Let’s Discuss what is an IoT first
What is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a system of interrelated, internet-connected objects that can collect and transfer data over a wireless network without human intervention. For example, the lights can be put on schedule so that they turn off when people usually go home, or the thermostat can turn the A/C ON about an hour before you return to the office.
Now let’s learn a bit about Coworking Space
Coworking is an arrangement in which several teams from different companies share an office space, allowing cost savings and convenience through the use of common infrastructures, such as equipment, utilities, and receptionist and custodial services, and in some cases refreshments and parcel acceptance services.
IoT in Workspace Management
IoT provides lots of opportunities, but as described in our 2017 Real Estate Predictions, the rise of smart buildings brings with it new risks such as cyber risk. Another important thing to watch in the privacy of the buildings’ users. Because of all the data sensors collect, privacy has to be the top priority. IoT should be used to make the building user-friendly and personal data should not be able to be accessed by anyone other than the person itself. This is especially relevant in co-working spaces where multiple companies are working and data privacy should be key.
Although the concept of co-working space is not new, we expect it to continue to gain greater popularity. The success of co-working space will be in the flexibility and space optimization that the model offers.
With increasing expectations of coworking space visitors and consumers about the amenities and environment, it is a challenge for managers to integrate the best technologies which can help managers to have better control and vision over the workspaces while improving the consumer experience.
Couple this with how technology, in particular, IoT can bring about further workplace change and greater understanding. Enabling tenants to flex up and down depending on their needs and not to be restricted by traditional lease terms will ensure co-working space will establish itself in the market.
Hence, considering these facts and reasons, it is extremely important to use the space that is self-owned or available in the most advanced and efficient manner. Here comes the role of IoT solutions helping the facility management to provide best-in-class shared workspaces to the members like never before.
IoT Applications transforming Shared Workspace Management
1.A responsive workspace
IoT-enabled shared office spaces will act a lot different than the existing ones where everything from the furniture to the copy machine will be connected through IoT. Efficiency is considered to be one of the biggest advantages of an IoT-ready coworking space. From cost-cutting to optimal use of resources, IoT has it all covered. How cool it would be to see the LED lights in a meeting going off by themselves as soon as people leave the room.
- Smart CCTV Cameras
An eye on the sensitive areas of your coworking space is important. Wireless IP CCTV cameras can be installed to keep track of any unauthorized access. Motion detectors can also be installed which starts recording only when there is a motion.
- Help to Streamline Payments
Another significant benefit of using a member-first space management software is that it helps simplify invoicing. Members can log on to their mobile app, arrange their booking and submit payment all in real-time. As you might imagine, this helps streamline operations in coworking spaces as well as reduces wait times and redundant conversations with regards to invoicing clients.
Most coworking software supports in-app payments via credit or debit cards and automatic email confirmation receipts once you’ve finished booking a meeting room. The best way to enable such payments is by partnering with Stripe. Such a system grants residents added convenience and helps prevent the myriad of problems associated with manual invoices such as difficulty in monitoring and increased risk of discrepancies. Both can cause businesses many headaches come tax season.
- Smart Biometrics based Entry and Exits
Once the workspace or desk has been allotted to a consumer, the first thing that comes into consideration is the access control. Many technologies like RFID, Barcode, or Beacon technology can be used to automate the entry-exit process. Bluetooth beacons and a keyless entry custom mobile application is the most used automation application for keyless entries in shared workspaces which users are loving, A biometric solution captures the time and attendance data of employees, integrates with the payroll system, manages leaves, salary calculations, and maintains accurate data that can be accessed using the internet.
The new workspace experience can start right from the entrance where you no longer need to tap or swipe your ID card.
- Smart Cashless Payment System
Consumers of coworking space will be using many services, seat usage, meeting room usage, food and beverages, printing, concierge services, or attending a paid event. Leveraging RFID technology, Smart cards will work as an access control card and Payment card too. Coworking space can provide a mobile app or web-based platform through which consumers can top up money to these smart cards which can be used to make payments within the coworking space. The workspace management can also send reports of payment details monthly to the users for the services they may have used.
Benefits of Smart Coworking Spaces powered by IoT
- Custom calendar management dashboard
- Improved asset utilization
- Reduced costs due to effective power and energy consumption
- Remote and Real-time tracking for security and asset utilization
- To identify your valuable members
- The cashless digital in-house payment process
Let’s connect in collaboration with PsiBorg , enabling workspaces more connected , flexible and Tech savvy.