Facility Operations Maturity Model for Data Centers

Overview

FOMM groups 26 elements under 7 core disciplines; each element is divided into sub-elements, and every sub-element is scored from 1 (initial/ad hoc) to 5 (optimized) against defined criteria. The levels are Initial/ad hoc, Repeatable but intuitive, Defined process, Managed and measurable, and Optimized.

What separates the levels is spelled out: Level 3 requires documentation and formal training, Level 4 adds monitoring, continuous improvement and limited automated tools, and Level 5 requires integrated automation. Formal training means purpose-specific written materials combined with oral presentation, demonstration or hands-on practice plus a written evaluation.

Reporting examples include goal-versus-actual charts, a risk chart by line of inquiry and an effort-versus-impact ranking. Risk is reported across three lines of inquiry: formal process, awareness and training, and field implementation. Immediate corrective plans are advised for any element at 60% risk or above.

The first assessment is ideally made during commissioning for new sites, then repeated at regular intervals (perhaps annually) or after major changes in personnel, process, budget or goals. The paper also recommends an independent assessor.

Key points

1. 26 elements under 7 disciplines, each divided into sub-elements.
2. Sub-elements are scored 1-5: Initial, Repeatable, Defined, Managed, Optimized.
3. Level 3 requires documentation and formal training.
4. Level 4 adds monitoring, continuous improvement and limited automated tools; Level 5 requires integrated automation.
5. Three lines of inquiry: formal process, awareness and training, field implementation.
6. Immediate corrective plans advised for any element at 60% risk or above.
7. First assessment during commissioning, then annually or after major change.

Using it in design

• Add an optional O&M maturity self-assessment to the handover/operate module: 7 disciplines, 1-5 per sub-element, target versus actual.
• Warn that design redundancy may not be realized when the design targets a high-criticality class but the assessment is missing or below Level 3 for change or emergency management.
• Schedule the first assessment at commissioning and an annual reminder afterwards.
• Flag every element at 60% risk or above for corrective action.

Who should read it

Owners and operations managers who want to measure operational maturity against design intent.

Related standards

• EN 50600-3-1
• Uptime Institute Tier Standard: Operational Sustainability

Publication details

Authors

Jennifer Schafer; Patrick Donovan

Publisher

Schneider Electric

Year

2014

Document number

WP 197

Document language

English

Source type

Manufacturer

Access

Free to read

Licence

Copyright retained; citation only — the publisher’s terms apply to the original document

Citation