How to protect server racks?

According to a recent global survey of executives conducted by IBM, cloud computing and services rank first among emerging technologies. It is not difficult to see why since, with the current digitalization, the demand for work in the cloud and, consequently, for servers is experiencing unprecedented growth.

Therefore, it is vitally important to have a reliable packaging provider to ensure the hardware arrives safely at its final destination. However, it's important to understand server racks and the surrounding landscape before diving into the challenges of shipping them.

Server racks and the growing demand for data

A server rack is an enclosure that contains and organizes various data storage units. Server racks are effective for organizing server equipment thanks to their vertical design, which allows you to optimize the components they contain without using up too much floor space. Due to the increasing need for connectivity worldwide, servers and the racks that house them have become essential for many companies globally.

Like other markets, the server and data storage market is primarily segmented by product features to meet consumer needs. In some cases, the manufacturer's main focus is to maintain a very high level of reliability and security. This emphasis is often necessary for customers with extremely sensitive data and strict security requirements, such as hospitals, government organizations, and investment firms.

At the opposite extreme, other manufacturers are ranked by their network power. These players are often seen as industry disruptors as they have become increasingly relevant over the past decade due to the rise of cloud-based companies and technology on a global scale. They are often also lower-cost options, which can sometimes be more appropriate based on customer needs.

It is important to remember that, as a society, we are in the very early stages of using network hardware. Its importance and use will only grow exponentially in the coming years, leading to a growing need for these services.

The challenges of transporting a server

Server racks are usually extremely heavy constructions and quite unwieldy. For example, a standard server rack with dimensions of 24x40x88 can weigh between 900 and 1,100 kilos or even more. In addition, they are quite fragile and expensive, since sometimes their price exceeds several hundred thousand euros.

Consequently, shipping these racks can be quite complicated. Servers should also be shipped upright to prevent damage to the inside equipment. As a high center of gravity object shipped in this position, servers are prone to tipping, making the handling process extremely complicated and potentially dangerous if not carried out correctly.

Also, many hardware manufacturers, including server manufacturers, are starting to pack more into these drives, making them more powerful and compact but also denser. This trend has further altered the server rack landscape and introduced the challenge of protecting the racks and drives. 

Facing these challenges: Solutions for server racks

Being something as heavy and valuable as we have seen these servers are, it is easy to imagine that a lot of care must be devoted to the design of their packaging. Although each design will inevitably be different, some general considerations must be remembered.

The most significant thing is to guarantee as much safety as possible. As efficiently as possible by looking at the different materials and finding the areas within the packaging where support is most needed. At the same time, the packaging must protect it from shock and vibration to prevent damage during transport.

Depending on the mode of transport used, the stresses to which it will be exposed will be different and, therefore, can also influence the design of the final solution.

At Britwrap, we understand this market perfectly, which is why we have solutions, whatever the position in the distribution chain. We sell the best protective packaging all over the UK.

The most common solutions we provide for these server racks are reusable systems, which improve repeat flows between distribution points and reduce environmental impact.

In some cases, it is necessary, for example, to ship these racks internationally by air, in which case the limitation of the total weight is the main concern. In these situations, we offer particularly light and safe solutions. As each situation is different, we create tailor-made solutions.

Britwrap's Courage

Our experience supports our value. Over the years, we have acquired lessons that help us on the right roadmap for each business, leading us to achieve the ideal balance between performance and cost. In addition, we focus on research and developing our client's current projects to continuously improve our offer and stay at the forefront.

We also have a global presence, so we can provide support internationally, streamlining and standardizing all processes.

Ultimately, our work in the server industry is focused on our ability to offer comprehensive support to all our customers in ways that reduce supply chain costs across the board without compromising quality. This comes down to designing and supplying solutions that fully protect your products and make the shipping process easy for server racks.

At Britwrap, we understand this market perfectly, which is why we have solutions, whatever the position in the distribution chain.