and operational standards, and validation of critical services, ensuring all necessary equipment, services, and personnel are in place before the data center becomes operational. 

The Culinary Zone in a critical facility building is a pivotal area dedicated to ensuring the highest levels of safety, hygiene, and quality in culinary operations. It meticulously oversees regulatory compliance, implements stringent Standard Operating Procedures, and maintains impeccable standards of cleanliness and equipment maintenance. Staff undergo rigorous training, emergency preparedness protocols are in place, and quality assurance measures are enforced to uphold product integrity. Continuous improvement is prioritized through feedback mechanisms and audits. By fostering a culture of excellence and diligence, the zone not only safeguards the well-being of personnel but also upholds the reputation and integrity of the culinary operations within the facility. 

The EHS Readiness Zone ensures environmental health and safety (EHS) preparedness and compliance for new data center sites before turnover. A Pre-Turnover Report outlines EHS readiness, with progress tracked using an EHS New Build Plan and various checklists. Key tasks include executing all Pre-Turnover items, obtaining plan approval from the Critical Operations Manager, and updating the services for site alerts. This coordinated effort ensures all EHS requirements are met before the data center becomes operational, with ongoing support and integration of alerting systems to maintain site safety and readiness. 

The Fire Life Safety Zone is a Compass Facilities approach to ensuring that all Fire Life Safety (FLS) equipment at new data center sites is properly labeled and validated through thorough site inspections. This includes various safety systems, with a clear map for the Fire Riser Room. The process involves collaboration with key stakeholders to review and align on FLS equipment specifications, establish and maintain Fire Alarm Commissioning Methods of Procedure (CMOPs), and document these procedures for future reference. Regular meetings are held to discuss standard operating procedures, commissioning scripts, and testing activities, ensuring everyone is on the same page. A detailed playbook outlining FLS system operations, roles, milestones, and expectations is distributed to the Field Operations team and relevant personnel, fostering a comprehensive understanding and effective knowledge sharing across the new data center region. 

The Red Con Zone is a critical phased program that ensures your Field Operations team has dedicated time between substantial completion and the facility becoming fully operational. During this period, team members familiarize themselves with equipment, conduct testing, receive training, and complete essential tasks. This phase is crucial for validating construction activities and confirming readiness for Day One operations.  

The Hiring Zone looks to ensure a seamless transition and readiness of new data center sites through extensive collaboration among various stakeholders, including Startup and Readiness, Senior Field Operations Leadership, the Industry Recruiting Team, and the Internal Mobility Team. Key stakeholders for your organization will be identified early and align with company infrastructure goals and processes. Day one operations team will be built early and ready to hit the ground running.   

Compass Facilities Inspections Zone aims to ensure comprehensive preparation and validation of equipment and systems before commissioning and operational handover in new data center projects. This involves replacing temporary labels with permanent arc flash labels, collecting and reviewing field input and test reports, and aligning equipment quantities and procurement. Multiple inspections are conducted, including invasive and non-invasive checks, to ensure proper installation and operation of critical systems. Coordination among stakeholders, such as Construction Managers, Commissioning Agents, and Facility Operations teams, is crucial for successful execution.