How to Make Your Building “Smart” to Enhance Business Operations and Employee Collaboration
“Collaboration” seems to be the keyword when businesses discuss their challenges or strengths. We’ve come a long way since we defined our company’s success by numbers and data alone. Now, we look to our team and their ability to brainstorm, engage, and collaborate—regardless of location—as a central part of our success.
How did we get here?
We looked to technology, and technology responded. Smart video conferencing solutions created more engagement, and commercial automation improved efficiency. In time, we realized there was no going back. This was the new normal, and the hybrid workforce was here to stay.
Here, we’ll explore how this smart technology has transformed the business landscape, enhancing teamwork and improving our everyday experiences.
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Improving Employee Collaboration
AI-enhanced technology is found in almost every industry. In video conferencing solutions, it’s become a central feature, a game-changer that’s transformed the virtual and in-person user experience.
Previously, you couldn’t always see or hear other participants clearly, making for a frustrating session. The lighting wasn’t quite right, making it difficult to see the presentation on the display.
Today, AI-powered technologies provide an intuitive, immersive experience that allows attendees to create, collaborate, and solve problems. Intelligent cameras track and frame speakers. Remote attendees can see non-verbal cues like facial expressions and gestures, mirroring an in-person experience—despite the distance.
Omnidirectional beamforming smart microphones ensure participants are heard clearly at the appropriate level. Innovative elements throughout the office include digital signages displaying interactive building maps or delivering important metrics.
Meeting room finders allow employees to access and book meeting rooms, scheduling meetings effortlessly and using time and resources wisely.
Enhancing Business Operations
Smart buildings use sensors to collect information on lighting levels, temperature, occupancy, and other parameters to maintain the ideal environment.
When everyone leaves a room, the lights turn off, and the thermostat lowers. The lights brighten when the motorized shades close midday to reduce glare and solar heat gain. When a meeting or video conferencing session starts, one touch on a control pad starts the meeting, adjusts the shades and lights to the appropriate settings, and turns on the AV equipment.
Gone are the days when staff had to wait 15 minutes for IT connectivity. Today, it’s done with one-touch and wireless technology.
Commercial automation creates a network of interconnectivity, with devices talking to the automation platform and each other. Automated systems include HVAC, lighting, climate, audiovisual, and security, ensuring optimized and efficient operations.
Today, innovation and collaboration are the key drivers to success, and smart commercial automation and engagement tools are improving efficiency, increasing productivity, and reducing costs.
At Northbay Technology Company, we design, install, program, and service customized and scalable technology solutions for a smarter workplace. To learn more about commercial automation or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Northbay Technology Company today.