The Hidden Business Infrastructure that Keeps Yours Running

The hidden business infrastructure that keeps most modern companies running is often overlooked and even underappreciated. However, without some of the most enhanced and critical systems organizations depend on, operations would come to a standstill. From much-needed internal and external networking, to data management, backup, and recovery, here are some of the most important that you probably didn’t even know existed today.

Climate and Hazard Control

There are many overlooked and unnoticed systems that keep a modern business running. No more so than with industrial infrastructure that meets compliance and regulatory standards. For example, premises, construction zones, and even the shop floor use industrial heating and cooling systems that maintain temperature and help remove airborne contaminants. HVAC systems are also critical for not just employee comfort but also maintaining server room stability.

Hidden Business Infrastructure via Networks

In the US alone, around 94% of businesses have adopted cloud services. This means they must connect to data center servers hosting the software and systems they need. However, this also means internal networks must be maintained, such as cabling, internal servers, and nodes:

• Poorly installed cabling will lead to data bottlenecks that disrupt business and systems.
• A structured cabling system makes upgrading and troubleshooting much easier.
• Fiber optic cables are becoming the standard because of their resilience and speed.

Power Systems and Controls

Almost every building on the planet relies on power, and this is especially true for a commercial or industrial business. Power is a fundamental part of modern life, yet one that most people take for granted. But imagine the damage that power loss would cause for your company, even for one hour! A sudden power outage is an inconvenience, sure. However, given that almost every business relies on a computer or network, this loss could also cause irreparable data corruption.

The Supply Chain and Logistics

Any good business owner, manager, and CEO is aware of the necessity of the supply chain and the logistics involved in day-to-day operations. There are many complex systems at work in a harmonious dance that brings raw materials through the processes required to produce saleable products. Most consumers and even many workers are oblivious to the inventory, shipping management, and warehouse operations that make seemingly simple operations possible.

Fire Suppression and Safety

In the US alone, there are around 16,000 office fires each year, causing around $932 million worth of damage. There are many standard steps you can take to protect your business from fire disasters; however, there are also some advanced infrastructure you can also install. Fire can cause irreparable damage to a company, but water can do even more, especially to electronics. Fortunately, water isn’t the only reliable suppression system for putting out fires.

Sprinkler systems

Modern sprinkler systems are highly sophisticated and fill with water only when smoke and heat are detected at the same time, meaning a business’s electronics aren’t accidentally damaged.

Inert gas and clean agent systems

High-value electronics businesses such as data centers will benefit from gas suppressants that kill fire instead of using water, meaning critical equipment doesn’t get damaged beyond repair.

Building management systems

Larger, complex buildings require many major systems for critical operations. HVAC, security, and safety can be automated using a BMS that monitors and reacts to specific scenarios.

The threat of fire is always there for any modern business. However, there are many hidden systems that work together to ensure that fire is dealt with in a safe and reliable way. Water is perhaps the most common fire suppression system in use, but inert gas can also be used to minimize the damage to electronics caused by water systems. These can be a vital system when limiting the damage to businesses that rely on electronic systems such as data centers.

DNS and CDN for Online Services

Pretty much everyone uses the World Wide Web on a daily basis, whether for work or leisure purposes. However, very few people understand what actually happens when you fire up a browser and type into the search or URL address bar. Domain Name Servers and Content Delivery Networks work to provide users with the information they need by converting IP addresses to readable text. However, poor DNS and CDN will cause multiple website issues.

Security and Safety Systems

Physical security and safety are paramount for any business, even to avoid expensive lawsuits. Security guards and workplace protocols are a surface layer that almost every company uses. However, there are also more complex systems beyond this, such as access control, AI cameras, and police-linked intrusion detection. As advanced systems that every business can benefit from, they provide enhanced protection against standard theft, vandalism, and IP theft.

Hidden Business Infrastructure with Data

Around 90% of businesses will experience a data disaster within the first two years of operation, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. However, data archiving and redundancy play a critical role in ensuring data is backed up and recovered for continued operations:

• Regular automated backups at specific time intervals are the easiest to configure.
• 3 copies, at 2 sites with 1 copy off-site (3-2-1) is a popular data backup strategy.
• Data can be protected against many scenarios using cloud-based redundancy.

Managing Wastewater and Drainage

What do you think about when you flush? That’s not a pick-up line, it’s serious! Wastewater management is perhaps one of the most unthought-of but most critical systems a business needs. Imagine the damage a clogged sewer line could do to a physical business like a restaurant, where image is everything. While obviously mundane, these kinds of systems are essential to the health and safety of workers, customers, and day-to-day business operations. 

Summary

Climate and hazard control systems are perfect examples of the hidden business infrastructure that keeps modern companies running. Without heating and cooling, many businesses could face disaster with stock, storage compliance, and employee safety. Fire suppression systems such as water sprinklers, inert gas release, and BMS are also critical. However, even something as mundane as wastewater management and drainage is vital for safe everyday operations.

The Hidden Business Infrastructure that Keeps Yours Running