Telecom Space Utilization

By Devon Maresco
Marketing Coordinator
SpaceIQ

Many people know the pain of initiating a download from their phone, only to get an error that reads “not enough space available.” Thankfully, cloud storage is infinite. For telecom companies, however, the space they operate in is finite. To keep operatspace utilziationions running efficiently, it’s all about telecom space utilization.

The trick in optimizing space within the telecom sector is understanding the demands of different facilities and the operations that take place within them. How many server racks can fit into a data center warehouse? How many employees work in fifth floor accounts payable? How much square footage does a dispatch station need? Understanding space is the key to utilizing it accordingly.

Here’s a look at what space utilization means for telecom providers, and how efficient, effective use of space creates opportunities for a higher caliber of service.

What is telecom space utilization?

Telecom space utilization is the ability of data companies to use available space effectively, in a cost-advantaged way. Take a data center, for example. These spaces predominately feature few staff and many assets. Optimal utilization rate might be 85% based on industry metrics. Using this information, telecoms would need to identify how many server racks (and their appropriate configurations) the center can house. Hitting the 85% benchmark would represent good utilization.

The purpose of space utilization—particularly within the telecom industry—is to maximize ROI. Continuing the example, consider that each server rack represents a revenue stream. It’s in the company’s best interest to keep as many server racks up and running as possible—yet, not so many that it creates inefficiency within facilities. Optimal utilization is a balance between function and ROI.

The concept of utilization expands to every type of facility, no matter its function. Every facility that prioritizes space utilization is one that contributes to the efficiency and performance of telecom operations.

The benefits of telecom space utilization

Beyond revenue generation, space utilization becomes a matter of enabling critical operations. When facilities operate at peak efficiency, the many complex facets of telecom work together to provide service. Here’s a look at some of the ways telecom space utilization translates into benefits for operators and their customers alike:

• More efficient use of facilities, from both cost and operations standpoints
• Better understanding of space allocation and utilization
• Purposeful allocation of space to support the needs of employees
• Context for broader facilities data such as utilization and occupancy
• Insights and opportunities to repurpose or reallocate space
• Smarter spatial layout of facilities, to streamline accessibility

Remember that facilities themselves are assets. Proper utilization of such an asset contributes to the growth and expansion of telecoms. Not only does it optimize the capabilities of those working within the facilities; it also leverages other assets into mission-critical operations for success. Space utilization can build revenue streams, enhance customer service, enable operational efficiencies, lower costs, and much more.

The role of telecom space utilization software

Telecoms are constantly growing their footprint as voice and data ops become more integrated and the world continues to modernize. As they do, space utilization becomes an important focal point in facilitating a scale-up. Companies are leaning on telecom space utilization software to help them plan facilities around key utilization metrics.

First and foremost, space utilization software quantifies space. How much is available? What’s the benchmark for efficiency? How does allocation and orchestration bridge the gap between the two? Software provides the framework for informed space planning, which results in optimal utilization. Moreover, software de-silos data to ensure optimization across the business—not just for specific business lines or operational focuses.

Software also provides unparalleled data management tools and the machine learning capabilities to dissect data. Telecoms can go beyond following optimization guidelines and actually predict them looking forward. This is imperative when opening a new data center, call center, corporate office, administrative building, or some other support facilities. It helps telecoms grow with tact, as opposed to over- or under-estimating facility demands.

Finally, utilization software puts telecoms in control over asset management at the facility level. As real estate portfolios grow, it’s easy to see which facilities operate efficiently vs. those underperforming. Smart telecoms can use the data to inform more productive changes to facilities, to facilitate better efficiency and a higher standard of operational productivity across the entire business.

Telecom space utilization software is a crux for critical data analysis about facilities. It informs better real estate asset management, to mitigate the cost of overhead against revenue-generating operations and assets.

Space efficiency is the crux of customer service

Though they’re not regulated like utilities, telecom companies deal with much the same demand for service. Operational efficiency becomes paramount, and it factors into a telecom’s ability to meet the ever-growing demand for service. Whether it’s bill pay, dispatch, marketing, or some other line of business, efficient use of space enables telecoms to embrace their role. And, most important, it allows them to execute on mission-critical services from a cost-efficiency standpoint. When it comes to telecoms, efficient facilities aren’t so much overhead as assets.

Keep reading: Telecom Space Planning