Data Centre Implementation Guide

From Purchase to Payoff: Your Data Center Lifter Implementation Roadmap

A new lifter isn't just equipment—it's a workflow change. Follow these six steps to ensure adoption, safety, and maximum ROI.

Step 1: Map the Work

Document your current baseline:

●      How many server moves per month? (by type: installations, swaps, refreshes, battery moves)

●      What's the current labor model? (techs per task, time allocation, fully loaded cost)

●      Where are the pain points? (scheduling bottlenecks, safety incidents, rework, near-misses)

●      Which tasks occur during live windows vs. maintenance windows?

Output: A clear picture of your move volume, labor spend, and incident exposure.

Step 2: Select to Fit the Site

Match the lifter to your physical environment:

●      Test turn radius in your narrowest aisles

●      Verify height reach for your tallest racks and smallest bottom-of-rack clearances

●      Confirm flooring compatibility (carpet, raised floors, concrete, slope)

●      Plan access routes from storage to primary work areas

Output: Finalized specification with optional accessories (laptop stand, tool tray, etc.).

Step 3: Standardise the Method

Encode the lifter into your operational procedures:

●      Create/update method statements (RAMS/SOP) for each task type

●      Define approach path, platform set-points per rack RU, safe stowage

●      Integrate into your manual handling policy

●      Document tie-in with equipment-specific procedures (server insertion, battery swap, etc.)

Output: Updated SOPs that everyone follows.

Step 4: Train & Certify Use

Brief your teams:

●      Demonstrate controls, braking, directional lock

●      Practice on-site with actual equipment and racks

●      Tie training into your local manual handling policy and any colocation customer requirements

●      For contractors and rotating staff: embed lifter training into induction

Recommended: 2–4 hours per operator, quarterly refreshers

Output: Certified operators, documented training records.

Step 5: Measure & Improve

Track what matters:

●      Time-per-move - Compare pre/post. Target: 20–30% reduction in labor time

●      Rework events - Mis-seats, alignment issues, damage. Target: <5% of moves

●      Near-misses - Close calls or alignment concerns reported by operators

●      MSD reports - Any strain-related complaints or injury reports

Frequency: Weekly tracking, quarterly reviews. Adjust SOPs and accessories based on data.

Output: Dashboards showing ROI realization and continuous improvement opportunities.

Step 6: Maintain for Uptime

Protect your investment:

●      Schedule monthly visual inspections (brakes, seals, hydraulic hoses, wear items)

●      Use original replacement parts to maintain performance and warranty

●      Consider a service agreement for priority repairs and emergency support

●      Track maintenance cost against operational uptime benefit

Output: Minimal lifter downtime, sustained operational benefit.