Case Study: Tailored Solutions for Data Center SecurityCase Study:
Project Overview:
The modern era of data management and storage has ushered in a new wave of challenges and opportunities for infrastructure design and security. As businesses increasingly rely on data centers as the backbone of their operations, the need for reliable, scalable, and secure storage solutions has become critical.
This case study delves into the partnership between WireCrafters andIndustrial Shelving Solutionsas they vie to fulfill the needs of an anonymous customer by designing and implementing a data center cage that meets the rigorous standards of security, flexibility, and efficiency.
Customer Description
The customer presented unique challenges and requirements for their infrastructure deployment. First, their primary concern was a secure enclosure to protect their servers and sensitive information. This necessitated a solution that provided robust physical security and integrated seamlessly with their existing utilities suspended from the ceiling.
Additionally, the customer emphasized optimizing space usage within their facility. They specifically sought fencing solutions that could be installed as close to the ceiling as possible to enhance security measures and maximize the available space for other critical infrastructure components.
Why Choose WireCrafters?
WireCrafters allowed us to give our customers a tailored solution that provides security and the ability to manage the network of utilities suspended from the ceiling. The high-security awareness and ease of installation made it easy to partner with WireCrafters.
Careful planning and coordination between the two teams minimized disruption to the customer’s day-to-day operations during installation. WireCrafters understood and addressed the customer’s specific needs from start to finish.
The WireCrafters Difference
Since being established in 1967 as a wire job shop, WireCrafters has become the nation’s leading producer of wire partition products. Contrary to traditional systems, our woven and welded wire partitions are based on the simple idea that panels stack one on top of the other between tubular posts to reach the finished partition height. The ability to create customizable-sized panels sets us apart from all other competitors.
Our mission is to provide our customers with creative solutions for their safety, security, and storage needs while meeting commitments with exceptional quality by people who care.
Dealer:Star Equipment, Minneapolis, MN. Karl Rasmussen Project Manager
Contractor: Ryan Companies
Project: Wells Fargo, Downtown East Minneapolis, MN.
It Must Be Safe & Secure, And Make It Look Good
Ryan Companies was looking for a wire partition that would provide top security for Wells Fargo. In addition, he wanted it to be aesthetically pleasing in an office environment. Ryan prefers to work with local companies. So, they contacted Star Equipment, a material handling company also in Minneapolis. Star Equipment had the solution. So, they contacted WireCrafters, one of their partners for over twenty years.
We Want a White Tight Mesh Partition
Wells Fargo required multiple wire mesh partition cages within their downtown facility. Therefore, we used two cages to protect entering the computer server rooms. Also, we used several more cages to control access to financial and confidential information. WireCrafters offers a variety of secure meshes. The standard mesh is a ten-gauge wire woven into a 2" x 1" rectangular style. We informed Star Equipment that they would need a much more secure mesh. Wells Fargo decided to stay with the ten-gauge wire but with a much tighter 3/4" square mesh. Pharmaceutical companies use this tighter mesh to control access to small pill bottles. Distributors of small liquor bottles also use this tighter mesh. In addition to the tight mesh, they also required white paint as opposed to the industrial gray color. WireCrafters has a state of the art powder coat system. We also stock white paint along with seven other common paint colors.
They Make the Complicated Look Easy
What appeared to be a very difficult request by most standards turned out to be a simple one for WireCrafters. A variety of mesh sizes and paint colors are stocked in their manufacturing facility in Louisville, KY.
An Organized Data Center Means An Efficient Data Center
Data Centers continue to grow each year. This means that IT budgets need to increase to help with security. Below, see how WireCrafters can help keep your data center secure and organized.
It Lays Out a Path for the Future
Perhaps the most important benefit to an organized data center has not to do so much with the present, but more in regards to the scalability in the future. The wire partitions and server cages offered by WireCrafters, for example, are designed to make reconfiguration possible at a moment's notice. As your needs change or when the time comes to add additional servers, you'll already have a system in place to easily do so. You'll spend less time worrying about where components need to go and more time properly utilizing the components themselves.
The Power of Being Proactive
One of the major benefits of keeping an organized data center has to do with how it allows you to focus your time on the areas that matter the most; namely, being proactive about maintenance. If your data center is logically organized, clean, and properly maintained, you'll be spending less time trying to make sense of everything and more time on thorough and regular inspections.
It Lets You Step Back and Look at the Bigger Picture
Another major benefit of keeping an organized data center has to do with how it allows you to focus your attention on the matters that are most pressing. Instead of spending time trying to make sense of which cables go to which equipment, you can instead turn your attention towards the rotation of equipment to better optimize not individual items but your entire data center as a whole. An organized data center also puts you in a better position to single out components that need to be replaced, allowing you to take the steps to do so before they negatively affect everything around them.
It Can Help Streamline Your Workflow
Another massive advantage to keeping a clean and organized data center has to do with the idea of working "smarter, not harder." The server cages offered by WireCrafters, for example, do a lot more than just separate your servers and keep things organized. They also support the free circulation of air from your building's HVAC system, helping to maintain proper temperatures. They allow for easier cable bundling, making installation, removal, and routine maintenance more straightforward. They allow for the free circulation of light, creating a safer environment for your employees, as well.
Stay Secure
With our server cages having a modular design, it allows for the easy customization, expansion, and cleanliness that you need. However, WireCrafters also has the extra level of security that is essential to keep your data center running. If you have been reading our other blogs, then you understand the necessity of security from theft. WireCrafters has a plethora of locks and wire partitions to customize to your needs while never shirking on the vital security that every server cage requires.
In the End
Keeping an organized data center isn't just recommended - it's mandatory in today's modern-day world. Data centers are fast-paced environments, yet at the same time, they're also filled with very delicate equipment. Server cages and other items don't just make it easier for employees to get in and do their jobs, but they also help guarantee the high availability and superior scalability that your own clients will come to rely on. Learn more about our server cages or find a local dealer in your area by contacting us here.
7 Places You Can Find Wire Security Cages
It goes without saying that the safe and secure storage of valuable property is crucial for most companies. Protecting critical supplies and materials from loss, damage, or pilferage requires both a culture of awareness and the right kind of security equipment.
Wirecrafters' wire mesh security cages and partitions, used in a variety of applications to protect inventory, reduce shrinkage, and increase safety, are an ideal solution for creating secure space. Wire cages are a cost-effective and more secure alternative to conventional chain link fencing, but are more versatile as well. They can easily be removed, relocated, and reassembled due to their modular design.
The biggest benefit to wire security cages is their unmatched ability to drive all-day, every-day protection and security.
Let’s examine the various types of security cages and partitions as well as a few of the places you can find them:
Manufacturing & Distribution
Wire partitions and cages are excellent security and safety measures for industrial operations, including warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers.
With cargo losses exceeding $30 billion worldwide (and $10 billion in the United States alone), it’s critical to have a theft prevention strategy in place. Security partitions, cages, secure storage lockers, mini security cages, etc. are all good ways to protect valuable cargo until it can be shipped, processed, or stored. Many companies utilize these systems as standalone cages, while others use them to limit access to storage areas as part of an overall security program. Others secure only certain, high-value inventory in their cage systems. Examples of this may be tobacco products in a grocery distribution operation, or small electronics in an online retail warehouse. The point is that companies can tailor a security cage system to be as large or small as needed for their security program.
Driver cages are used to control who has access to inventory and shipments. When companies use these systems, they are controlling outsider access to their storage areas. This means that truck drivers, salespeople, service technicians—and flat-out intruders—can’t access the plant without someone admitting them. This can also increase safety, as these untrained individuals are stopped as they enter the facility and can’t enter forklift lanes or access potentially dangerous machines without being admitted.
Stock Rooms
Due to the secure visibility they provide, wire security cages are also frequently used in stock rooms. Wire mesh wall and ceiling panels make it easy to identify, access, and retrieve items, and woven wire provides for secure storage at all times.
In many data center applications, partitions are erected at entry points, but also in server rows so that only technicians can access specific servers, power sources, and other critical equipment. This allows mixed access.
Many of these colocation applications utilize advanced security features like biometric entry, code card readers and other advanced locking systems.
Retail Space
For many retail operations with valuable inventory (tools, firearms, jewelry, etc.) protected only by glass storefronts, wire security cages and partitions can be a viable way to add a layer of protection from quick-strike thieves.
They can be built into a variety of configurations, fit with any space needed, and specified with locks ranging from padlocks to biometric locks.
Offices
In an office context, wire security cages can be used to secure areas such as records storage, computer equipment, or any other restricted areas. Wire mesh security cage panels bolt together easily and provide for a clean, attractive look in an office environment.
Drug & Pharmaceutical Operations
Compliance with Drug Enforcement Agency regulations for in-plant security of controlled substances presents recurring problems for drug manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers.
Wire partitions help solve this problem. Properly installed security partitions meet D.E.A. requirements for physical security of Class III, IV, and V controlled substances as outlined in Section 1301:72 of the Code. These compliant cage systems are seen in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector as well as distribution. Frequently, they are used for secure controlled substance storage in evidence storage applications as well.
Holding Cells
Wire security cages are also used as a solution for temporary or permanent minimum-security holding facilities. Ideal for prisoner holding cells, jails, police stations, campus security offices, correctional/detention centers, airports, public arenas, fairgrounds, and other areas where detainees must be held, wire cages are used by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, military police, and civilian authorities.
Final Thoughts
Wire mesh security cages and partitions can help to reduce pilferage, protect inventory, and increase safety for a variety of applications (warehouses, data centers, storefronts, offices, etc.).
But it’s more than that: Having security measures like these in place offers the peace of mind to drive a more efficient and productive operation overall.
