For the last few years, the internet of things (IoT) – where everyday devices process data via the internet - has been increasingly used in both our homes and places of work. It seems strange to think that it wasn't that long ago that such ideas were seen as science-fiction. Today, ultra-fast Wi-Fi from a device is commonplace across the world. It allows for permanent and ubiquitous access to the internet for all manner of purposes. Millions of individuals use it to make money, such as making a bitcoin profit.
So, how has IoT impacted typical offices? Some of the developments have probably had a significant impact on the way you work, without you even realising it! So, let’s take a look.
Controlling business assets
Modern businesses are only too aware of how complicated managing company assets can be. Trying to look after every single asset from software, technology, systems, and more is a tough ask. However, the IoT has provided a new way for offices to keep track of all the essentials. Via devices, sensors and apps, 'smart offices' track all necessary assets and receive information on how well they're performing.
Furthermore, IoT has made the process of predicting what assets need maintenance a lot easier. Some businesses already use the power of predictive maintenance. However, combining it with the internet of things, such as sensors to see how everything is performing, can be of great benefit. Malfunctions can be predicted and steps can be taken to prevent them before they even happen.
Increasing energy efficiency in buildings
Buildings, especially large, corporate ones, require a lot of energy to power them. Of course, this does not come cheap. With companies looking more keenly at environmental concerns as well as their bottom line, it's no secret that businesses want to reduce these costs. One way this is being achieved is through the use of the internet of things to create an effective smart building.
Information collected on this scale can record the different levels of occupancy throughout the day, helping to make energy-saving decisions. This includes adjusting thermostats and lighting in the office.
Controlling occupancy in the office
As we enter the post-Covid era, employees are starting to slowly come back to the office. To ensure everything goes according to plan, maintaining a reasonable amount of distance is required. Occupancy sensors help assist when tackling this as they can show where everyone is on every floor. In addition, the sensors can connect to the internet of things to transfer data to space management programs. This information can then be reviewed to locate overcrowded areas, helping to find ways to prevent this from happening, and managing them when they do.
Enhancing productivity
Productivity can be improved using the internet of things in a few different ways. For example, finding a suitable workspace. Sensors can be set up in different rooms to determine if they're being used or not, helping direct employees to the right place.
This information can be transferred into facility management software to allow cleaners to know what needs to be cleaned and when to do it.
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