Markerstudy Insurance Group's Journey to Enhanced Business Resilience
Markerstudy Insurance Group has recently embarked on a transformative journey aimed at enhancing the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of its operations. After a series of strategic acquisitions, the organization faced significant challenges in modernizing and integrating multiple technology systems while ensuring that their digital infrastructure remained sustainable and efficient.
Empowering Infrastructure with EcoStruxure Data Centre Solutions
At the forefront of this transformation was the deployment of Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Data Centre Solutions. By utilizing these energy-efficient, end-to-end systems, Markerstudy is ensuring unparalleled resilience for its data centers. This technology has afforded the Group greater control over its critical IT and network environments, significantly enhancing operational efficiency while lowering emissions tied to data processing and storage.
Strategic Collaboration for Sustainable Solutions
Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation within energy management and automation, has collaborated with its EcoXpert Partners, like on365, to implement a range of critical power projects designed specifically for Markerstudy. Through this partnership, an upgrade and consolidation strategy for Markerstudy’s electrical infrastructure was developed, focusing on improved reliability, security, and energy efficiency.
Standardizing on Schneider Electric Technologies
As part of this modernization strategy, Markerstudy chose to standardize key components from Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Data Centres portfolio. This included innovative technologies such as Galaxy V-series three-phase UPS systems, EcoStruxure Row Data Center solutions, InRow DX cooling units, and APC Racks. Additionally, on365 entered into a strategic five-year Managed Service Level Agreement (SLA) to oversee the maintenance of all critical power and cooling infrastructures. This agreement has been pivotal in enhancing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Commitment to Sustainable Growth
Markerstudy, which serves over eight million customers and employs more than 7,000 people across 40 brands, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. The Group is actively working towards reducing energy usage and carbon emissions in alignment with modern advancements in technology. Collaborating with Schneider Electric and on365 while engaging Net Zero consultancy Energise, Markerstudy is dedicated to mapping operations to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG). Their efforts earned them a Bronze sustainability rating from EcoVadis.
Modernizing the Infrastructure Portfolio
The journey towards a modernized infrastructure portfolio commenced back in 2012 when Markerstudy initiated a collaboration with on365 to design and construct a data center at its Chesterfield contact center. Utilizing Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Row Data Centre solution, the data center achieved substantial energy efficiency and minimized the risk of thermal shutdowns. In recent developments, on365 replaced outdated legacy equipment with a new main substation Transformer and Primary Switchboard, making use of IoT-enabled components that ensure efficient monitoring and management.
Enhancements in Cooling Systems
In addition to these upgrades, Markerstudy has experienced significant advancements in its cooling systems. The data center at its headquarters underwent a technology refresh, enhancing the efficiency of cooling solutions while accommodating the Group's expanding capacity requirements. Schneider Electric's Galaxy VS UPSs were implemented to reinforce the site’s resiliency further.
Improving Edge Computing Environments
Beyond primary data centers, on365 has also focused on revitalizing the edge computing environments across Markerstudy’s regional offices and call centers. Notable enhancements include the installation of Galaxy VS UPS equipment at the Manchester office, which supports critical network functions and unified communication connections.
Real-Time Monitoring and Management
Markerstudy has become an early adopter of Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Data Center Expert software and now utilizes the EcoStruxure IT Expert DCIM solution. This combination, along with on365's digital services program, enables real-time monitoring, remote management, and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Key Quotes on the Journey
Nick Ovenden, Chief Technology Officer at Markerstudy Insurance, emphasized the Board’s commitment to investment in efficient data center infrastructure, correlating improvements in Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and the organization’s growth trajectory. He noted, "Working with on365 and Schneider Electric has been crucial in executing our digital infrastructure strategy and reaching our sustainability goals."
Reflecting on the collaborative effort, Carl Richardson, Technology Manager at on365, stated, "From day one, our mission has been to integrate ourselves with the Markerstudy team to deliver a reliable nationwide service supporting their critical infrastructure needs."
Mark Yeeles, Vice President of Secure Power at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, remarked on the significance of their partnership in maintaining essential national infrastructure and supporting Markerstudy's sustainability aspirations.
Conclusion on Progress and Future Plans
The collaboration between Markerstudy Insurance Group, Schneider Electric, and on365 highlights the impactful strides being made towards improved resilience and sustainability within the competitive landscape of data center operations. This partnership serves as an example for others in the industry, showcasing the potential of technology to drive necessary change while addressing environmental responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What challenges did Markerstudy Insurance Group face?
Markerstudy faced challenges related to integrating multiple technology systems and improving digital infrastructure sustainability after strategic acquisitions.
2. How are EcoStruxure solutions helping Markerstudy?
EcoStruxure solutions have enhanced Markerstudy's data center resilience, operational efficiency, and reduced emissions associated with data processing.
3. What is Markerstudy's commitment to sustainability?
Markerstudy aims to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, working with various partners to achieve its sustainability goals.
4. What technologies were standardized by Markerstudy?
Markerstudy standardized on key Schneider Electric technologies, including Galaxy V-series UPS systems and EcoStruxure Row Data Center solutions.
5. How has the collaboration impacted Markerstudy's operations?
The collaboration has led to improved efficiency and resiliency in Markerstudy’s operations and infrastructure management.
