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Full Data Center Dynamics Article

The rapid rise of AI and machine learning has ushered in a new era of data centers, where systems and infrastructure must be inherently flexible. They need to support the seamless deployment of new services, scale with growing demand, and pivot rapidly in response to shifting priorities.

This urgency puts pressure on manufacturers and suppliers to shorten lead times and streamline operations. Doing so enables them to support data center operators in scaling efficiently, and staying competitive.

Ericka Harrison, senior vice president of operations at Accelevation, shares her insights on why speed and flexibility are essential in today’s data center landscape, and how Accelevation’s integrated approach to design and manufacturing is helping customers achieve faster, future-ready results with their needs front and center.

Leading the way

Challenges and opportunities emerge rapidly in the data center industry. While it’s essential to anticipate what’s ahead, the reality is that the future is uncertain. Without a crystal ball, the best strategy is to remain fast and flexible – in both the deployment and ongoing operation of solutions.

“Speed and flexibility are everything in our business because they give us a competitive edge,” says Harrison. “Whether you're working with hyperscalers, colocation providers, or both, the more flexibility we offer, the better our customers can meet evolving demands.”

Amid supply chain volatility, tariff uncertainty, and project-specific requirements, the ability to pivot and maintain operational efficiency is critical.

“You have to take calculated risks based on historical trends and do your best to predict the future,” adds Harrison. “What makes us unique is that we manufacture in-house. That lets us absorb some of that risk so our customers don’t have to – we control it within our own environment.”

Diversification is another key advantage. “Creating a diverse portfolio protects us and our customers,” explains Harrison. “Especially in manufacturing, it’s about building in contingency and redundancy.”

By duplicating critical components, built-in redundancy ensures there’s no service interruption in the event of a failure. Deploying this strategy also supports future scalability for operators, enabling growth as business needs evolve. Having the flexibility to pivot, without stopping operations, is a key competitive advantage.

Communication is key: Going fully integrated

To deliver fast, flexible white space solutions, Accelevation takes a fully integrated approach across design, manufacturing, and installation. Harrison explains:

“We have the ability to level-load our manufacturing sites, and when you can do that, you gain speed and improved quality. It’s about making the same product consistently before switching to something new – that’s how we stay competitive.”

By keeping each step in-house, Accelevation streamlines processes end-to-end, ensuring speed, efficiency, and precision. This also gives customers a single point of contact and clear visibility right through from design to implementation.

“Our installation team members visit our manufacturing sites to see how the product is built,” says Harrison. “That insight gives them an advantage during installation because they understand the product’s construction and our best practices. Equally, insights and feedback from the field are funneled back to the shop floor to drive continuous improvement.”

Working seamlessly across design, manufacturing, and installation enables quick response to customer needs. This end-to-end integration ensures transparency and accountability. Plus, the approach enables forward-thinking – laying the groundwork for what customers might need next.

“It takes a lot of collaboration to ensure everything lines up,” notes Harrison. “But when you build the right mechanisms inside your company, you can do it transparently.”