ASSA ABLOY Helps Indian Architects Secure Data Centers

India’s data center market is booming, and staying ahead requires smart strategies. Expert guidance in access and security tech can be a game-changer for data center architects, construction firms, and project managers navigating this intricate field. For example, when Edifice was designing a new data center in Hyderabad, security was paramount. By teaming up with access specialists at ASSA ABLOY, they tapped into the knowledge of a global leader in data center security. Each door in the new facility needed individual control, a significant challenge considering the scale of the project: 270 doors in the first phase alone. ASSA ABLOY’s dedicated local BIM team helped Edifice work faster. They implemented specific functions for each door and hardware set efficiently. It optimized collaboration between the client and multiple teams — saving time and minimizing errors. The ability to specify both mechanical and digital solutions from ASSA ABLOY’s broad product range further streamlined the project. The Hyderabad facility features fire-rated and standard mechanical locking and door hardware, door closers, ABLOY Electric Locks, Sargent electric hardware for gates, and an ABLOY mechanical master-key system. Plus, the products came with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), contributing to the building’s LEED certification. Edifice, with 35 years of experience and over 1,700 builds, are seasoned BIM experts with growing expertise in the data center sector. Their integrated BIM workflows streamline projects from design to delivery, perfectly suited to meet the unique challenges of this sector. “The project required BIM delivery for all stakeholders, making it crucial for the door hardware team to have a synchronized design-to-delivery process,” explains Abhay Bhandari, Architectural Consultant at Edifice. “ASSA ABLOY’s BIM plugin proved to be a game changer.”

BIM software streamlines specification and facility management

ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio, a unique BIM tool, enabled efficient management of hardware specifications directly within the BIM environment. It swiftly and accurately integrated door hardware data from existing 3D models. Using Openings Studio with Revit optimized workflows, managed the complexity of assigning multiple security functions to various doors, and simplified detailed outputs for the project team. The software’s seamless integration with Revit ensured precise data extraction and organized documentation. This produced clear Excel reports for stakeholders. Consultants specializing in structure, MEP, and façade, along with general contractors, could access reliable, well-structured data, enhancing collaboration. BIM integration also supported the end-user’s facility management, streamlining handover and providing ongoing benefits for the data center’s security managers. Throughout the project, ASSA ABLOY provided comprehensive training and continuous support, from initial design to completion. This proactive approach empowered stakeholders, ensuring confidence in using the technology and achieving the project’s security goals. By partnering with ASSA ABLOY, Edifice Consultants successfully navigated the complexities of this ambitious project, setting new standards for data center security and efficiency. To learn more about streamlining specification with Openings Studio, visit www.openingsstudio.com.