Data Center Infrastructure Scanning for Accurate DCIM Documentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual data entry process for creating digital models of datacenter infrastructure is time-consuming and prone to errors, consuming valuable enterprise resources and leading to outdated documentation.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a scanner to read unique identifiers on data center components, a mobile computing device with software to associate and display component information, and a communication unit to export data to a management solution, reducing the need for manual data entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual data entry is used to create digital models of infrastructure components, then the DCIM system can be populated with component information, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of component documentationVSAvoidtime required for data entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical scanning using barcode scanners and RFID readers. The scanner captures unique identifiers from infrastructure components and automatically transmits data to the mobile device, eliminating the need for manual typing and reducing both time consumption and human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The infrastructure components themselves provide their identification information through self-adhesive barcode labels or RFID tags that are already attached to them. The scanning system reads this pre-existing information without requiring human intervention for data collection, allowing the components to essentially document themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual data entry is used to update physical location changes, then the digital model can be updated, but enterprise resources are significantly drained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to update infrastructure changesVSAvoidenterprise resource efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual updating processes with automated scanning and wireless communication. When infrastructure components are moved or changed, the scanner automatically captures new location information and transmits it via the mobile device's communication unit to update the DCIM system, eliminating the need for manual data entry and significantly improving enterprise resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the physical infrastructure and the DCIM system. It receives scanned data from the scanner, processes the location information, and automatically transmits updates to the DCIM system, streamlining the update process and reducing the burden on enterprise resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If extensive manual data entry is required for DCIM operations, then comprehensive infrastructure documentation can be achieved, but the process becomes overwhelming and results in outdated documentation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of infrastructure documentationVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual data entry operations with automated scanning and wireless transmission. The scanner quickly captures unique identifiers from multiple components, and the mobile device automatically transmits this information to the DCIM system, making the process simple and straightforward while maintaining complete and accurate documentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous updating of infrastructure documentation through automated scanning and real-time wireless communication. As components are moved, added, or changed, the scanner continuously captures new information and the mobile device continuously transmits updates to the DCIM system, ensuring documentation remains current without requiring extensive manual effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250342096A1Infrastructure management system and method

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 PANDUIT CORP

AI summary

A system for management of telecommunication or data center infrastructure including multiple components may include a scanner to scan a unique identifier attached to a component of the infrastructure, and a mobile device which may include a processor, a data storage medium storing machine readable instructions, a communication unit, and a user interface including a display. The mobile computing device may execute the machine readable instructions to (i) receive, from the scanner, a component identifier associated with the component obtained via a scan of the unique identifier attached to the component, (ii) associate the component identifier with a location of the component in the infrastructure, (iii) display, on the user interface, the component identifier associated with the location of the component, and (iv) export, via the communication unit, the location of the component to a management solution for use in management of the component in the infrastructure.