What is IoT Technology?
IoT technology is widespread today across homes and commercial buildings, with objects as obscure as smart microwaves falling under the IoT banner. Businesses have come to rely on IoT technology much more in recent years, and there are a number of solutions that can transform offices into Smart Buildings.
What does IoT mean?
IoT means ‘Internet of Things.’ Essentially, the concept of IoT refers to electronic devices which are able to communicate with each other via the internet, simplifying processes that would typically be manually operated.
Often also referred to as ‘Smart’ technology, IoT-capable devices have an infinite number of uses and can be used in all manner of environments. In fact, the concept is so broad that beyond just Smart technology, it’s now possible to have an entirely ‘Smart’ building.
Learning from human behaviour and real-time data, Smart Buildings are able to interact with systems, people and external elements.
This capability can effectively make a building ‘autonomous,’ reducing the need for humans to intervene in things like setting the air-conditioning and freeing up time for them to focus on working with minimal distraction.
Examples of IoT technology for businesses
For businesses, IoT technology is employed to make day to day activities easier. Functions and environmental conditions like heating, air-conditioning and lighting can be controlled by IoT technology. Working alongside employees, the systems automate certain tasks and enhance efficiency and productivity.
Smart Lighting and temperature controls
For example, lights can be turned off if sensors detect no movement in a room. This Smart Lighting technology not only helps to protect the environment, it can also save your business money. Sensors can also detect changes in the temperature, automating the use of air conditioning and heating to create a consistent environment that’s designed with comfort, wellbeing and productivity in mind.
Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms are a hotspot for IoT technology in the workplace. Not only do businesses now have a catalogue of internet-connected video conferencing and presentation solutions to choose from, there are a number of Meeting Room Booking Systems on the market which utilise the IoT to great effect. From monitoring occupancy levels to having the lighting and technology automatically change depending on the user’s requirements, IoT ensures all your meetings are efficient and uninterrupted.
These cloud-connected solutions can link into your business’ video conferencing platform – allowing you to seamlessly schedule meetings between colleagues in the office and those working remotely – and can connect to your calendar. This makes it straightforward to identify which meeting rooms are available and keep track of meetings you’re booked in to attend.
Digital Signage
Digital Signage also comes under the umbrella of IoT technology. These systems have proven to be indispensable for businesses in a range of sectors, including retail, catering, corporate and healthcare. Cloud-connected digital signage solutions are extremely versatile, and IoT helps you stay competitive and up-to-date – presenting the right content at the right time.
Potential uses include advertising, giving directions around a facility, displaying health and safety messages, promoting your brand, or providing live updates to your employees, though the creative possibilities are practically endless.
To find out more about IoT and how it could improve your work environment, get in touch with Remark Group today.