What Are Pre-Fabricated Data Centres? Their Benefits and Applications

Data centres lie at the heart of the UK’s economic growth, particularly when it comes to AI. One way in which they’re changing is the way they’re built. Traditional data centres, which are often built from the ground up, are more frequently being replaced by faster, more flexible alternatives: pre fabricated data centres.

Also known as modular data centres, these facilities are reshaping the way data centres are designed, how they’re deployed and operated. This blog explores their benefits and why more organisations are making the switch.

How Do They Work?

Pre fabricated data centres are self-contained, factory-built designs. They are fully assembled and tested before being transported to the final site. Unlike traditional data centres that require extensive on-site construction, they arrive ready to install.

Each module includes all the necessary infrastructure: racks, cooling systems, power distribution, fire suppression and network connectivity. All are housed in a steel structure. These modules can work independently or be connected to form a larger facility, so you can easily expand when needed. 

The approach is often likened to LEGO-style construction. Rather than building everything at once, you install what you need when you need it.

Key Components of Modular Data Centres

The typical system includes:

• An IT Module which houses servers, storage, and networking equipment. This is the core of the data centre, where the actual computing happens.
• Power module which contains UPS (uninterruptible power supplies), switchgear, batteries, and generators. This ensures clean and continuous power supply.
• Cooling module that manages thermal loads with systems like in-row cooling, air handlers or liquid cooling depending on the requirements.
• Management & security module. Includes monitoring tools, access control, fire suppression, and physical security systems.
• Structural enclosure, which ruggedised for outdoor or indoor use. It should be built to comply with standards for weatherproofing, seismic activity, and electromagnetic interference.

All of these are pre-engineered in a controlled factory environment, ensuring every part is of consistent quality. 

Why Shift from Traditional to Pre Fabricated Builds?

Organisations are increasingly choosing pre fabricated data centres over traditional builds for several key reasons:

1. Speed of Installation

Traditional data centres can take 12–24 months to complete. However, modular data centres can be deployed in as little as 12–16 weeks. In industries where time to market is critical (such as cloud services, finance, and telecoms) this is a major advantage.

2. Ideal for Growth

Prefabricated designs allow for incremental growth. Your business can start small and expand capacity as needed without overcommitting.

3. Predictable Costs

Factory-built systems reduce on-site labour and delays due to bad weather, so it’s much easier to stay on-budget. You get a clearer idea into total cost of ownership (TCO) from the outset.

4. Consistency and Quality

Controlled manufacturing environments ensure consistent build quality and compliance with standards, reducing the risk of defects or performance issues.

5. Energy Efficiency

Newer modules are designed with energy optimisation in mind, integrating high-efficiency cooling systems and power distribution units to improve PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness).

Applications Across Industries

Pre fabricated data centres are suited to a wide range of industries and use cases:

• Cloud providers who need rapid global expansion with uniform design.
• Telecom companies who require edge data centres closer to end users, which reduce latency.
• Government and defence organisations seeking secure, often temporary or mobile solutions.
• Healthcare companies who require scalable and secure infrastructure for data compliance and patient management systems.
• Retail and logistics. Such data centres can support real-time analytics and IoT operations close to distribution centres.

Their plug-and-play nature also makes them perfect for remote or harsh environments where traditional data centres are impractical or costly.

Considerations for a Design

Effective data centre design for prefabricated systems goes beyond simply shrinking a traditional facility into a box. Here are a few areas to consider:

Site Assessment

Even though modules are self-contained, site factors like connectivity, local climate, and power availability still matter. Ensure there’s proper access and infrastructure.

Redundancy and Resilience

Modular systems can be designed with N+1 or 2N redundancy, depending on uptime requirements. Consider the fault tolerance needed for your operations.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

When expanding or hybridising with legacy systems, compatibility becomes critical. Make sure your modular units can integrate with existing monitoring and management platforms.

Security and Compliance

Pre fabricated data centres must meet the same security and regulatory standards as traditional builds. It’s therefore important to look for vendors offering ISO, HIPAA, or Tier certifications.

Customisation vs Standardisation

While modular builds are based on standard designs, many providers offer a degree of customisation, such as insulation for a particular climate. They can do this without sacrificing speed.

The Future of Prefabricated Designs

As data continues to proliferate and edge computing becomes more critical, the role of these types of data centres will only expand. Pre fabricated systems offer a compelling blend of flexibility, cost control, and performance. 

Source UPS is able to provide maintenance and accessories for all types of data centres, including prefabricated designs. 

For more information on modular data centres, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Source UPS.