BGIS’ 5 Best Practices for Developing a Robust Whitespace Drill Program
BGIS’ 5 Best Practices for Developing a Robust Whitespace Drill Program
Modern data centers operate in an environment where downtime can cost millions, customer trust can evaporate instantly, and sustainability expectations continue to rise. A Whitespace Drill Program provides a structured, repeatable framework for testing, validating, and improving both technical and human responses to operational challenges.
The following best practices serve as a roadmap for developing and maturing an effective program.
Best Practice 1: Define the Mission of the Drill Program
A drill program must go beyond the basics of reducing errors and improving response times. The mission should align with strategic business goals and set a vision for cultural and operational transformation.
Key Considerations:
Go Beyond Basic Goals: Establish long-term objectives such as building a culture of proactive problem-solving, seamless scalability, and leadership in sustainable operations.
Link to Business Objectives: For service providers focused on customer satisfaction, drills should emphasize minimizing downtime and redundancy.
Quantify Success: Use measurable targets (e.g., “Reduce average response time to critical alerts by 20% within 6 months”).
Focus on Human Factors: Include evaluation of teamwork, communication, decision-making, and psychological safety.
Integrate Sustainability: Incorporate energy efficiency, resource optimization, and waste reduction scenarios.
Best Practice 2: Choose the Method and Platform to Support Drill Execution
The success of a program depends on how drills are conducted and the tools used to facilitate them.
Key Considerations:
Diversify Methods: Combine staff meetings, impromptu drills, online modules, and platforms like the BGIS Global Critical Environments (GCET) Drill Submission Tool.
Leverage Technology: Utilize VR/AR for immersive simulations, software modeling for failure scenarios, and analytics for trend insights.
Ensure Accessibility & Inclusivity: Provide methods that support diverse skill sets and remote participation.
Sustainability Practices: Opt for paperless documentation and digital-first processes to reduce waste and emissions.
Best Practice 3: Determine Drill Specifics (Topic, Cadence, Participants)
Drills must be tailored to risk priorities and designed for maximum relevance.
Key Considerations:
Risk-Based Approach: Align drill topics with the most critical systems and emerging risks.
Tailored Cadence: Adjust frequency and length based on complexity and participant experience.
Cross-Functional Participation: Engage technicians, logistics teams, and broader stakeholders.
Scenario Planning: Develop structured scenarios with objectives, success criteria, and challenges.
Sustainability Integration: Include lifecycle drills (procurement → end-of-life) and environmental impact scenarios.
Best Practice 4: Measure Efficacy and Effectiveness
A program is only as strong as its ability to demonstrate outcomes.
Key Considerations:
Define KPIs: MTTR, number of errors, communication effectiveness, and knowledge retention.
Feedback and Evaluation: Conduct post-drill debriefs to capture lessons learned.
Continuous Improvement: Use data insights to evolve program design and delivery.
Sustainability Reporting: Track and communicate environmental benefits such as reduced waste or optimized energy use.
Best Practice 5: Scale the Drill Program Across the Enterprise
Once a program proves effective, it should be standardized and scaled across the data center portfolio.
Key Considerations:
Documentation: Record scenarios, results, and lessons learned for reuse and knowledge transfer.
Training and Development: Position drills as ongoing learning opportunities.
Stakeholder Communication: Ensure clarity of purpose and alignment across all organizational levels.
Case Example: BGIS Success Story
Nancy Bukowski (BGIS Operations Director) and Michael Olewnik (BGIS Sr. Program Manager) developed and deployed a comprehensive Whitespace Drill Program that has proven highly successful.
“Through the implementation of our drill program, our client portfolio has experienced increased data center operational stability and our team members have experienced enhanced collaboration.”
This case demonstrates how structured drills, when executed with sustainability and scalability in mind, can deliver measurable improvements in operational stability and team dynamics.
