Internet of Things (IoT) technology is increasingly becoming a standard component in all aspects of business operations.
In the commercial real estate (CRE) industry, IoT leverages a bevy of interoperable smart technologies to facilitate dozens of functions that are vital to day-to-day business operations. These include building security and access control, air quality sensors, virtual work and remote visit platforms, optimized space utilization, and off-site accessibility.
Many of these smart CRE technologies are effectively doing “double duty” during this global pandemic to help businesses ensure a safe return to work. They’re both supporting modern business operations, while keeping employees, visitors, and vendors safe.
Undoubtedly, this year has shed new light on the importance and relevance of many of these digital CRE solutions. We’ve made a list of important movements happening in the space today, and 9 innovative smart technologies available to support them.
Every employee is a visitor
In the modern CRE space, emphasis on facilitating smooth day-to-day operations for all visitors on the premises is a priority. This includes not only guests arriving for meetings, but also contractors, loading dock personnel, repair and maintenance workers, janitorial staff, and security technicians.
1) Biometric systems and integrations
The future has arrived, and it includes biometric signatures.
This particular solution is not only ideal because it cuts down on touching shared surfaces, but because it also performs a double-function as a safety measure, effectively guaranteeing the identity of the person using the system.
Biometric scanning cuts down on the time it takes for visitors to navigate check-in processes. No longer is the swipe of a finger across a screen the gold standard: visitors stand in front of the optical or face scanner, or speak into the microphone, and quickly gain access to the premises.
These systems can also integrate with external watchlists – government or industry watchlists, of course, but also VIP watchlists for individuals with preferential treatment, including foreign dignitaries and top business stakeholders.
(And during the global pandemic, identifying all entrants is particularly important, as any unexpected guests bring added potential health risks.)
2) Pre-registration features via VMS
Increasingly, businesses are pre-registering (or remotely registering) visitors by sending out email invitations ahead of time. Before their meetings, visitors receive these invitations on their smartphones.
The invitations may include screening questionnaires asking visitors health questions in order to respect health and safety guidelines during the pandemic. They also collect visitors’ contact information, in case there is a need for contact tracing after the fact.
All-in-all, pre-registration features are an important step to ensure that only expected guests arrive – but one that provides them with a helpful reminder and a warm welcome before they ever set foot in a business establishment.
Everyone needs a little space
With more and more people working from home, and the need to avoid crowding in instances of going into the office, all aspects of managing space in CRE buildings have taken on paramount importance.
Fortunately, some new smart technologies help make sure building space is used efficiently and in a non-cluttered way, that visitors and employees know the quickest way to get from A to B in a big office building, and that a conference room or specially equipped office is available when needed.
3) Space management solutions
Space management systems allow workplace strategists and facility managers to optimally arrange a commercial space’s occupancy, organization of interior and exterior layouts, and storage – and to project how much space may be needed in the future.
During a health crisis, this is also important, as distancing measures require the most efficient use of space throughout a facility if employees cannot work offsite.
In truth, this is an area that’s often overlooked, especially when considering the returns that come with improved space management. A recent case study by FM:Systems demonstrates how integrating space management solutions can help a company increase customer satisfaction ratings by more than 90%.
4) Indoor positioning systems
Indoor positioning systems (IPS) provide wayfinding tools that adjust to live data to inform users on the best way to get around. Knowing the most effective way to get from the lobby to the office at any moment with an IPS can be a huge time-saver in a big office building. It’s also key to understand which route has the least amount of foot traffic, which also has applications for safety and security.
In a factory or warehouse setting, a sort of “GPS for Industry” to optimize and automate different processes in large areas is necessary. Workers with IPS know where different machines or devices are located in relation to other implements, and drivers can easily find loading and unloading bays.
5) Room & resource booking
Meeting room management systems, which can be integrated with cloud-based visitor management systems, allow employees to reserve rooms or dedicated spaces (with video monitors or other special technology) in advance of meetings. That’s all while simultaneously eliminating problems with double-booking, and supporting safe social distancing measures.
Services like Condeco, Smartway2, Roomzilla, and Float are built on the cloud and filled with customizable features, and in many cases are integrated with other security and check-in systems to help optimize building traffic.
Visitor management systems going touchless
Cloud-based visitor management solutions (VMS) are digital systems that simplify and secure building check-ins, while gathering, managing, and protecting visitor information.
Prior to the global pandemic, visitors might have entered through the front door and proceeded to front desk staff or security. They might then have been directed to a kiosk where they would enter their identification on a tablet or touchscreen.
Now, smart technologies integrated with visitor management systems are used for distanced, touchless and keyless entry.
6) QR code-based entry
In keeping with public health guidance to avoid touching shared surfaces, each visitor receives a unique QR code sent to their personal smartphone in advance of arrival.
In truly interoperable spaces, the QR code may also be scanned at access control points such as turnstiles, elevators, and doorways, allowing the visitor to enter the building and proceed without pressing any buttons.
Moreover, these tools are important for managing people flows – making sure visitors, customers, contractors, and employees can enter and navigate the building safely and securely.
7) Humanoid robot greeters
The humanoid robots depicted in the science-fiction of yesteryear are finally here, and playing an important role in the health crisis.
From artificial greeters, to check-in machines designed to support assistants that help visitors navigate a property, humanoid robots are making an impression on people. They’re also helping reduce the need for on-premise staff by assisting human greeters, receptionists, elevator attendants, and other personnel who occupy lobbies or common entryways.
The demand for humanoid machines is expected to grow by an estimated $3.9 billion by the year 2023 (from $620 million reported in 2019). The global pandemic has only increased interest in these digital assistants, as they are invulnerable to health risks.
Clean energy and clean data
8) Green buildings
A trend towards “green buildings” is becoming particularly prevalent among businesses. These buildings may feature dimmable LED lights, motion control systems to ensure that power isn’t wasted on empty rooms, and advanced AI control systems that limit energy usage.
These solutions are self-sustainable, environmentally friendly, and significantly cost-cutting. One Singapore-based university, Nanyang Tech, has already reduced its overall energy usage by 26% since 2011, when it implemented a series of smart plugs and lighting sensors. The university aims to achieve a 35% energy waste reduction by the end of this year.
9) Data privacy software
Data privacy management software for commercial spaces may increasingly become an important investment, however, as many of these systems provide not only data security, but also risk management solutions. These interoperable systems integrate with existing technology so as to keep data safe and well organized (and keep hard-working IT folks happy).
By Jonathan Davis
Jonathan writes about asset management, maintenance software, and SaaS solutions in his role as a digital content creator at Eptura. He covers trends across industries, including fleet, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality, with a focus on delivering thought leadership with actionable insights. Earlier in his career, he wrote textbooks, edited NPC dialogue for video games, and taught English as a foreign language. He holds a master's degree in journalism.
