If there’s one thing that the last few years has shown us, it’s that the reality of the Internet of Things (IoT) is a lot closer than previously thought. This is great news for businesses which will soon be evolved into smart businesses. To get to that point, there are a few digital tools that are needed to equip the office space.
What is a smart business?
Basically, a smart business is one that adopts emerging technologies (digital tools) to enhance their business strategy. This allows for the streamlining of all business operations for to give the business a competitive edge.
What are digital tools for smart business?
There are so many digital tools for the modern business, but not all are required. It depends on the industry, business size and particular business needs. Here is a look at some of the leading digital tools for smart business.
1. Biometric Scanner
Becoming increasingly popular is the biometric scanner for access control. The reason for this is the lack of actual access cards or disks which can be misplaced, no need for codes which can be transferred, and the heightened level of security that is associated with biometric identification. Essentially, it is the measurement and analysis of biological data using a scanner. Fingerprint scanning is possibly the most common biometric access control – although fingerprints do wear with age. Other options are voice and retina, with some access control opting for a combination.
2. Smart CCTV
Temperature Screening Thermographic Cameras, have state of the art detectors and algorithms which cano detect elevated skin-surface temperatures, and can therefore be used for rapid and preliminary temperature screening in office buildings, factories, stations, airports and other public places, with accuracy up to ±0.3°C. These can be controlled remotely via an app, and can automatically switch on and off as people enter and leave the office space.
3. Interactive Display Panels
From the business sector to classrooms, interactive display panels have revolutionized the way we attend meetings, conferences, training sessions and more. Interactive display panels enhance meetings, simplifying communication and presentations.
4. Smartphone
In the modern age, almost everyone has a smartphone, and this is particularly necessary in the smart office environment. A person’s business identity can be conveniently and compactly kept on this device which is used to interact with all the other digital tools found in the office space.
5. Wearable Cameras
What started as a device for thrill seekers and extreme adventure lovers, the wearable camera is now a beneficial device for the smart business. Wearable cameras are being used as a hands-free option for filming training sessions, capturing audits, as well as recording inspections and maintenance.
6. Multi-function printers
For all scanning, printing and copying requirements, the modern business needs a leading multi-function printer for high-quality output. These can be connected to a number of smart devices, have multi-layered security features, are cloud optimised and can be customised for different employees. With remote monitoring solution that saves both time and money, such as Fleet Services, IT professionals can monitor these devices in real- time, anticipate issues, even update firmware remotely during off-peak hours.
The digital revolution is upon us, and while investing in all the digital tools at once is costly, businesses should consider the reality of a smart office environment as they make investments in equipment going forward.