How Modular Buildings Incorporate State-of-the-Art Technology
As smart devices continue to play a major role in our daily lives, it’s no surprise that they’ve also established a secure foothold in offices around the world. Just like traditional construction, modular buildings incorporate state-of-the-art technology that can benefit companies. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at office smart devices and how they can be integrated into your business operations.
What Are Office Smart Devices?
A smart office setup incorporates a network of physical objects that connect and exchange data via the Internet of Things (IoT). These “smart” devices contain built-in sensors and software that enable context awareness, connectivity, and autonomous computing. With the addition of a sensor, network connectivity, and computing abilities, virtually any object can join the IoT.
Ultimately, office smart devices must have the ability to:
- Adjust their behaviors based on environmental data
- Connect to the Internet
- Perform key tasks autonomously
Benefits of a Smart Office Setup
There are many benefits of incorporating state-of-the-art technologies into your new modular building. We’ll take a closer look at each of these perks in the following sections.
Increased Productivity
Office smart devices boost employee productivity by helping them complete their work more quickly and efficiently. By streamlining or automating basic tasks, smart products allow your staff to focus on their most important duties. They can use these devices to schedule appointments, book meetings, record notes, receive reminders, and distribute key information to your team.
Improved Safety & Security
Smart office setups with cameras, smart doorbells, sensors, and access control systems enhance safety and security for both employees and assets. Smart technology can also decrease the potential for hacking, phishing, and other digital threats to your business.
Comfortable Environment
Your employees can use office smart devices to create a working environment that’s both pleasant and comfortable. These products include smart lights, thermostats, and air purifiers, among many others.
Save Money
Smart devices typically use less energy than their traditional counterparts, reducing waste and lowering your energy bills. Plus, new technologies allow them to last longer, which saves money in the long run and boosts your upfront return on investment.
Enhanced Communication
A smart office setup improves connectivity and communication between your remote and in-office employees. The ability to access information and files from anywhere (and on any smart device) also boosts overall efficiency and productivity, positively impacting your bottom line.
Add These 10 Office Smart Devices to Your Modular Structure
1. Office Smart Speaker
Also known as virtual assistants (Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc.), these smart devices use voice recognition technology to understand and act upon user commands. Upon activation with a specific “wake word,” they record and transmit spoken information to their voice recognition service.
Office smart speakers allow your employees to get fast, hands-free answers to work-related queries. Rather than opening their laptop or waking their tablet, your team will get the answers they need without lifting a finger. Virtual voice assistants can also serve as a hub that allows you to control other IoT-connected devices in your smart office setup.
2. Office Smart Display
While they function like virtual assistants, office smart displays also have touch screens that provide additional context for voice commands. You can use these products for a variety of functions, like managing your calendar, making video calls, viewing business documents, controlling smart devices, and monitoring live security feeds.
3. Smart Locks
These office devices turn doors with standard deadbolts into smart doors that are controlled through virtual keys that you can distribute to employees. Along with ensuring workplace security during working hours, they also help you keep important assets safe when the office is closed. Some smart locks even attach to the interior deadbolt mechanism, so they don’t alter the door’s appearance.
4. Smart Lights
Smart LED bulbs feature built-in software that connects to a virtual assistant, mobile application, or other IoT-enabled device. This allows you to fully automate your lighting and control it wirelessly, while also eliminating the need for traditional wall switches. Smart bulbs don’t require a dimmer switch, and they generate less heat and last longer than traditional bulbs, saving you money.
Smart lights can be configured individually or as part of a group, and you can set timers that automatically turn lights on or off at certain intervals. This is particularly useful for non-working hours when you want the majority of your lights dimmed or turned off entirely.
5. Security Cameras
These video recording devices capture footage and upload it to the cloud, allowing you to view it from anywhere and on any device. Modern security cameras are typically controlled using mobile applications and can easily be added to your smart office setup.
Most smart security cameras are motion-activated, which means they start recording (and send you an alert) as soon as they detect motion. However, you can also choose options that record around-the-clock, which is known as continuous video recording (CVR). Today’s security cameras are more water- and debris-resistant than older models, extending their lifespan and usefulness.
6. Video Doorbells
These Internet of Things-connected devices use built-in motion sensors to notify you when someone is at your office entryway. Video doorbells allow you to view (and speak with) visitors before allowing them entry via a connected smart lock. They’re a great way to increase safety and security, while also allowing your employees to focus on more important tasks.
7. Video Assistance & Digital Reception
These automated reception systems combine digital visitor management and delivery notification software to streamline front desk operations. Along with helping you securely track visitors, these products improve overall guest experience.
- Digital reception and video assistance can help you with the following tasks:
- Pre-registration and visitor sign-in
- Automated document signing
- Secure Wi-Fi credentials
- Taking visitor photos
- Badge printing
- Instant host notification
- Package logging
- Automated recipient notification and reminders
- Secure pick-up with digital signature
Ultimately, digital reception and video assistance increase security and stability because digital information is automatically stored in the cloud. It also frees up your front desk staff’s time to handle all of their responsibilities.
8. Smart Thermostats
These office smart devices can be adjusted remotely from any device using a mobile application. Along with helping you create a comfortable work environment, they can help you save money on energy costs.
You can set up specific programs that power down smart thermostats when you leave for the day and turn them back on when you return. This is particularly helpful if you forget to adjust the heating or cooling systems before leaving the office.
9. Smart Air Quality Monitors & Purifiers
Many factors contribute to poor office air quality, including allergens, mold, lack of ventilation, cleaning chemicals, and equipment. Smart air quality monitors measure things like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particle pollutants, humidity, and temperature to maintain good air quality.
Smart air quality monitors send their measurements to the cloud, so you can automatically activate your purifier if air quality dips below a certain level. You can also schedule air quality monitoring and purification cycles for a hands-off approach that helps you support employee health.
10. Smart Outlet Plugs
Like the name suggests, these office smart devices allow you to remotely control any device that’s connected to an outlet, even if it isn’t “smart.” You’ll simply use the accompanying mobile application to direct the object to complete particular tasks or turn on and off. This is especially helpful if you want to track the amount of energy your office equipment uses (and the resulting utility costs).
Choose a Smart Modular Building from BOXX Modular
At BOXX Modular, we offer a variety of mobile offices, office complexes, and custom offices to suit your unique requirements. Whether you need short-term swing space or want to lease a modular structure for an extended period, we’ve got you covered.
Our modular buildings can incorporate state-of-the-art technology to satisfy any need, including:
- Broadband and cable Internet wiring
- Digital projectors
- Interactive smart boards and whiteboards
- Cloud technology
- Support for 5G-compliant devices
- Laptop and tablet charging stations
- Secure locking mechanisms to prevent burglaries
- Remote monitoring/control for entry vestibules
- Storefront/revolving doors with automated security features
- Control rooms with round-the-clock monitoring equipment
- Alarm systems and closed-circuit television (CCTV)
All of our modular offices can be fully-customized with convenient, practical furnishings that ensure your space is ready for immediate use. And if you’re on a budget, we have a large inventory of used modular buildings available for lease or purchase. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of sizes and floor plans that range from 1,000-30,000 square feet.
Now that you know how modular buildings incorporate state-of-the-art technology, it’s time to add one to your property. Contact BOXX Modular today to learn how we can help you choose a modular structure that’s equipped with the office smart devices you need.
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Modular buildings are the way to go. Request a quote or contact us today to get the conversation started. We’d love to talk to you about how modular can meet — and exceed — your needs.