With the US tech sector looking to reach $1.8 trillion in 2022, it’s no surprise that tech-centric companies are in a state of constant innovation, but how do the rest of our businesses decide where to invest in all this modernization?
When it comes to new technology, most companies are looking to improve upon their efficiency, productivity, safety and security measures. So, with this in mind, join us as we discuss 4 tech upgrades to modernize your company’s office space.
1. Install multi-functional security hardware
Multi-functional security hardware works harder for your office, it’s as simple as that. Whilst traditional intercom systems do provide a basic level of security through voice communication alone, combining your intercom with an access control door reader allows for even easier office access with the added efficiency of smart-functionality.
Intercom systems for office spaces with integrated access control readers can be initiated using only a key fob or access card, meaning only authorized persons are able to initiate the system, and the entire network can become contactless.
That’s not all for smart-functionality. Fully integrated systems also feature video cameras with event recording and file storage capabilities, automated locks, and can even be linked with cloud-based apps, allowing administrators to access and operate their network remotely from a smart-device.
2. Cloud-based security software
Speaking of cloud-based functionally, leveraging your security and communication systems to operate from within a single platform can drastically improve their efficiency and convenience. Not only does this allow for easier access to your key security systems remotely, but all files stored on cloud-based servers are automatically encrypted, often providing better protection than a physical storage device.
Other features intrinsically inked with cloud-based security systems include:
- Occupancy monitoring to keep track of your office’s head-count in the event of an emergency
- Identity services to ensure that selected individuals have the right access to your resources
- Automated lockdown capabilities to secure your entire workplace at the press of a button
In short, leveraging cloud-based security software combines convenience and efficiency for the seamless management of your wider security network.
3. Smart building technology
With the cost of essential utilities like electricity and fuel-oil rising by as much as 12% and 40% respectively in recent months, many US-based businesses are looking for proactive ways to cut down on their daily usage. Thankfully, we have a relatively easily implemented solution in the form of smart building technology.
Investing in a smart HVAC system designed to automatically adjust your office’s heating in line with demand, and a smart lighting system in order to better manage your electricity usage, can help to improve energy-efficiency and cut down on those spiraling overhead utility costs.
These systems are able to monitor your current usage, be adjusted to consider scheduled work days, calculate the average demand of your workplace, and even be controlled remotely if integrated with an existing security network, helping to reduce energy usage by as much as 30%.
4. Install flex spaces
Finally, let’s look at improving our workflows and productivity through the use of flexible employee spaces. A recent report by Public Health England found that by allowing employees the flexibility to work across multiple stations, absences were reduced and higher levels of job satisfaction were reported, showing that there are measurable benefits to modernizing our working environment.
The sedentary lifestyle associated with office work has been shown to increase the risk of serious health issues such as raised blood pressure, high blood sugar and unhealthy cholesterol levels. These concerns can be mitigated somewhat through the use of standing desks, helping employees to burn an extra 100-200 calories per hour throughout their workday.
The recent rise of remote work has also taught business leaders how beneficial a change of scenery can be to productivity, helping to alleviate office boredom which can give rise to errors and demotivation. Providing lounge spaces and collaborative areas has been shown to promote connectivity and conversation, turning your workplace into a positive and collaborative environment.
The working world has seen a lot of meaningful change of late, with new insights providing the perfect blueprint for successful modernization. By investing in the right places, business owners have the tools to improve productivity, security and efficiency across the board, it just takes the right tech.