When you’re focused on building your business, the last thing you want to be doing is spending time maintaining your office. Luckily, technology has made leaps and bounds over the last few years in creating high-tech gadgets to make your office smarter. Here are five of our favorites.
Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are not only programmable but can be controlled via Wi-Fi even when you’re away from the office. Imagine leaving home on a chilly winter day and knowing that your office will be perfectly warmed when you arrive. Smart thermostats make it a breeze to reach the perfect temperature, and they help save on monthly utility costs. Program the temperature to drop when you normally leave the office. If you take a day off, you can quickly turn down the temperature without ever leaving your house.
Programmable Plug-In Switches
Programmable plug-in switches are tiny devices that are inserted into your electrical outlets and can be controlled via smartphone or paired with a voice service such as Amazon Alexa. Programmable switches have plenty of uses in a smart office. They can be used to randomize lights turning off and on so it looks like someone is always in the office. They can also be used to disconnect power to “vampire devices” that draw power even when not in use, such as televisions, gaming devices, and printers.
Wi-Fi Security Cameras
Security cameras that run off of WiFi are perfect for a smart office. With a lot of options on the market, Wi-Fi security cameras come with advanced features, such as the ability to see your office in real time on your smartphone, tablet, or computer or get notifications when the camera detects motion. Security cameras can also be installed to an office doorbell so you can view who’s at your door before allowing them inside.
Bluetooth Deadbolts
Sick of carrying around keys? Or do you want the flexibility of being able to change the locks without supplying new keys to everyone on your staff? Enter the Bluetooth deadbolt. Smart deadbolts have a keypad that enables you to key in a code to gain entry. In addition, a Bluetooth deadbolt also enables you to pair your phone and unlock the deadbolt through your smartphone. The technology makes it easy for you to share access to the office — and to revoke it at any time.
Varied Lighting
Just like computer monitors are getting smarter and mimicking natural light at different times of day, the study of atmosphere lighting is creating opportunities for smart offices. Using a system like Philips Hue, you can control lighting with a tap of your smartphone. Create an energizing hue for the morning, a concentration hue for the afternoon, and a festive hue for when it’s time to celebrate landing that big client. Your employees will thank you.
Smart technology can help create efficient, fun, and low-maintenance office spaces. Bask in the peace of mind that smart technology brings, and create an atmosphere that you (and your employees!) will love.
