Data Center Infrastructure Management Guide
What Is DCIM?
DCIM software gives IT and facilities teams one trusted view of data center assets, connectivity, space, power, cooling and operational change—so infrastructure decisions are faster, safer and based on accurate data.
DCIM explained
Data Center Infrastructure Management connects IT and facilities
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) is the practice of collecting, organizing and using physical infrastructure data to manage data centers and distributed IT environments. A DCIM solution replaces disconnected spreadsheets and manual records with a continuously maintained source of truth.
Teams use DCIM software to understand what equipment they have, where it is located, how it is connected, how much capacity remains and what will be affected by a planned change.
Core capabilities
What does DCIM software manage?
An effective enterprise DCIM platform unifies operational data that would otherwise be fragmented across teams and systems.
Assets and lifecycle
Track servers, network equipment, power devices and spares from receipt through installation, moves and decommissioning.
Connectivity
Document end-to-end power and data connections, including ports, cables, circuits, pathways and dependencies.
Capacity and space
See available rack units, floor space, network ports, power and cooling capacity before equipment is deployed.
Power and environment
Monitor power chains, thresholds, environmental readings and historical trends to reduce operational risk.
Changes and workflows
Plan, approve, execute and audit infrastructure changes with repeatable workflows and complete history.
Mobile operations
Validate and update records in the field with online and offline mobile tools, barcode scanning and RFID support.
Business outcomes
Why enterprises use a DCIM solution
Create trusted data
Consolidate infrastructure records into one governed system.
Reduce operational risk
Understand dependencies and impact before making changes.
Optimize capacity
Use existing space, power and ports more effectively.
Connect enterprise systems
Exchange data with CMDB, ITSM, BMS and financial platforms.
Cormant DCIM
A configurable enterprise DCIM platform
Cormant DCIM is enterprise-grade Data Center Infrastructure Management software from BGIS. It delivers visibility and control across data centers, edge locations, colocation environments and enterprise campuses.
Its open configuration, documented APIs, online and offline mobility, end-to-end connectivity management and integration capabilities help organizations adapt DCIM to their processes instead of forcing operations into a rigid model.
Designed for real infrastructure
Manage owned, colocation and edge sites in one scalable platform while supporting legacy and modern equipment.
Built to integrate
Connect DCIM with CMDB, ITSM, BMS and other enterprise platforms using documented REST and SOAP APIs.
Frequently asked questions
DCIM software FAQs
How is DCIM different from ITIM?
IT Infrastructure Management (ITIM) is the broader discipline of operating technology services, systems and networks. DCIM focuses on the physical infrastructure that supports those services—including assets, racks, ports, cabling, space, power, cooling and environmental conditions. When DCIM and ITIM processes are connected, teams gain a clearer view from business service dependencies down to the physical equipment and capacity that keep them running.
Who uses DCIM software?
DCIM is used by data center managers, IT infrastructure teams, facilities teams, network engineers, capacity planners, operations teams and auditors.
How is DCIM different from a CMDB?
A CMDB typically manages logical configuration items and service relationships. DCIM provides detailed physical infrastructure data such as rack location, power, ports, cables, capacity and environmental readings. Integrating the two improves accuracy across IT service and infrastructure operations.
Can DCIM manage edge and colocation sites?
Yes. Enterprise DCIM software can provide a consistent view across central data centers, remote edge locations, colocation facilities and campuses.
Does Cormant DCIM work offline?
Yes. Cormant DCIM supports synchronized offline mobile workflows so teams can audit and update infrastructure where network access is unavailable or restricted.
I am a facilities manager. How can DCIM help me?
DCIM helps facilities managers connect building and environmental conditions with the IT equipment they support. It provides visibility into rack space, power capacity, cooling, environmental readings and infrastructure dependencies, helping teams identify risks, plan capacity and coordinate changes with IT operations.
Can you help me build an RFP for my DCIM project?
Yes. Start with our free DCIM RFP template to define functional, technical and implementation requirements. You can also use our DCIM evaluation and analysis resources to compare solutions and structure your selection process.
Looking for more answers? For a full list of frequently asked questions, please visit our DCIM FAQ Page here.
See how Cormant DCIM fits your infrastructure
Discuss your sites, workflows and integration requirements with a Cormant DCIM specialist.