Facilities and Infrastructure Move-ins and Installing Systems in Data Centers

Logistics for IT components

Logistical requirements when constructing data centers and installing their IT components

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are driving the development and construction of new data centers at pace. Progressive digitalization is essential to companies' continued economic success. The massive increase in the volumes of data being processed (big data, machine learning) and user expectations regarding data availability and processing and transmission speeds are additional factors that are driving a Europe-wide expansion of capacity.

Given rising energy costs, this is accompanied by growing demands for high energy efficiency, maximum sustainability, and value for money. At the same time, data centers are a place of constant change and must react to shifting conditions. Future viability must be ensured through expansion opportunities, increased performance, and technical flexibility.

Logistics challenges for data centers:

Professional planning, specialist transportation expertise, and detailed coordination

The construction of a data center is a complex and cost-intensive project. The requirements on facilities and infrastructure set out in DIN EN 50600 - access and fail safety (Tier classification), server performance and equipment scope, energy efficiency and air conditioning, flexibility and expandability-vary according to the type and size of the data center and its intended purpose.

As high as the requirements for buildings, server rooms, technical infrastructure, support systems, and energy supplies are, the challenges associated with constructing, expanding, and equipping a data center are just as demanding and varied. The IT systems and building services (BS) are enormously sensitive, and safety standards and time pressures up to the point of commissioning are extremely high. Data center logistics requires professional planning, specialist transportation expertise, and detailed coordination processes.

Talk to our experts.

Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about moving equipment into data centers and installations. Give us a call, send us an email or use the contact form. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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Expertise you can rely on

SCHOLPP - your logistics partner for data center construction projects

SCHOLPP is an installation and transportation service provider with decades of experience. We understand the complex requirements of modern data centers and IT and building services infrastructures, offering reliable, customized logistics solutions that are precisely tailored to meet them:

  • Planning: SCHOLPP plans all its operations thoroughly and comprehensively, taking every parameter into account right from the start.
  • Safety: We offer reliability in all logistics processes relating to IT components and BS, from unloading, unpacking, and transportation within a plant to positioning and installation.
  • Project logistics: This also includes our flexible warehouse and rollout logistics (just-in-time, intermediate storage, or final positioning, depending on requirements).
  • Inspection: SCHOLPP’s planners evaluate the optimum transport route for each component, including risk analysis and technical and structural preparations, to ensure maximum safety during internal transportation (access, unloading zone, building requirements, spatial conditions).
  • Risk management: We also minimize the risks involved in handling IT components through our employment of experienced fitters, adherence to high occupational health and safety standards, and risk analyses conducted by our own safety engineer (EHS management).
  • Equipment: We provide specialist cleanroom and IT transportation tools that lift and move equipment safely and with absolute precision.
  • Vibration-free move-in: Where necessary, we offer sensor-based monitoring of all movements throughout the transportation process to ensure equipment is protected from damage as effectively as possible.

Core data center components

IT equipment move-ins and installations in data centers: What can SCHOLPP do?

SCHOLPP handles the transportation of all the core components (hardware) of the IT infrastructure involved in constructing data centers. These IT components may not be particularly heavy, but specific floor loads, safety, and cleanliness standards during transportation are still relevant in terms of static building requirements, spatial conditions for maneuvering, and freedom from impacts and dust:

  • Servers: The main computing units in the form of racks, blades and towers
  • Data storage: SAN (storage area networks), NAS (network-attached storage) and DAS (direct-attached storage)
  • Network equipment: Routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers for data transmission
  • Special AI hardware: Graphics cards (GPUs) for intensive AI calculations

SCHOLPP’s technical solutions for IT components:

The weight of servers in data centers varies greatly depending on their type, with standard racks reaching 180 to 270 kg. However, modern AI-optimized racks can often weigh over a ton each as they contain denser hardware and more powerful components. This requires more resilient flooring and specialist lifting equipment.

Specialist equipment for moving IT components

SCHOLPP has been working for the semiconductor industry for over 25 years. We utilize top-of-the-line transport and lifting equipment (stainless steel, antistatic rollers, vibration-free movement using aircushion, etc.), allowing us to operate safely in cleanrooms. We use specialist technology to ensure the safe transportation of larger components with uneven centers of gravity. Our employees are trained and know how to deal with these conditions.

Our cleanroom airbag system enables machines to be floated to their destinations.
Our cleanroom airbag system enables machines to be floated to their destinations within the data center without being disturbed by vibrations.
Made of stainless steel and fitted with antistatic rollers, our high-quality, particle-free transport dollies ensure safe, precision movement.
Made of stainless steel and fitted with antistatic rollers, our high-quality, particle-free transport dollies ensure safe, precision movement.
We use heavy-duty transport carts to safely move heavy control cabinets with uneven centers of gravity.
We use heavy-duty transport carts to safely move control cabinets with uneven centers of gravity.

Infrastructure, support systems, and BS

Installing electrical and air conditioning supply systems in data centers: What can SCHOLPP do?

As with the core IT components, SCHOLPP is also the ideal partner when it comes to moving in and installing a data center’s infrastructure, support systems, and building services (BS):

  • Power supply: UPS systems, emergency power generators (diesel, gas), storage batteries, power distribution units (PDUs)
  • Cooling systems: Air conditioning and ventilation technology, air conditioning systems, VAV (variable air volume) systems, chillers
  • Racks and enclosures: Physical structures to house IT equipment (containment, racks, cages)
  • Safety: Fire alarm systems, fire extinguishing systems, access control systems, surveillance technology, building automation (DCIM)

 

 

Technical solutions for moving in support systems

The same systems that are used for cooling, ventilation and emergency power supplies in data centers can also be used in other comparable environments, such as hospitals, research institutes, power generation plants, semiconductor production facilities, and industrial manufacturing plants. We have a wealth of experience and expertise in this sector.

These assemblies and devices are often so large and heavy that they have to be brought in via the roof or by making openings in the façade if the building's entryways are narrow or difficult to access. For these scenarios, SCHOLPP has a wide range of technical solutions in its equipment pool that have been tried and tested over many years.

We have the technical capabilities to carry out one-off or temporary move-in operations as well as offer longer-term solutions. The following overview provides an insight into the diversity of SCHOLPP's technical solutions expertise.

Equipment like cooling units, UPS systems, and racks is unloaded from the truck, placed on the crane platform (up to 16 t) and brought in directly through the opening in the façade.
Equipment like cooling units, UPS systems, and racks is unloaded from the truck, placed on the crane platform (up to 16 t) and brought in directly through the opening in the façade.
Where technical assemblies have to be unloaded and lifted to great heights (e.g. when moving in via the roof) a truck-mounted crane is set up directly in front of the data center.
Where technical assemblies have to be unloaded and lifted to great heights (e.g. when moving in via the roof) a truck-mounted crane is set up directly in front of the data center.
Provided the façade is low enough to allow entry, power distribution units, racks, and cages are lifted directly with the loading crane, saving significant amounts of time.
Provided the façade is low enough to allow entry, power distribution units, racks, and cages are lifted directly with the loading crane, saving significant amounts of time.
If aggregates and equipment are to be installed on a large site over a period of months, we will design and install a permanent move-in platform.
If aggregates and equipment are to be installed on a large site over a period of months, we will design and install a permanent move-in platform.
And if the project schedule requires the interim storage of technical infrastructure close to the site, we will also handle the local transportation.
And if the project schedule requires the interim storage of technical infrastructure close to the site, we will also handle the local transportation.
In very specific situations, our engineering department will develop and build special structures for lifting, handling, and positioning.
In very specific situations, our engineering department will develop and build special structures for lifting, handling, and positioning.

On-site plant and machinery logistics from a single source

Move-in and transport logistics for new data center construction projects

Optimizing on-site logistics for plants and machinery: SCHOLPP specialists permanently on-site

What does on-site logistics mean for SCHOLPP? It means that we have a constant presence on site with our own temporary office throughout the assembly project. Our specialist fitters carry out every part of the work exclusively at the plant itself. We take care of the preparatory work on the construction site, the coordination of all deliveries, the unloading of machinery and the internal transportation of system components.

We also coordinate all deliveries, unload and move in IT and supply components, and install them at the designated locations - just-in-time or just-in-sequence as required. This guarantees smooth operations and efficient processes.

Challenging requirements for on-site machinery logistics:

  • Mastering complexity: Deliveries of various types of system from different manufacturers
  • Managing flexibility: Global supply chains require a differentiated delivery schedule
  • Organizing temporary storage: If deliveries are not made in the order in which they are being moved in and/or installed
  • Optimizing processes: Targeted mobilization of personnel and move-in technology for coordinated construction site logistics

Specific solutions from SCHOLPP:

  • Service from a single source: Central processing of all machine deliveries to the construction site, including allocation to interim storage, and delivery and positioning at the final installation site on the relevant date
  • Complete equipment fleet: Provision of transport and lifting equipment from the SCHOLPP technical warehouse and vehicle fleet, tailored to the logistical requirements and tasks involved (e.g. industrial cranes, transport trolleys, heavy-duty moving skates, crane platforms)
  • Trained staff: Experienced specialists from SCHOLPP locations in Germany and further afield
  • Project management: Comprehensive logistical documentation of all transport movements, if required
  • SCHOLPP engineering: Engineering services for heavy-duty lifting, and special structures for moving in where required

Global network

Always there, wherever our customers need us

SCHOLPP works in highly specialized fields, applying its technical expertise and many years of experience to master its customers’ challenges. Our name is synonymous with solutions. That’s why we always act as an integral part of your business process. Our motto is: Become one with your customer’s task – anytime, anywhere.

Our international corporate network consists of sites across the world that are all strategically interconnected. This enables us to exploit local market opportunities, optimize costs, and create synergies between the various locations, particularly in international relocation projects.

Our locations:

  • Germany: Dietzenbach, Berlin, Bremen, Chemnitz, Dresden, Jena, Leonberg
  • Italy: Milan
  • Spain: Barcelona
  • Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
  • China: Shanghai

SCHOLPP Equipment Park

Powerful equipment for a diverse range of specialist tasks

Demanding tasks are best tackled with specialist technology. This has been one of SCHOLPP’s unique trademarks since 1956. Engaging us ensures that your project will be implemented successfully, from large-scale projects like the construction of new plants to the relocation of existing plants, and specialized tasks such as the transportation and assembly of machinery. We find a safe, efficient and cost-effective solution for every move-in and move-out problem.

SCHOLPP laid the foundations for its industrial assembly business back in the 1970s when it developed and built its first hydraulic lifting gantries—an innovation without parallel anywhere in Europe. This key technology has enabled SCHOLPP to carve out a unique position in the assembly sector, offering specialist lifting gantries in various sizes, types, and variants. Further specialist technologies have been added over the years.

The task: As an industrial service provider, machine assembly, relocations, and specialized transport operations in various industries and sectors present us with a challenge in one aspect in particular: managing an enormous variety of machinery.

The problem: Technological developments and changing market conditions make it essential for the machinery to be highly mobile—both internally and internationally.

The solution: We have a technical solution to meet every requirement, whether you are moving conventional or new machine types. SCHOLPP’s materials management system covers the full spectrum of installation machinery and heavy-duty equipment.

Lifting gantries

Our powerful equipment is used to position heavy loads of up to 1,000 tons, even when space is cramped.

In-plant cranes - maximum maneuverability with a greater load capacity of up to 40 tons, despite a compact design.

In-plant cranes

Maximum maneuverability with a greater load capacity of up to 40 tons, despite a compact design.

Heavy-duty forklift trucks - compact specialist technology, up to 23 tons with free lift for journeys involving a raised load, even with height restrictions.

Heavy-duty forklift trucks

Compact specialist technology, up to 23 tons with free lift for journeys involving a raised load, even with height restrictions.

In-plant moving gear - Heavy-duty moving gear with high load capacity and low loading height, for indoor or outdoor use.

In-plant moving gear

Heavy-duty moving gear with high load capacity and low loading height, for indoor or outdoor use.

Transport rollers and dollies - small, strong and flexible, also suitable for sensitive production areas; self-driving up to 40 tons.

Transport rollers and dollies

Small, strong and flexible, also suitable for sensitive production areas; self-driving up to 40 tons. 

 

Responsibility and compliance

We keep our word

All SCHOLPP employees are obliged to observe a strict code of conduct. What we promise to do, we do: within the company, for our customers, for our environment.

  1. We follow international compliance standards regarding honesty and fairness in our global economic business relationships.
  2. We abide by high standards in occupational safety and health management for our employees and customers. Our in-house safety engineer monitors compliance with all regulations.
  3. We meet comprehensive social employer standards: we champion a culture of welcome and tolerance, we show appreciation and offer performance-related remuneration, and we also offer bespoke further training at the SCHOLPP Academy.
  4. We are gradually working to minimize our consumption of resources in our services and our fleet in order to protect the environment.
The SCHOLPP Academy – needs-oriented and customized employee training.
The SCHOLPP Academy – needs-oriented and customized employee training.
When people and equipment are handling the heaviest loads, safety comes first.
When people and equipment are handling the heaviest loads, safety comes first.
Like occupational safety, environmental protection is a central component of our corporate policy.
Like occupational safety, environmental protection is a central component of our corporate policy.

 

Downloads and technical information

Solutions for moving in and installing systems and machinery

Download PDFs of our brochures on specific topics and further technical information on SCHOLPP’s services.

 


Do you have any questions, or are you planning a specific project? We look forward to hearing from you:


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