Office environments change with technology advancements. Paper-based workflows and on-site systems have become part of a bypassing age, making room for business applications and cloud-based solutions. New innovations are making workspaces ever increasingly intelligent and dynamic – making the concept of a smart office possible. 

The smart office uses next-gen technology such as automation and the Internet of Things to    help solve the old annoyances or inconveniences employees used to deal with. In doing so, the technology offers the promise of greater efficiency, speed, and higher quality. Read on as we examine how smart office solutions can bring a massive transformation in how you carry out business today. At a glance, some of the features of a smart office are: 

1. Digital wayfinding
2. Task automation
3. Biometric access
4. Smart parking
5. Device control

Digital wayfinding

Today the need for wayfinding is stronger than ever as offices become larger and more fast paced. Intelligent wayfinding tools can do more than just providing visitors and new employees with custom directions to their destination. They can greatly improve operations by bringing together location-aware technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), and indoor mapping technologies into one system. Using a mobile app or kiosk, team members can quickly and effectively locate available hot desks, open meeting rooms and even fellow employees.

Task automation

Routine manual processes that take up a considerable amount of time and resources. With automation, productivity-killing tasks can become a thing of the past. Automation software takes care of things like invoicing, social media scheduling and management, customer support, recruitment, and more so that employees can devote their time to high-value work such as problem solving and team collaboration.

Biometric access 

Security is one of the primary concerns of the smart office. Fortunately, biometric security is a simple and convenient solution for employees accessing certain areas around the office throughout the day. They always have their biometric ID with them, so no more fumbling in pocket for a fob or ID card or trying to remember a password. It only takes one quick scan of their fingerprint or face before they’re authenticated.

Smart parking

It is pretty much a guarantee that employees will look for parking when they arrive at the office complex. Whether they’ll spend five minutes or 30 minutes driving around for a spot, it is time lost and frustration created. However, with smart parking, they won’t experience any parking woes as the technology immediately directs them to an empty parking spot. 

Control at their fingertips

Having IoT connected devices in your office means employees can now use apps on their smartphones to enjoy complete control of functions from anywhere in the world. Did they leave the office and forget to turn the lights off? Is the office temperature too hot or too cold? No time to make coffee? No need to stress. They can quickly and easily turn these devices on and off, adjust settings, or brew their cup of Joe from the respective accompanying apps.

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Final word on the smart office

It is not a pipe dream that a smart office could be the new normal in the next couple of years. Employees are now accustomed to the increasing number of digital technologies not only at home but also at work. While the traditional office is still very much alive, its focus has now shifted to creating a more connected, digitally enhanced workplace that will enhance the employee experience. 

Enterprise connectivity is the essential infrastructure that enables your employees to take advantage of emerging technologies. Using reliable, high speed solutions like fibre or wireless internet provides you with a low-latency network that ensures all applications and online tools handle peak workloads and will run smoothly. Nowadays, employees require connectivity wherever they go, whether it’s the office or at home, and it’s up to you to enable that ability.