User Guide

Device placeholders
When new assets are requested for a data center that are not listed in the Device Library, it may be necessary to
mount a blank placeholder to reserve RU positions until the new assets are available. The types of placeholders
available in the Device Library are as follows.
1. Placeholders - The placeholders range in size from 1 RU to 42 RUs and can represent assets not in the
database. You can change the name and set capacities, user-defined properties and derating calculated for
heat, power and weight.
2. Rack Placeholders - 42 RU placeholders are available. You must be in rack view to convert a placeholder to
a rack.
3. Generic Equipment Set - The blank panels range in size from 1 RU to 6 RUs and can be placed in a rack
unit position to create space for air flow. Weight can be calculated or derated to zero, but these panels do
not consume space or power.
4. Templates - When replacing multiple new assets, it is good practice to use a template as a placeholder.
Properties, capacities and user-defined properties can be assigned for ease in locating the placeholder to be
converted when the new assets arrive. The placeholder template can be used as many times as needed
without having to manually assign properties to each new asset.
To add a placeholder to occupy space for a requested asset:
1. Open the appropriate plan and rack to where the requested asset will be placed upon arrival.
2. Select Devices and search for placeholders by entering Placeholder in the Type field. The list of
placeholders displays with a number RU size shapes.
3. Drag the desired RU size placeholder to the rack.
4. Open the properties pane and add user-defined properties (UDP) that are unique to the placeholder being
converted to assets.
CAUTION: A UDP must be assigned to each placeholder in order to search for all placeholders with the same UDP when replacing
with new assets.
5. Add other properties as needed, such as changing the name of the placeholder and derating it.
Converting placeholders to new assets
This function allows you to convert placeholders when the requested new asset arrives. When the target
placeholder is replaced by the new shape, the new shape is configured with the previous placeholder's name and
user-defined properties. The system validates the replacement asset to determine that it does not violate spatial
constraints, such as the received asset being larger than the placeholder. This operation is allowed in both current
state or project plans but can only be performed by a user with manager rights.
When you drag a new asset onto a placeholder, the system determines whether the asset has any user-defined
properties. If so, it presents a dialog box to allow replacing multiple placeholder assets with the same device.
To convert a placeholder to a new asset:
1. After downloading the new asset to the device library, select Devices and search for the new asset.
2. Drag the new asset over the placeholder. The dialog box opens with a list of placeholders that meet the
specified criteria (size and UDP).
3. From the top list, select a UDP to see matching placeholders.
88 Data Center Planner Installer/User Guide