Page 32 - Spaces Magazine Volume 1

· 32 · Vol 0ne ® Smart Spaces This might include: • cloud services • local area and wireless networks • Internet of Things (IoT) devices • communication and collaboration platforms A connected workplace replaces the traditional environment where time is wasted finding resources, such as information, data, or documents, and accessing platforms or places. Everyday tasks, from asking colleagues for advice to finding meeting spaces, are optimised through connectivity, including climate and lighting management. Workplace connectivity supports the exchange of resources among employees, teams, devices, and applications. It enhances productivity and collaboration, especially with the advent of IoT technology, which brings rich analytics. This data is channelled into a central dashboard, where it can be analysed manually or by artificial intelligence and other automated tools. The resulting information aids strategic decision-making and creates powerful automations, ensuring the building operates within preferred parameters for expenditure, energy usage, health and safety, and user comfort. Features of a typical IoT-connected workplace Sensor networks made up of: • motion sensors • vibration sensors • temperature and humidity sensors • occupancy sensors • sound sensors • thermostats These are deployed throughout a building, these sensors collect data from various sources. Security devices Smart locks, CCTV cameras, and access control systems, when interconnected through a central control system, enhance building security and provide an audit trail of movement. Data analytics Data from IoT sensors is fed into a central dashboard for real-time analysis, offering insights into energy consumption, space usage, and occupant activity. AI-driven analytics provide detailed insights, showing how variations in conditions and events impact energy usage and user comfort. Connectivity driving productivity in the modern workplace By Sarah Mac Smart Spaces Workplace connectivity is a cornerstone Organisations can now optimise resources, monitor their bottom line, reduce waste, of productivity and efficiency. It bridges streamline operations, and create a smarter, teams and their work, representing a future where digital transformation drives more open working environment. collaboration and offers a personalised end-user experience. But what does it entail, and why is it so vital? Workplace connectivity is a network of digital connections and communication channels within a work environment. How does Internet of Things technology drive workplace connectivity? IoT is crucial for workplace connectivity, especially in smart buildings, where the entire structure is connected via sophisticated IoT infrastructure. It includes various technologies and digital Smart buildings use IoT-connected devices and sensors to monitor building functions, infrastructures that enable employees, producing data that reveals valuable systems, and devices to interact and collaborate seamlessly. patterns and trends.