In this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show podcast, DCF Editor in Chief Matt Vincent speaks with Craig Compiano, CEO of Modius Inc.
TL;DR (Executive Summary)
A true data center digital twin depends on accurate, real-time Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) data. In this podcast conversation, industry leaders explain why static models fall short—and how live telemetry turns a digital twin into an operational decision engine.
- A digital twin is only as good as the real-time data feeding it.
- DCIM provides the live power, cooling, and asset telemetry that makes twins actionable.
- Real-time twins help operators predict risk, test change impact, and plan safely.
- Static models are “digital cousins,” not true digital twins.
What This Podcast Covers
In this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show, Editor-in-Chief Matt Vincent speaks with Craig Compiano, CEO of Modius®, about how real-time DCIM data changes what a digital twin can actually do in production environments.
Rather than treating a digital twin as a design-time visualization, the discussion focuses on operational twins—live models that evolve continuously as conditions change across power, cooling, and infrastructure assets.
Why Real-Time Data Is the Difference
Digital twins have existed conceptually for years, but without continuous data they quickly become outdated. The podcast explains why:
- Power loads shift minute-to-minute
- Failover scenarios change equipment behavior instantly
- Cooling performance varies with workload and density
A digital twin fed by live DCIM telemetry allows operators to see cause and effect as it happens, not after an incident.
Practical Examples Discussed
The conversation walks through real operational scenarios, including:
- Watching ATS or PDU load change live during a failover event
- Modeling device failure and automatically simulating load transfer to redundant paths
- Identifying single points of failure before they impact SLAs
- Testing proposed changes in a virtual environment while values update in real time
These examples illustrate how a digital twin becomes a planning and risk-analysis tool, not just a diagram.
Digital Twin vs. “Digital Cousin”
A key theme of the episode is the distinction between true digital twins and static representations. Without real-time inputs, models cannot reflect reality fast enough to support operations.
A DCIM-powered digital twin updates continuously, processing millions of data points per minute, and remains aligned with the physical environment as it changes.
Listen to the Podcast
Read the original article and listen to the full podcast episode on Data Center Frontier:
Podcast: Get to Know Your Digital Twin in Real-Time — A DCIM View
Consider Modius® OpenData®
Modius OpenData is a DCIM platform built around real-time, trusted data. It brings power, cooling, environmental, and asset information into one clear view, so operators can see what is happening across their facilities.
OpenData connects easily with other operations and IT tools, helping teams spot problems early, make safer changes, and run their data centers with more confidence. OpenData provides accurate, real-time Data Center Infrastructure Management data that powers true digital twins, turning static models into operational decision engines through live telemetry.
Want to learn more? The DCIM Buyer’s Guide explains how to evaluate DCIM platforms, compare features, and plan a successful rollout.
About Modius
Modius delivers real-time, scalable infrastructure management software purpose-built for critical facilities—from data centers to telecom, smart buildings, and beyond.
Our flagship platform, OpenData®, unifies operational and IT systems into a single pane of glass, empowering teams with actionable insights across power, cooling, environmental, and IT assets.
By eliminating fragmented tools and enabling predictive analytics, capacity planning, and 3D visualization, Modius helps operators master both white and gray space with confidence.
Contact: sales@modius.com | (888) 323-0066 | www.modius.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a digital twin a “true” digital twin?
A true digital twin depends on accurate, real-time DCIM data that continuously reflects changes in power, cooling, and infrastructure assets.
Why are static digital twin models insufficient?
Without real-time inputs, static models quickly become outdated and cannot reflect reality fast enough to support operational decision-making.
How does DCIM support real-time digital twins?
DCIM provides live power, cooling, environmental, and asset telemetry that feeds a digital twin and keeps it aligned with the physical environment.
What operational use cases are discussed in the podcast?
The podcast discusses failover monitoring, device failure modeling, load transfer simulation, single point of failure identification, and real-time testing of proposed changes.