LCL builds in-house operational technology (OT) expertise with the addition of OT Engineer Kieran Thompson. In a live data center environment, where uptime is critical, his role ensures teams always have a clear view of how systems are performing. “We have thousands of devices and systems actively being monitored across all our sites, so you can imagine how much information that is across our five sites,” says Kieran.

A constant flow of data drives Kieran’s role. As an OT Engineer, he focuses on monitoring the operational systems within the data center, bringing together information from power, cooling and environmental systems into a unified monitoring platform. By consolidating this information into one monitoring system, LCL maintains a clear overview of resource usage across the data center, supporting informed decision-making and rapid response when needed.

From partner to colleague

Before joining LCL, Kieran worked closely with the IT team as an external partner. From the start of his previous role, he was engaged in a project with LCL that became a central part of his work. “I already had a good working relationship with the team, so when the opportunity arose to join LCL internally, the transition felt quite natural,” he explains.

By bringing his expertise in-house, LCL creates a dedicated focus on monitoring and oversight. “The IT team is very knowledgeable across different areas, but a dedicated OT Engineer role frees up time for my colleagues to focus on their core responsibilities, while I can fully focus dedicate my time to improving upon and maintaining our existing monitoring systems.,” Kieran adds.

Operating in a live data center environment

Working with OT in a data center presents a different kind of challenge. “In a data center, everything is live. Things can change within seconds,” Kieran says. “Monitoring goes beyond collecting data. It’s about maintaining a real-time understanding of what is happening across all of our systems, from generators and UPS units, to cooling, water meters and environmental and safety sensors.”

“Real-time visibility allows our teams to detect deviations immediately and act accordingly. Instead of relying on manual checks, they work with a continuous stream of data. This proactive approach helps minimise risk and ensures the high level of uptime our customers expect from LCL.”

Working across departments

OT connects different departments through a central monitoring platform, giving them a shared view of the data center environment and access to the same real-time data. Kieran works closely with teams across Operations, Projects and Finance, as well as with external partners. “I collaborate with multiple stakeholders to ensure that real-time information from the system is identified and addressed quickly,” he explains.

Looking ahead

In his new role, Kieran welcomes the opportunity to continue learning and deepen his system knowledge within a complex operational environment. “I enjoy learning new things, I have a naturally curious mind. Working within a live data center, there is no shortage of new and exciting areas to explore and understand,” he says.