The Edge - Volume One

Optimizing space utilization According to a recent Gensler study, 83 percent of executives rank space utilization as the most important metric for making the right workplace decisions. With actionable data, facility managers can make better-informed decisions on how to add, reduce or redesign space than when insights relied on subjective employee surveys and workplace observations. Monitoring safety measures Safety in the workplace is a top priority for every company – especially when it comes to job sites, but it’s hard to ensure 100 percent compliance. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly changing this. Now, technology is capable of monitoring and reviewing job site imagery 24/7, observing field personnel and providing an overall safety score that relates to compliance issues such as not wearing work gloves or jobsite conditions like poor housekeeping. Having this smart technology available has led to dramatically improved safety, productivity and quality on job sites around the world. Improving building security Landlords are looking into implementing biometric data scans to create a seamless check-in experience, reduce the costs of manual check-ins and minimize their risk profiles. There are now devices that can recognize faces, fingerprints, voices, palm veins, DNA, hand geometry and even odors for identification and access control purposes. The databases of user preferences, space utilization measurements, site images and biometrics are growing every day.

THE GOOD

THE BAD

There’s no doubt about it – IoT in the workplace significantly improves the health, productivity and comfort of its occupants. Smart building applications not only enhance the overall user experience, they can also optimize space utilization and improve safety within a facility. Enhancing the overall user experience Collecting data over time enables companies to fine-tune the employee experience by: > > Informing employers about the types of chairs people prefer, and the types of desks – height- adjustable or not – in which the employees are more productive. > > Knowing the preferred temperature and lighting intensity in work areas. > > Measuring the amount of time spent working heads-down versus collaborating with others. > > Getting instant feedback. > > Automatically generating service requests. > > Optimizing traffic flows around common areas (cafes, parking, etc.). > > Offering a seamless security experience where biometric scanners eliminate the need for physical passes. Having this information allows employers to meet employees’ needs on a more consistent basis, which improves overall productivity and satisfaction.

While IoT can offer improved energy optimization and valuable insights via data, it will inevitably affect the working lives of your employees. Privacy concerns around sensors and space tracking devices are not uncommon as employees may feel uncomfortable having their every move tracked at work. For example, many banks and financial services companies have begun installing desk sensors that detect an employee’s presence at their desk. Spokespeople for these companies have justified these new additions to office life as a way to make more efficient use of office space and cut costs. However, it’s clear that employees remain wary of how surveillance technology like this will impact their right to privacy. Biometric scanners that can recognize faces, irises and finger prints seem like a great way to improve security in office buildings. However, biometric data, though unique, is no more secure than any other kind of data. Data breaches happen every day and hackers are capable of fooling readers. Once your biometric “password” is hacked, you won’t be able to replace your finger, iris or face for a new one. This raises concerns for tenants about privacy.

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