ASSA ABLOY’s Access and Security Expertise in Data Centre Specification Helps Indian Architects
India is among the world’s fastest growing data centre markets. Hands-on specification support provided by specialists in access and security management technologies can help data centre architects, construction companies, project managers and other stakeholders work smarter in this complex field – and stay ahead of their competitors.
When Edifice were designing a new data centre in Hyderabad, for example, security was clearly a top priority. By working with access experts at ASSA ABLOY, they were able to benefit from a global leader’s expertise in the data centre sector.
Every door at the new building required individual control. The complex’s size also presented a challenge – with 270 doors in phase one of the project alone. Working with ASSA ABLOY’s local dedicated BIM team helped them work faster to implement accurate, differentiated functionality for each door and hardware set time-efficiently, and to optimize collaboration between the client and multiple teams working on the same project. Collaborating saved time and minimized specification errors.
Being able to specify both mechanical and digital solutions from ASSA ABLOY’s vast range of solutions also helped streamline project delivery. ASSA ABLOY products deployed in Hyderabad include 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. Products were supplied with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), helping the final building achieve LEED certification.
With more than 1,700 diverse builds handled over 35 years, Edifice are experienced BIM practitioners with fast-growing specialist expertise in the data centre sector. By delivering integrated, synchronized BIM workflows to streamline a project’s design-to-delivery processes, they are ideally equipped to meet the sector’s specific challenges.
“The project had to be delivered via BIM for all stakeholders, so it was imperative the door hardware team have the design-to-delivery process in sync,” explains Abhay Bhandari, Architectural Consultant at Edifice.
”ASSA ABLOY’s BIM plugin proved to be a game changer,”
Abhay Bhandari, Architectural Consultant at Edifice
BIM software streamlines specification and facility management
ASSA ABLOY’s unique BIM tool Openings Studioä enabled efficient management of hardware specifications directly within the BIM ecosystem, by swiftly and accurately integrating door hardware data from existing 3D models. Using Openings Studio alongside Revit® optimized workflows for the project team, managing the complexity of assigning multiple security functions to various doors while simplifying detailed outputs.
The seamless integration of the software with Revit ensured precise data extraction and organized documentation, producing easy-to-read Excel reports for stakeholders. Consultants specializing in the structure, MEP, and the façade, along with general contractors, could access reliable, well-structured data to enhance collaboration.
BIM integration also supported the end-user’s ongoing facility management, making the handover process smooth and efficient, and providing ongoing benefits for the data centre’s security managers.
Throughout the collaboration, ASSA ABLOY provided comprehensive training and continuous support – from the initial design phase through to project 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 benchmarks for data centre security and efficiency.
