Nowhere else in modern industry do artificial and human intelligence converge with such transformative potential as in the world of data centers. As AI's extraordinary growth accelerates demand for data centers, it simultaneously elevates the strategic importance of human-led optimization in facility management and energy efficiency.
As we discussed in a previous article, the growing demand for cloud computing — driven largely by AI — has spurred significant expansion in data centers. This momentum brings new challenges related to energy use, rising power costs, and emissions, posing both risks and opportunities for the industry.
Amid these technological advancements, the core principles of data center management have never been more critical. As rising complexity and costs challenge the industry, operational excellence increasingly depends on deep facility expertise, proven infrastructure strategies, and hands-on operational knowledge.
These essential capabilities — the ability to engineer, organize, and optimize power delivery systems — are now key differentiators in maintaining competitive edge through operational efficiency and strategic oversight.
Balancing performance and efficiency in a fast-changing industry
Data center companies are grappling with rising energy costs while striving to reduce emissions in keeping with corporate sustainability goals. The surge in AI-related computing demand — requiring more power and cooling than typical enterprise IT — only intensifies this challenge.
With these pressures mounting, operators must not only address cost and efficiency but also ensure they meet customer expectations for uninterrupted service at competitive pricing. While many operators are exploring AI-powered solutions — from energy management systems to smart charging algorithms — true operational breakthroughs will stem from deep, hands-on expertise. The most effective improvements come from teams who can translate technological potential into practical, site-specific optimization strategies.
The human edge in data center optimization
With the right team of skilled professionals in place, data centers can leverage integrated facility management practices to drive improvements in efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s how human-led strategies make a measurable difference:
- Optimizing power usage effectiveness (PUE). PUE has long been the go-to metric for measuring facility energy efficiency. New-build and legacy facilities alike are keen to squeeze more computation per MWh of electricity from their systems to maximize PUE. By refining energy management systems, facility teams can better control airflow and cooling, and adjust temperature set points to optimize performance — without sacrificing reliability. For legacy data centers, where upgrades are often cost-prohibitive, these human-led solutions are crucial for maximizing efficiency without major infrastructure changes.
- Reducing downtime with strategic redundancy. Downtime can be costly for data centers, both in terms of lost revenue and reputational damage. Human expertise plays a pivotal role in designing and maintaining resilient systems that balance energy efficiency with the need for redundancy and backup power. Skilled teams focus on creating energy-efficient backup systems that ensure reliable uptime without excessive costs, like integrating dual power supplies with automated failover, or implementing redundant cooling units that kick in only when needed. These systems safeguard operations while adapting to evolving infrastructure demands, together minimizing the risk of service interruptions and optimizing energy use across the facility
- Navigating the challenges of legacy vs. new systems. Legacy data centers are essential for business continuity and client relationships, but they face unique challenges. Outdated infrastructure and limited resources make it hard to meet modern energy and cooling demands. Partnering with skilled experts helps these facilities modernize systems, improve efficiency, and overcome obstacles without disrupting operations.
New builds, while offering a clean slate, present their own complexities. Early-stage oversight by experienced professionals can be the difference between success and costly missteps. For example, during a recent Dallas project, Mantis consultants identified design flaws in preliminary electrical plans within 30 minutes, saving the data center business tens of thousands of dollars by addressing issues before construction began.
Whether working with legacy facilities, new builds, or both, taking a portfolio-wide view is key. An integrated, human-led approach to facility management ensures each project supports broader operational goals by finding ways to streamline systems, improve efficiency, and optimize resource allocation.
- Enabling smart energy consumption management. Energy management can cut costs and drive sustainability when you combine the precision of AI-powered systems — including sensors, smart meters, and building management systems — with the nuanced judgment of human expertise. With data-driven insight, energy management teams can adjust course based on historical trends, real-time patterns, and factors like weather and occupancy, in turn reducing waste and responding dynamically to demand or price fluctuation.
- Optimizing cooling. Cooling is one of the most energy-intensive aspects of data center operations, especially as heat generation rates continue to rise. By leveraging real-time monitoring, data center teams can make smart adjustments to airflow, temperature, and cooling cycles, all without relying solely on automated systems. The expertise to manually adjust these systems — when needed — ensures that energy use is optimized while avoiding equipment failure or overheating.
- Enhancing predictive maintenance and lifecycle optimization. Human expertise complements AI-driven predictive analytics to keep data centers running efficiently. Skilled facility teams can use advanced tools to monitor equipment health, spot issues before they escalate, and plan timely upgrades that extend hardware lifespans and minimize disruptions. These proactive strategies not only reduce downtime but also improve resource efficiency across the entire lifecycle of a facility.
Guiding data centers to peak performance
As AI continues to evolve, the key to success in data centers lies in technological innovation with the insight and expertise of seasoned teams. True value emerges when human judgment is integrated with advanced solutions, driving efficiency, cost savings, and long-term resilience.
The future of data center operations depends on this balance — combining cutting-edge tools with strategic expertise to build smarter, more sustainable systems. By embracing both, data centers are paving the way for a new era of adaptability and operational excellence.
Mantis Innovation’s experienced staff offer valuable insights into modern data center operations, helping facilities stay ahead in this competitive, rapidly evolving industry. Contact the Mantis Data Center Team today to learn more or start your next project.
