How To Organize a Cable Labeling System for a Data Center

Organization is one of the most critical aspects of a well-run and productive data center. And the principal focus of the organization should be the cables and their labels. Below, we’ll discuss best practices for organizing a cable labeling system for a data center, the benefits of an organized system, and what you’ll need to create a logical and effective labeling system.

BENEFITS OF A CABLE LABELING SYSTEM FOR DATA CENTERS

Having an organized labeling system helps data centers in more ways than one. Some benefits of a well-organized cable labeling system include troubleshooting and downtime reduction, lower costs, and reduced inventory loss.

Troubleshooting Help

A well-coordinated labeling system can make all the difference when troubleshooting solutions to the myriad of pesky problems that inevitably occur in a data center. An organized and well-labeled cable system makes troubleshooting much easier by making it clear what every cable and component is and where it goes.

And faster and better troubleshooting procedures also means faster maintenance and repairs, less downtime, and better productivity. There’s no doubt that a labeling system is one of the most important investments in a data center.

Lower Labor Costs

The benefit of reducing downtime also comes with lower labor and repair costs for data centers. Like any other business, time is money at a data center, so less time spent fixing problems and making repairs means less time and money wasted.

The seemingly small and inconsequential investment of resources into creating an organized and detailed cable labeling system can pay exceptional dividends for data centers.

Reduce Inventory Loss

In a data center with so many cables and computer equipment, it’s easy for things to get lost in the shuffle or even get stolen. An organized labeling system helps data centers prevent inventory loss through detailed equipment stock tracking and streamlined warehouse management.

WHAT YOU NEED TO CREATE A LABELING SYSTEM FOR A DATA CENTER

Labels

Of course, you’ll need quality and detailed labels for your data center system organization. The packaging and labeling industry is constantly developing new special labels for certain environments, like data centers, that make labeling and organization easier.

Many labels are suited for different environments, from durable heat-shrink tubing to wrap-around labels and simple but effective cable flags for fiber optic cables. Decide what your data center needs first, then ensure you have the right labels for your environment.

Scanners

Along with the labels, data centers need scanners to read, identify, and trace the cables and the equipment using a quick scan of barcode labels. Data centers that plan on using barcode labels for any parts of the cable labeling need scanners to read 1D, 2D, and QR codes.

It’s also wise to get scanners that are compatible with Apple and Android smartphone and tablet devices to provide maximum convenience to the staff.

Inventory Management System

To help keep track of all the equipment and maintenance of the data center, the staff will also want to invest in an inventory management system. Even with all the right tools and best practices, data center staff need a helping hand to keep track of everything from cable components to labels, activity logs, and more.

An inventory management system helps data center staff with tasks like:

• Conducting inventory audits
• Designing cable labels
• Tracking inventory
• Automating check-out/check-in of assets

Many different systems are available, all proclaiming to be the best and most efficient, so data centers should first conduct some background research on what each system provides and how it suits their data center.

BEST PRACTICES FOR ORGANIZING A CABLE SYSTEM IN A DATA CENTER

When designing an organization system for data center cable labels, a few best practices should always be considered to ensure maximum efficiency.

Use the Right Cable Printer

The first things a data center needs to organize a cable labeling system are the right tools, like a handy printer. Data centers should only use high-quality, commercial-grade cable marking machines that, ideally, are easy to use, portable, and versatile.

Tri-Star Technologies has a wide assortment of machines for data center labeling with numerous label materials and styles. If you need help finding the right cable labeling machine for your data center, our expert staff can help guide you in the right direction.

Color Code Cables & Labels

A strict cable and labeling color code is one of the simplest but most important aspects of an organized labeling system. Color-coded cable labels aren’t just bright and colorful for appearances—these traits are integral to staying organized and quickly identifying cables.

Data center staff don’t want to read the label of every cable they come across, so having a simple color code for certain cables and labels and where they go makes picking out and finding cables much easier.

Follow Proven Labeling Standards

Anyone trying to manage a cable system for a data center should be intimately familiar with the ANSI/TI-606-B standard for cable labeling. This standard establishes clear and effective labeling and record-keeping guidelines that many data centers, network systems, and telecommunication organizations use.

Some of the standard principles include labels being consistent, legible, rational, and resistant to environmental conditions like heat, light, and moisture. All cables and pathways in the ANSI/TI-606-B standard must also be labeled on each end and identify termination points. This standard is an excellent starting point and script when organizing a cable labeling system.

Use Standard Nomenclature

When creating an organized system for a data center, it’s wise to establish clear labeling and cable nomenclature. When it comes to labels and organizing cables, everyone has to be on the same page, or else there’ll be mass confusion.

Those designing and creating the cable labeling and organization system should also include a key of important and special terms, abbreviations, and names to ensure everyone can follow the guidelines proficiently. This simple key will also make training new staff much easier.

CONCLUSION

Organizing a data center labeling system can seem daunting, but with the right tools and best practices, coming up with a simple but effective organizing system can be simple. If you need a new cable labeling machine for your data center, browse our inventory at Tri-Star Technologies.