Moving servers is very different from transporting conventional freight. Equipment needs to be handled carefully throughout the process, while the relocation itself may need to fit around shutdown periods, IT teams and strict operational schedules.
Relay can plan and coordinate each stage of an IT server relocation, including:
- Pre-move planning and assessment
- De-racking of servers and IT equipment
- Specialist handling and preparation for transportation
- Movement of individual servers and complete server racks
- Secure loading and transportation
- Delivery to the new location
- Positioning and re-racking of equipment
- Physical installation support
By managing the physical move from start to finish, Relay provides a single point of responsibility for the transportation and handling of your valuable IT equipment.
Server and Server Rack Transportation
IT servers may be moved individually or remain within racks depending on the equipment, project requirements and circumstances of the relocation.
Both approaches require careful handling.
Individual servers need to be protected against shocks and unnecessary movement during handling and transit. Fully populated server racks present additional challenges because of their size, weight and high centre of gravity, as well as the considerable value of the equipment they contain.
Relay's technical crews have experience handling both individual IT equipment and server racks, allowing the appropriate transportation and handling approach to be planned for each project.
We can also assess practical considerations such as building access, lifts, doorways, loading areas and the route equipment will need to take between its existing position and the transport vehicle – and again from the vehicle to its final destination.
Specialist Vehicles for IT Equipment
Protecting servers during transportation requires the right vehicle as well as the right people.
Relay operates specialist vehicles designed for the transportation of sensitive technical equipment. Our vehicles are equipped with climate-controlled load spaces, helping to maintain suitable ambient conditions while IT equipment is in transit.
Air-cushioned suspension provides a smoother journey and helps minimise vibration, while protective flooring and professional load-securing systems reduce the risk of movement, shocks and impacts during transportation.
Together with careful preparation and handling by our specialist crews, this provides a controlled environment for transporting valuable IT equipment.
De-Racking, Re-Racking and Installation
The physical relocation of servers often extends beyond transportation.
Relay can support the de-racking and re-racking of IT servers, allowing the physical movement of equipment to be managed as one coordinated process.
At the collection site, equipment can be carefully removed and prepared for transportation. Once delivered, our technical teams can move the equipment to the required location and support its physical installation and positioning.
This end-to-end approach can simplify the relocation process by reducing the number of separate contractors involved in handling the equipment.
Where customers have their own IT specialists responsible for cabling, configuration and commissioning, our crews can work alongside them to ensure the physical relocation is coordinated with the wider IT project.
Minimising Disruption During an IT Relocation
Servers play an essential role in business operations, from managing network resources and applications to supporting communications, storage and other critical systems.
For that reason, server relocation projects are often highly time-sensitive.
Relay works with customers to plan transportation around their operational requirements. Moves can be scheduled to meet agreed collection and delivery windows, while larger IT relocations can be completed in stages where required.
Careful planning also allows access restrictions, equipment handling requirements and delivery sequences to be identified before the relocation begins, reducing the likelihood of unexpected issues on the day.
Tracking Your IT Equipment in Transit
When high-value IT equipment is being transported, knowing where it is throughout the journey provides additional reassurance.
Relay's transport management processes provide visibility over the progress of your consignment, helping you keep track of where your equipment is and when it is expected to arrive.
This can be particularly valuable when technical teams are waiting at the destination to complete subsequent stages of an installation or when several elements of a relocation need to be carefully coordinated.
Experienced IT Equipment Transportation
The safe movement of servers depends on experienced people as much as specialist transportation.
Relay's technical crews are trained to handle delicate, bulky and high-value IT equipment and understand the care required throughout a server relocation. Every stage – from initial handling and loading through to transportation, unloading and final positioning – is carried out with a focus on protecting the equipment and completing the move efficiently.
Whether you have a one-off server relocation, are moving multiple server racks or require ongoing IT equipment transportation between sites, Relay can provide a service tailored to your requirements.
Planning an IT Server Relocation?
If you need to transport servers, server racks or other sensitive IT equipment, speak to Relay about your requirements.
Our team can help plan the physical relocation, provide specialist handling and transportation, and support the installation and positioning of your equipment at its destination.
Contact Relay today to discuss your IT server transportation and installation requirements.