The Design and Organization of Data Centers/Documentation

Labeling
Neatness begets neatness.

Use a label maker. It means your labels look neat, uniform, and are easy to read.

Label front and back of machine with name, IP address, & MAC Address. This means you are less likely to pull the wrong cable or shut down the wrong machine.

Label multiple NICS on a single machine.

Document VLANs on switches to allow installation without a network engineer.

Organizing your documentation
Keep documentation where it is needed.

Make sure it is easy to update.

Self adhesive vinyl pockets - great for walls and cabinets

Folder pockets - great for three ring binders

Consider a wiki or FAQ-o-matic, but have paper backups printed regularly.

Understanding of a problem leads to quicker resolution. Documentation can be part of that.

List of documentation to have

 * Phone lists - near phones
 * Company phone list
 * Tech support phone list with contact numbers
 * Loading dock height/ doorway dimensions


 * Computer and network documents
 * Network Diagram
 * Start up/Shut down directions
 * machine instructions


 * Mechanical
 * buttons/switches labeled by contractor
 * Equipment maintenance schedules - air conditioning
 * Start up/Shut down directions
 * Permits posted securely