IT leaders with data centre responsibilities are using a range of metrics which are too narrow or have not deployed the necessary tools to get the required detail of measurement in order to drive efficiency.

According to The Green Grid, data centre organisations without a clear understanding of this may face a breakdown in dialogue and understanding between data centre, and executive management and risk losing touch with the board.

The data centre efficiency consortium, also identified a similar issue in 2015, which found that seven in 10 EU organisations did not have any measurement systems in place.

Lance Ruetimann, vice president at The Green Grid said: “It can be tempting to oversimplify metrics when reporting on efficiencies to the board. However, the problem then arises that a focus develops on a single metric, while ignoring other factors that may have a larger impact on meeting business needs. A 3D approach that takes a more balanced view would be better.”

energyBuilding on the success of existing metrics, the organisation said leading data centre experts will work together and share their feedback to establish a framework which will ultimately foster communication and provide a better understanding between internal data centre organisations.

Ruetimann added: “Monitoring technology has taken significant strides forward and many other data centres could do with a refresh. Poor measurement can be as bad as no measurement in certain situations. Essentially, IT leaders need to expand from a single-metric view and include broader technical metrics and KPIs into a meaningful message for all parties to improve their understanding, and support the operations message of the IT organisation.

“The workshop will help bridge the gap between data centre efficiency and business needs. By collating all feedback from those directly responsible and involved in the decision-making of the data centre organisation, we can develop a flexible data centre business instrument that can address some of the difficulties faced, as well as better understanding the possible opportunities on offer.”