Over the past two years, approximately 90 percent of the world's data has been generated, driving an increasing demand for larger, more reliable data centers. In parallel, rapidly evolving Cloud and AI applications present significant challenges in managing both demand and capacity constraints.

In response to these growing challenges, Wesco provides end-to-end solutions for the design, construction, and operation of data centers worldwide, offering seamless solutions to keep critical projects on track.

Supply chain challenges: “Designing around the supply chain”

In the rapidly evolving cloud and AI markets, where demand and capacity constraints require constant management, supply chain challenges exist. As many manufacturing plants are located in low-cost regions (e.g., Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the US, and Latin America), ensuring timely, cost-effective transportation of bulky items becomes a complex task.

On top of that, navigating diverse government regulations, including import and export duties, adds another layer of complexity. To manage these challenges, Wesco provides end-to-end solutions for data center design, construction, and operation across the globe.

Wesco relies on a specialized logistics team to keep global operations running smoothly and ensure mission-critical data center projects stay on schedule, avoiding costly delays in customs or transport.

As Alan Farrimond, VP at Wesco Data Center Solutions, explained:

“Clients are increasingly coming to us with their bills of materials, asking for details on lead times and availability in specific countries. This allows them to make informed choices and adapt their design and product selection based on the availability of materials within the supply chain – they're essentially designing around the supply chain.”

Wesco takes a broad, multi-faceted approach to data center projects, offering a range of services like managed solutions, software integration, off-site material handling, and pre-configured products such as switches and bundled AV or security systems. This means they can provide a complete supply chain solution tailored to the diverse needs of their clients.

With strong global project management and the financial resources to back it up, Wesco is well-equipped to tackle large-scale projects and efficiently manage inventory. It’s this blend of design expertise, strategic partnerships, and smooth operations that makes Wesco a trusted partner for clients worldwide.

Partner inclusive

Farrimond highlighted that Wesco works closely with a wide range of manufacturers and vendors in areas like power, security, cabling, and infrastructure.

Instead of managing installations in-house, they collaborate with specialized partners to ensure a well-rounded supply chain solution. This collaborative approach is key to their strategy, ensuring they meet the needs of large clients effectively.

Wesco also stands out by offering extensive design services for data centers – something that's rare for a supply chain solutions provider. Farrimond affirmed:

“We have a global team of design engineers who specialize in various areas like fit-out design, security design, electrical systems, and cabinet layout. This is unique, as most distributors don't offer design services, but our clients rely heavily on this capability. It's something that sets us apart, and it's a service that our customer base values a lot.”

Wesco takes a broad, multi-faceted approach to data center projects, offering a range of services like managed solutions, software integration, off-site material handling, and pre-configured products such as switches and bundled AV or security systems. This means they can provide a complete supply chain solution tailored to the diverse needs of their clients.

With strong global project management and the financial resources to back it up, Wesco is well-equipped to tackle large-scale projects and efficiently manage inventory. It’s this blend of design expertise, strategic partnerships, and smooth operations that makes Wesco a trusted partner for clients worldwide.

Sustainability from design to decommission

According to Farrimond, Wesco places a strong emphasis on reducing its carbon footprint throughout the entire data center lifecycle, starting with thoughtful design choices. As an example, by sourcing products from manufacturers located near project sites, they can minimize transportation-related emissions. Wesco also has regional hubs and warehouses to help limit emissions and bundle deliveries. Farrimond elaborated:

“In North America, we handle a significant amount of supply chain management for generators and transformers. We’re responsible for procuring and managing the transformers, ensuring the right data is available when the client needs it. Data center builds are highly complex, so managing the supply chain effectively to get materials to the right place at the right time is crucial. This approach isn't limited to just the substation – it applies throughout the entire data center.”

He added that their involvement spans various stages of data center construction, including switchgear design, gray space development, cabinet layouts, liquid cooling systems, and the physical installation of racks.

Throughout the process until the final disposal of materials, Wesco helps ensure proper waste disposal in compliance with local regulations, contributing to sustainability and operational efficiency at every stage:

“As equipment ages and decommissioning becomes necessary, we conduct a thorough evaluation, remove any outdated equipment, and install new products if required. Our decommissioning process isn't just about removing old equipment; it also includes responsible disposal. The client might also want us to inventory the decommissioned items, then re-inventory them and potentially reuse them in another data center, contributing to carbon playback.”

Upcoming industry challenges

As the conversation turned to the future, Farrimond spoke to the impacts of rapid AI and cloud computing growth driving a surge in global demand for power and computing capacity. The key challenges facing the industry according to Farrimond include:

1. Skill shortages: There is a significant shortage of trained engineers in various fields (network, fiber, power, etc.), which is becoming a higher priority at conferences and government discussions.
2. Product supply chain: Manufacturers can't build facilities quickly enough to meet the growing demand, affecting supply in areas like power, cabling, and cabinets. Companies will need to make tough choices due to product shortages.
3. Financial strength: Companies need significant financial resources to keep up with demand, especially for large purchases like power equipment. Financial strength is crucial to maintaining growth.
4. Data center management: As data centers expand, managing efficiency becomes more challenging. This includes ensuring proper cooling and operational efficiency to handle increased compute demand.
5. Carbon footprint: With the growth in data centers, there is an increasing focus on how to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability in the industry.
6. Grid capacity constraints: Data centers are exploring alternative energy solutions like onsite power generation through microgrids, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and innovative technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and small modular nuclear reactors to achieve sustainability and maintain operational resilience.

2025 and beyond: It starts with the client

Farrimond underscored that Wesco’s strategy for 2025 and beyond is designed to ensure continued growth in an ever-evolving market.

Above all, Wesco’s commitment to staying involved throughout the entire data center lifecycle – from design and construction to operation and decommissioning – demonstrates its dedication to offering continuous, end-to-end support. By embracing these strategies, Wesco is positioning itself to not only navigate the challenges ahead but to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

To learn more about Wesco's data center offering, click here.