A automated control system in a data center (Data Processing Center) —also called Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) — is the set of technologies that They automatically monitor, supervise, and regulate all critical infrastructure that allows servers to operate 24/7 without interruption.
In a data center, it's not just the servers that matter: what's truly critical is the environment that keeps them operational.
What exactly does it control?
Electrical system
Chillers that are installed inside a data center
- UPS and batteries
- Generator sets
- Electrical panels and PDUs
- Automatic transfers from grid to generator
The system detects a network failure and automatically switches over in milliseconds to prevent servers from shutting down.
Air conditioning and thermal control
- Temperature by racks
- Relative humidity
- Airflow
- Hot/cold aisles
- CRAC/CRAH Units
The system automatically regulates the cooling power to prevent overheating, which is one of the main causes of server failure.
Physical security
- Access control (card/biometrics)
- CCTV
- Fire detection
- Automatic extinguishing (inert gas)
A data center must be protected against both intrusion and physical risks.
How does it work technically?
The system is based on:
- Sensors (temperature, humidity, electricity consumption, smoke, water leaks…)
- Programmable controllers (PLC/DDC)
- Actuators (valves, fans, electrical switches…)
- Central supervisory control software (SCADA/DCIM)
The sensors detect an anomaly → the system analyzes → acts automatically → generates an alert → records the event.
Everything is monitored in real time and with historical data.
Why is it important to install it?
Avoid service outages
A data center without automated control depends on manual supervision.
A 10-minute temperature rise can crash critical servers.
In digital companies, an hour of downtime can cost thousands or millions of euros.
Reduce operational risks
Allows:
- Anticipating failures (predictive maintenance)
- Detect abnormal consumption
- Act before there is a breakdown
Optimize energy consumption
Air conditioning accounts for up to 40–50% of the consumption of a data center.
An intelligent system adjusts power according to actual load, improving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).
It complies with regulations and standards
Many data centers must comply with:
- ISO 27001
- ENS (National Security Scheme)
- TIER III / IV
- Business continuity regulations
Without a control system, it is not feasible to certify many of these standards.
It provides traceability and auditing
Everything is recorded:
- Electrical events
- Alarms
- Access
- Incidents
This is key in audits and incident analysis.
Without automation, a modern data center is simply not competitive or secure.