Tech professionals may have a number of smart gadgets at home, so why should the office be any different?
Integrating smart features into the workplace can better productivity, increase communications, and make the office a more enjoyable place to work overall. The increased availability of smart technologies for the office can make it easy to find a single solution for a specific problem, or an integrated solution that can be used to manage everything from the lights to security or even the office stereo. When it comes to creating a smart office, there are some easy changes that can be made by SMEs and large enterprises alike…
Make it easy to sign in
Forget about punching the time card – today it’s easier than ever for employees to login when they enter the building. There are apps like Zoho that enable employees to check in and out with the touch of a button, and features like IP restrictions enable employers to input parameters for accurate time keeping.
Monitor heating and lighting
These are typically two of the biggest overheads in an office, especially during the winter months. There are apps and instant switches that allow designated users to control and monitor energy usage to reduce wastage. You can see when the demands are greatest and when the office is empty and yet still churning out heating, and set schedules, alerts. and automatic turn-on and shut-off to easily reduce your carbon footprint.
Invest in smart energy
Speaking of reducing carbon footprint, installing solar panels and connecting these with TUV-approved solar cables can substantially reduce both conventional energy consumption and bills.
Enable cloud printing
Cloud printing is easy to set-up – not to mention a substantial time saver. With this in place, computers and smart devices can send documents and images to the printer from anywhere in the building. This can be achieved using Google Cloud Print (which can be used with a traditional or Wi-Fi computer), or by installing specific cloud-ready printers.
Control the office stereo
Many open-plan, smaller offices especially make use of an office radio, and music can easily be controlled with Wi-Fi speakers and stereos. Music can be changed from a computer or smartphone to raise energy levels, enlist concentration or simply brighten up a Friday afternoon.
Go hands free
Make the most of your time by forgoing manual programming, and opt for voice control instead. You can use apps and technology to take care of things locking the doors, turning the lights on and off, and monitoring who is in the building by using voice activated commands or
keyless technology.
Craig
