Modular manufacturing has been gaining popularity in the data center world. This approach offers a more streamlined alternative to traditional construction methods. By building standardized, pre-fabricated units in a controlled environment, companies can deliver fully functional systems to their final destination faster and with greater reliability. Let’s explore what modular manufacturing looks like in practice and the key advantages that set this approach apart.
What Is Modular Manufacturing?
Modular manufacturing is an approach to industrial production in which building units are constructed in a controlled manufacturing environment according to standardized and highly efficient methods. Finished modules are then delivered to their destination, where they are swiftly installed and ready for action.
Modular manufacturing can be used in a variety of industries. In the data center world, it has been gaining traction as companies see the advantages of this approach. The trend is set to continue, with the modular data center market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 17 percent between 2024 and 2032.
What Does the Process Look Like for PCX?
Modular manufacturers may approach the process a bit differently, but PCX projects generally follow the sequence of steps outlined below.
Planning
The process begins before manufacturing even starts. The PCX team coordinates with a client to scope out the project details, write a contract and design the final product. Once it’s time for manufacturing, design drawings are converted to manufacturing drawings.
Manufacturing
Then, construction can begin. The manufacturing process consists of these steps:
- Securing components and subcomponents
- Fabricating the steel structure/enclosure
- Mounting and configuring all the equipment
- Completing pre-wiring and inter-connections
- Testing and conducting quality checks
Installation
After manufacturing, PCX transports modular units to the deployment site using specialized methods to protect them every step of the way. A skilled installer can then place the modular system and properly connect it to on-site utilities so it’s ready for use.
What Are Some Advantages of Modular Manufacturing?
Modular manufacturing has been shown to offer some useful advantages over traditional stick-built manufacturing. Some of the biggest benefits include speed, quality assurance and reliability.
Speed
Though there’s plenty of room for customization, modular manufacturing often involves some standardized elements. That means you can speed up the process by having some designs and components ready to go. Plus, modular manufacturing isn’t subject to delays common to construction sites. An indoor manufacturing space ensures no weather delays, and constructing the modular data center, skid or switchgear off-site allows for other work, like site preparation, to be carried out simultaneously, greatly reducing the overall project timeline.
Quality Assurance
Modular manufacturing is carefully managed from start to finish by experienced professionals in a controlled environment. This tightly controlled process helps ensure quality at every level. Quality assurance is even more guaranteed for a vertically integrated company like PCX, which handles all aspects of manufacturing in-house, from steel fabrication to the final details. We also test all our products before delivering them to the job site.
Predictability
The standardization of the process and the controlled environment where it occurs also make modular manufacturing far more consistent than a traditional construction project. Aside from variables that may be outside of the manufacturer’s control (e.g., change orders from the client or supply chain delays), modular manufacturing follows a predictable sequence of steps. That means you can count on timelines and cost projections that are more accurate, allowing you to plan better.
Scalability
Modular units are designed to seamlessly fit together. This fact, combined with how simple and fast it is to manufacture them, makes it easy to scale when you’re ready. You can build your capacity while keeping your data center orderly and intuitive for operators and maintenance workers.
Learn More About Modular Data Centers
Modular manufacturing delivers exceptional speed, quality, predictability and scalability that traditional methods can’t match. As data center demand continues to rise, modular solutions will play an increasingly vital role in enabling faster, more efficient deployments.
Want to learn more about modular data centers? Check out our interactive infographic, “The Anatomy of a Modular Data Center,” to see what’s included in these all-in-one units!
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