In the B2B world—and especially in the data center industry—the word audit immediately evokes thoughts of control, stress, and meticulous scrutiny. For many companies, it’s a necessary but unpleasant exam. At Talex, we see it differently. Achieving the highest, fourth-level certification under the EN 50600 standard wasn’t a one-time success, but the result of a continuous process. Today, an audit is simply a routine meeting with an expert.
But it wasn’t always this way. Like any organization striving for excellence, we too had to face our “baptism by fire.” The most difficult audit in our history was not the one that checked everything from scratch—but the very first one.
What Exactly Is a Data Center Audit?
Before diving into the story, it’s important to clarify what we mean. A certification audit is not a courtesy visit. The auditor—an expert who knows EN 50600 and ISO 22237 inside out—arrives on site with a detailed checklist built from hundreds of requirements defined in the standard.
These requirements cover every aspect of a data center’s operation: power systems, cooling, the physical location of the facility, and even the smallest security procedures. The auditor doesn’t work on assumptions—every point must be backed by hard evidence: contracts, reports, and technical documentation proving that we fully meet the criteria.
That First Time…
Our most challenging experience was the so-called pre-audit conducted many years ago. It was unusual because at the time, there were no accredited auditors for this standard in Poland. We had to bring in specialists from Austria.
Although stressful at moments, that pre-audit was invaluable. It clearly showed us how our processes needed to be structured to meet the highest standards.
From Difficult Beginnings to Systematic Work
That first audit taught us a key principle. We changed our entire approach: instead of a frantic, once-a-year preparation, we committed to systematic daily work.
What’s the difference? We don’t “prepare” for an audit.
We are ready for it every single day.
- Monthly data center operating reports are generated and immediately archived.
- Every as-built document—such as after expanding the cooling system—is catalogued right away.
- It’s a team effort involving not only the Data Center department but also the Quality & Information Security team and the Administration department.
Because of this, when audit time comes, there is no frantic document hunt. We know everything is exactly where it should be.
Audit as a Meeting Between Experts
This approach means that audits no longer generate stress for us. We treat them as conversations with a knowledgeable external specialist offering a fresh perspective. We always listen closely to suggestions—because even with zero nonconformities from the very beginning, there is always room to improve.
Each year, the auditor confirms that we meet all the requirements of the standard. A few weeks later we receive the official report and certificate—the very same one our clients can see.
The Highest Standard as a Promise to Our Clients
From day one, Talex aimed to achieve the most prestigious confirmation of quality. Our EN 50600 certification proves we meet:
- Availability Class 4,
- Protection Class 4,
- Energy Efficiency Class 3.
For us, this is proof that we continue moving in the right direction. This has long been our strategy for winning the trust of the most demanding clients—financial institutions and banks, for whom data security is absolutely critical.
Holding this level of certification is a promise that their infrastructure is safe. And the fact that we are ready for an unannounced audit at any moment—literally—remains the strongest confirmation of that promise.
