5 Features and Benefits of Working in a Smart Office

Thanks to the advancement of technology, the embeddedness of smart technology in every domain of life have a transformative impact on how we live, work, play and connect. The Internet of Things (IoT), which is a smart technology system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, or objects that are provided with Unique Identifiers (UID), has led to real-world applications ranging from consumer IoT to industrial IoT.

In recent years, the shift to a hybrid working environment caused by the pandemic has sparked an exponential increase in smart office adoption. IoT-enabled devices coupled with consumer-focused smart home devices like smart displays have paved the way for new smart office innovations.

So what exactly is a smart office? A smart office is a high-tech workspace that uses analytics and connected technology to help people work more efficiently and productively.

There are a variety of smart office tools such as team collaboration software, smart lighting and climate control systems that are integrated into the workplace to support productive, seamless and automated working processes.

Below are some of the benefits for adopting smart office technology.

Increase Productivity of Staff
Smart technology within an office environment has been proven to increase productivity and efficiency among staff. It allows people to achieve their professional goals much faster and focus on high-level skill development as it automates many laborious processes, freeing people to work on high-value tasks rather than menial repetitive ones.

More Secure
The incorporation of security devices such as smart access systems and 24/7 security cameras enhances the security of both properties and works. These security devices also collect real-time data that are easily accessible and can be stored for monitoring purposes.

Enhance Work Relations
Smart office technology helps enhance team collaboration and facilitates flexible working without compromising teamwork and productivity. This can be achieved by using team collaboration tools from Figma or Monday.com which contribute significantly to productive work output and efficiency.

Provide Greater Convenience
Smart technologies make the entire process of work management easier and more convenient as it simplifies work schedules and provide easy sharing of files, and documents among employees.

Healthier and Sustainable
Some smart offices have intelligent ergonomic innovations that enable office dwellers to work more comfortably. Ergoworks Height Adjustable Desks is one of the ergonomic systems that enables one to work at an optimal sit-stand posture. Ergonomics in the workplace can significantly enhance the general well-being of the employee.

A smart office also features intelligent lighting and climate controls that detect motions and activity. They can then regulate temperature and lighting or even automatically switch off when spaces are not in use. Intelligent lighting and climate controls are both cost-efficient and sustainable.

What are some Smart Office Features?
With that said, there are currently a variety of smart office technologies available that are useful in enhancing the security, productivity and well-being of the occupants.

1. Smart Entry System
A Smart Entry System is the core feature of a smart office. Smart entry systems eliminate the tedious process of key management and help employees gain quick and secured access to the office. Currently, there are a variety of commercial access controls in the market. Openpath Keyless Door Access provides keycards, key fobs and mobile credentials access control to your office. Beblu Smart QR-Encrypted Access is another smart entry system that scans the mobile credentials of the employee. With smart access, one can add new tenant staff or enable visitors access almost instantly. In addition to that, the smart QR-Encrypted Access is also able to capture employees’ information for various HR purposes.

2. Smart Lighting and Climate Control
Smart Lighting and Climate Control allows one to work in a comfortable and convenient environment. Smart lighting system enables employees to manage the ambience of the office and climate control system detect preferences, usage patterns and regulate temperature accordingly. Smart lighting and climate control system are both cost and energy-efficient.
Beblu Mobile Smart Lighting and Climate Control app manages lights, air-conditioning systems and window blinds with just a click of a button.

3. Digital Wayfinding
Digital Wayfinding serves as a guide for visitors and tenants to find their way around the office space with their smartphones. Digital wayfinding tools can help in building brand equity, easier navigation, creating organic guests experience and it is also ecological. Nimway Mobile Wayfinding Application allows one to locate places in the building easily, book meeting rooms and report any facility issues to the facility services.

4. Digital Meter
Smart office technologies can also help play a part in benefitting the environment. Beblu Digital Meter provides real-time energy consumption data for tenants to monitor their monthly energy consumptions and recommends ways to reduce consumption. This will help in energy-conserving efforts as well as reduce the office’s monthly utility bills.

5. Smart Meeting Rooms
Another useful feature for a smart office is the smart meeting room software tool. It enables staff to view and schedule meeting timings which ensure seamless and organised collaborations. Nexudus, Cobot and Officernd are some subscription-based co-working space software used for smart meeting room management.