In this era, the era of digitization, IoT is taking precedence over everything, from the way we live to the way we give. The tech world, with its constant evolution, is changing the way we do business. The pandemic has had a positive effect on the way we rethink our lives and businesses, and has compelled businesses to rethink strategies that come up with smart company solutions. Everything is “smart” these days, in our lives and our businesses.
Investment in Smart Security
To protect a business investment, you have to invest in something that secures it as well. Part of company networks and infrastructure involves state-of-the-art security systems with door and window motion sensors. For instance, the Kogniz includes AI tech (by facial recognition) to monitor repeat shoplifting offenders. These can alert you through apps on your smartphone. Heat and leak sensors are also on the way to protect your business from potential non-human damage.
Energy Efficiency
As all companies strive towards sustainability, many have found that work-from-home solutions work well and save on unnecessary office space and energy resources. Besides this, if you do have an office space, smart energy would mean having a smart thermostat to cut energy costs. Such thermostats would work on custom schedules, kicking off only when scheduled. Monitoring use and adjusting to temperatures, these go a long way in curbing energy costs.
IoT Devices for Smart Solutions
The Internet of Things is a benefit all around. IoT technology powers everything from LED lighting to come on when you reach the office, to printers detecting when they need new ink (Brother Printer Refresh, for example). Connected sensors used in the shipping industry will help you keep an eye on your inventory. All this cuts down on human labor significantly. Nonetheless, the benefits of IoT on logistics are overwhelming and welcome.
Smart Locks
Network and infrastructure are all about how the business environment is adapted to control the security of employees. Smart locks have a mind of their own, and will alert you with the comings and goings of staff and outsiders within office hours. This tech is used to set up codes for individuals and you can change them. Kwikset Kevo and Schlage Sense are ones to explore.
Cloud Distribution
When cloud services are distributed to various physical locations, with the governance, operation and evolution being the same, distributed cloud will function. This is the future of cloud as we know it. Organizations will have these services close by, physically, and this helps with low latency issues. Furthermore, data costs will be reduced, and laws that dictate data will be specific to a particular area.
Operations from Anywhere
If there is one good thing about the pandemic, it has taught us to work from anywhere at anytime. Remote working environments are enabled by a number of devices. Take, for instance, banks that are mobile-only and do every possible banking transaction remotely. There is no physical interaction at all, whether it’s transferring funds or opening accounts. Digital is the default way at all times, at all hours, on all days. Digital enhancement will be seen in 2021, with contactless check-out at stores and the like.
AI Engineered Devices
AI is emerging as the greatest trend in the digital office space with chatbots and other helpful tools that help in offering smart company solutions to optimize business. AI engineering provides a path to a more mainstream working of things, rather than for isolated devices. Such a system would optimize everything that a business does, from collecting data to marketing and sales.
Smart Assistants
The use of smart assistants for business purposes is emerging. Higher-level systems like “Alexa for Business” (by Amazon) is the way to go for small or large businesses. Tools like this can control a whole lot of IoT devices, all in one shot, providing smart energy and infrastructure like never before. “Alexa for Business” can offer everything from a weather report to tracking business meetings and conference dates. Tony Stark’s JARVIS would be jealous of her!
Smart Vacuums
Since everything is on hyper-automation mode, you may as well get a smart vacuum too. Maintaining network and infrastructure in a business is dependent on a clean office space. A robotic vacuum, like the one by Eufy, cuts costs of custodial outsourcing. It also gives you a clean office on a daily basis, or whenever you demand.
Smart Coffee Machines
An office is symbolic of coffee machines and food vending machines. Coffee is the lifeblood of most employees. A smart coffee machine increases productivity and keeps employees set on tasks while the machine handles itself. Check out the ones by Keurig and Nespresso. You won’t have to manually have someone operate these from start to finish.
