Effective Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) starts with accurate asset tracking. Asset templates are used to add new assets to the DCIM system. Each template is defined for a particular manufacturer, model, and options. These asset
templates should also contain custom properties specified by the organization such as install date, lifecycle state, rated capacity, and derated capacity. In this way, all assets in the DCIM system are consistent and searchable by these specified
properties. A library of asset templates may also be described as an Asset Master Catalog.
Standardizing asset tracking with a well-structured Asset Master Catalog streamlines deployment, improves visibility, and enhances capacity planning. Modius® OpenData® provides a scalable, vendor-agnostic solution that ensures accurate asset
management. With its robust features and seamless updates, OpenData simplifies asset tracking, improves decision-making, and future-proofs data center operations.
Challenges of Asset Management
Without a standardized approach, data centers struggle with inefficiencies, errors, and poor infrastructure visibility. Manual tracking or outdated DCIM software leads to inaccurate records, unreliable capacity planning, and compliance challenges.
- Inconsistent Asset Tracking: With thousands of assets, including racks, servers, power, and cooling equipment, outdated tracking methods cause inconsistencies and data errors.
- Operational Risks of Poor Asset Tracking: Inaccurate records slow operations, create compliance risks, and lead to unreliable power and capacity planning, increasing downtime risks.
- The Importance of Standardization: Without standardized templates, inconsistent data entry makes audits and reporting more time-consuming and prevents efficient bulk updates.
- Challenges with Vendor Support: Many DCIM vendors take weeks to fulfill new asset template requests, often charging additional fees, and some platforms do not allow user-created templates.
Key Features of an Effective Asset Master Catalog
| Feature | Description |
| Predefined Asset Templates | Ensures consistency across racks, servers, storage, and power infrastructure. |
| Bulk Update Functionality | Allows for efficient system-wide changes without manual updates. |
| Power Management Integration | Tracks rated, derated, and specified power capacity for more accurate energy planning. |
| Customizable Asset Properties | Supports tracking of serial numbers, lifecycle states, purchase dates, team assignments, and billing details. |
| Graphical Representation | Enables drag-and-drop asset placement into rack elevations or floor plans for better space planning. |
| Network & Subcomponent Tracking | Allows detailed modeling of patch panels, ports, cables, and asset components (e.g., memory, fans, power supplies). |
| Searchability | Operators can easily locate assets by type, make, model, or custom attributes to improve efficiency. |
The Impact of a Well-Designed Asset Catalog
A well-structured catalog enhances decision-making and lifecycle management by maintaining accurate records. It improves efficiency by streamlining data entry and asset deployment while reducing errors. Additionally, it allows operators to override
key properties like capacity and power ratings, ensuring precise resource management.
Unlocking Greater Efficiency with the OpenData Asset Master Catalog
Unlike other DCIM software, Modius OpenData provides a scalable, vendor-agnostic Asset Master Catalog with consistent asset tracking and seamless updates. Key differentiators include:
- Industry-Leading Graphical Interface & Real-Time Deployment
- Operators can drag and drop assets directly from the Asset Master Catalog into real-time 2D/3D visualizations.
- OpenData includes prebuilt graphical representations of all major asset types, minimizing manual setup time.
- Inheritance
- Unlike other DCIM platforms, OpenData asset templates, known as Asset Masters, allow bulk updates to any attribute that hasn’t been manually overridden.
- Hierarchical values follow a structured precedence:
- At the master level, the derated value overrides the manufacturer’s rated value.
- At the asset level, the declared value overrides both the derated and rated values from the master.
- Vendor-Agnostic Compatibility
- While many DCIM platforms are tied to specific vendors, OpenData supports any hardware or manufacturer, ensuring complete asset tracking flexibility.
- Users can freely add custom asset templates for racks, power units, cooling equipment, and IT hardware without restrictions.
- Unified Code Base for Seamless Asset Management
- A single, standardized code base ensures that Asset Masters remain consistent across all deployments, regardless of scale or infrastructure complexity.
- This eliminates software fragmentation, enabling smooth updates and preventing version mismatches in large environments.
- Advanced Power Management Integration
- Unlike competitors, OpenData embeds a hierarchical power model (Rated, Derated, Specified) directly into Asset Masters, ensuring precise power allocation.
- Users can adjust power capacity at the asset level or apply bulk changes across multiple devices.
- Faster & More Flexible Asset Catalog Expansion
- While competitors take 3-6 months to add new asset templates and charge high fees, OpenData fulfills custom Asset Master requests at no cost.
- Users can also create their own Asset Masters instantly, without waiting for software updates.
- Comprehensive Network and Subcomponent Tracking
- OpenData extends asset management beyond standalone devices by enabling drag-and-drop tracking of subcomponents such as memory, drives, power supplies, and fans.
- Network components like patch panels, ports, and cables are also managed within the Asset Master Catalog, ensuring complete infrastructure visibility.
Optimizing Data Center Management with Scalable and Flexible Asset Tracking
Effective DCIM relies on accurate, scalable asset tracking. A well-structured Asset Master Catalog eliminates inefficiencies, enhances decision-making, and optimizes capacity planning. OpenData offers fast, no-cost asset catalog expansions, allowing
users to customize templates without delays. With intuitive tools, unmatched flexibility, and scalability, OpenData delivers the most comprehensive asset management solution. For data centers aiming to eliminate inefficiencies and future-proof
infrastructure, OpenData is the clear choice. Download the
Asset Module Product Brief to learn more. We are passionate about empowering our clients to run more profitable data centers while providing unmatched visibility into operational data. Modius has been delivering DCIM solutions since 2007, is based in San Francisco and proudly certified as a
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB). Contact us at sales@modius.com or (888) 323.0066 to learn more.
