Demand driven by AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure has created a boom in data center construction. Like many areas of progress, protocol and standardization sometimes come secondary to innovation, and the demand for data infrastructure builds is no exception.
Tech companies are racing to build faster, but the expectations around safety, reliability, and security remain critical in these environments. Construction leaders overseeing these projects are facing multiple conflicting challenges:
The demand for AI requires specialized data center designs that can require multiple strict access levels.
Data center builds often require contractors, such as data engineers and fiber optic contractors, and the need to scale based on project stages, which can make consistent access level control difficult.
Site security standards need to remain reliable and consistent, requiring contractors to be properly screened before stepping on site.
Tech companies want the best of both worlds: high security standards and speed.
If these challenges are not addressed before data center construction begins, the likelihood of operational bottlenecks increases.
Where innovation leads, sometimes protocol follows. But speed and high security standards remain priorities. Construction and site leaders are often left with conflicting challenges that don’t seem to line up.
Despite the challenges, data center construction seems to be picking up speed. According to McKinsey & Company, global investment in data center infrastructure is expected to hit nearly $7 trillion in capital expenditure by 2030. For sub-contractors in the space, it presents a huge opportunity, but it doesn’t come without difficulties.
As a construction site leader, maintaining security means screening contractors and vendors before they step on site. You aren’t just managing schedules and project completion on data center sites; you’re responsible for helping create a secure environment that keeps the site safe throughout the process. On top of that, vendors and sites often have different expectations for what a secure environment should look like, which requires constant, clear communication.
With sensitive technology and data at the core of data center sites, construction management needs to reflect safety protocols not only during construction but also for ongoing maintenance and projects.
Construction and contractor managers need to be able to scale based on needs and varying credentialing requirements. For instance, a contracted engineer likely requires access to server environments, while a fiber optic contractor will likely require access to sensitive connectivity systems that general subcontractors do not.
Data center builds also involve expensive materials that can take significant time and resources to replace, and even a single small incident can create a resource or security bottleneck. Even worse, a lack of strong access controls over sensitive network infrastructure for those who don’t need it can quickly become a vulnerability and security risk that erodes client trust.
With so many variables involved, building confidence with clients means that contractors need to be screened before stepping on site, thoroughly and quickly. While speed to meet project requirements is critical, trust and security are indispensable and ultimately require innovative thinking to adapt.
Certified Contractors’ unique tiered screening certification levels provide both sites and construction management with a clear, unified standard for screening that is quick and easy to use. Get certification of background checks ranging from basic criminal background checks to comprehensive screening and continuous monitoring, with optional drug screening panels and à la carte add-on options for niche roles, as needed. Sites can request screening levels for contractors based on risk, and results are visible and easy to access for both sites and vendors. Our system gives you the screening tools you need to maintain speed and fulfill site standards with ease, reduce uncertainty, and demonstrate consistent due diligence to clients and stakeholders.
Access levels are critical for data center construction. In addition to our unique screening levels, we make managing access levels easier, too. Our system supports multiple levels for different access areas within each site. With our easy-to-use search dashboard and color-coded contractor system, managers can verify each contractor’s profile and documentation in one place and quickly determine whether zoned access requirements are met. We also offer both physical and digital badges, depending on the site's needs, to help control access and maintain a safer environment that builds client trust.
Confidence and client trust are built before contractors step on site. How do you maintain security, compliance, and trust at scale? Reach out to Certified Contractors to learn how you can help build trust with current clients and land future projects.