Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the digital landscape, and data centers are at the heart of this evolution. As demand for computing power grows, so does the need for smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable IT infrastructure. Schneider Electric is not only helping customers meet these challenges, it’s leading by example through a bold internal transformation.
The AI challenge: IT infrastructure digitalization
Zach Nimboorkar, SVP Global Technology Services at Schneider Electric, oversees a global IT organization supporting over 160,000 employees across more than 230 locations. With AI driving exponential growth in data processing, our team faced a critical challenge: how to gain better visibility into power and cooling consumption across our data centers and distributed IT. The goal was to improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact—a complex task in a rapidly changing technological environment.
How we do IT
Instead of looking outward for new solutions, we turned inward. Zach realized that the tools we had been offering to customers for years—Smart-UPS systems, intelligent racks and PDU, and DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) software—were exactly what we needed. By deploying these solutions across our sites, he created a unified, intelligent infrastructure that delivered real-time insights, automated processes, and measurable improvements.
All in: Efficient, secure and sustainable IT infrastructure
The results were immediate and impressive. Uptime increased sixfold, and day-to-day IT support tickets were reduced by 50%. These improvements not only enhanced operational reliability but also freed up resources for innovation and strategic initiatives. The internal deployment of our technologies proved their effectiveness in real-world environments, reinforcing our company’s credibility as a trusted partner for organizations worldwide.
Sustainability was another key focus. We had an ambitious goal: reduce carbon footprint by 5% year-over-year for five years, totaling a 25% reduction. Thanks to the insights and efficiencies gained we exceeded expectations, achieving a 30% reduction in both energy consumption and emissions. These outcomes were made possible by the actionable data provided through our integrated data center solutions, which enabled smarter decision-making and more precise energy management.
This internal transformation is more than a technical success—it’s a reflection of Schneider Electric’s core values. By using our own products to solve real-world challenges, we demonstrated our commitment to safe, reliable energy and reinforced our sustainable innovation leadership. It’s a powerful example of how digital transformation, driven by smart infrastructure, can create a more resilient and eco-conscious future.
The project also created a feedback loop that benefits our own products development. Internal teams provide direct insights into how the technologies perform, where they excel, and where they can be improved. This continuous feedback helps us refine offerings, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in a fast-moving industry.
A living case study for our customers
Moreover, the internal rollout serves as a living case study for our customers. It shows that we don’t just sell solutions— we use them, test them, and rely on them to power our own operations. This transparency builds trust and fosters stronger relationships with our clients who are looking for proven, scalable technologies to support their own digital transformation journeys.
As organizations around the world face mounting pressure to reduce emissions, comply with regulations, and meet the expectations of environmentally conscious stakeholders, our own Schneider Electric story offers a compelling roadmap. It shows that sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive. With the right technologies and a commitment to innovation, it’s possible to build systems that are both high-performing and environmentally responsible.
The success of our internal transformation also highlights an important lesson for IT leaders: the tools to drive change are often already within reach. By leveraging existing technologies and focusing on integration and insight, organizations can unlock new levels of efficiency and sustainability without the need for massive overhauls or disruptive transitions.
Innovating with purpose, transforming with impact
Schneider Electric’s journey is a testament to the power of alignment—between internal operations and external mission, between innovation and responsibility, and between technology and impact. It’s a story of leadership, vision, and the belief that transformation begins at home.
By sharing this experience, we invite others to follow the lead, to rethink infrastructures, and to embrace a future where digital transformation and sustainability go hand in hand.
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