What Does it Mean to Have a Smart Office?
The IoT (Internet of Things) has transformed the modern workplace and created new opportunities for businesses across all industries.
Introducing the IoT into the office should streamline processes and make your work environment more efficient and productive. However, it doesn’t come without risks and it’s important to have a policy around the use of IoT devices in the workplace.
Here is everything you need to know about IoT in the office.
Table of Contents
What is IoT in the workplace?
The IoT allows everyday objects to be connected wirelessly to the internet, meaning they can be controlled remotely or transmit data without human interaction. Check out this guide for more information on the IoT and how it works.
Here are some examples of IoT devices in the workplace:
- Smart lockers – These IoT devices offer work environments an effective technology to support agile work practices. eLocker’s intelligent locker systems can optimise locker management, reduce overhead costs, and automate up to 94% of your manual locker workflows. Click here to find out more about smart office lockers.
- Smart printers – Internet-connected printers are prone to errors, for instance when paper or ink runs out, and this can cause frustration and harm productivity in the workplace. Whereas, smart printers deliver automatic alerts to the support team as soon as they require a service. This eliminates delays and ensures that this essential piece of office equipment is operational and running efficiently.
- Smart lighting – Smart lighting systems turn on and off automatically via inbuilt sensors. This makes office buildings more energy-efficient and reduces the associated energy costs.
What are the advantages of IoT in the workplace?
IoT devices can optimise and streamline processes, improve efficiency, and create new business opportunities. For instance, companies can leverage the IoT to track their assets in real-time and improve security and uptime.
According to experts at Smart Buildings Magazine, smart technology can also improve employee wellbeing and comfort, leading to higher productivity in the workplace.
Are there any risks of using IoT in the workplace?
Using IoT devices in the office can create potential security risks. Many IoT devices and gadgets have basic security controls meaning they are vulnerable to cybercriminals and data breaches.
IoT security issues can be caused by weak password protection, insecure interfaces, insufficient data protection, or poor IoT device management.
Make sure that your employees are aware of these risks and introduce a strict policy on the use of IoT devices in the workplace to improve your network security and minimise the risk of a data breach.
Bottom line
Bringing the IoT into your office can bring new opportunities and investing in just a few innovative IoT products can transform your ordinary office into something new and exciting.
Get in touch with the eLocker team if you would like to find out why smart lockers are the ultimate IoT technology for flexible workspaces.