From Smartphones to Smart Buildings: The Next Chapter of Connected Business
The way businesses connect is evolving with greater speed by the day. Smartphones reshaped personal productivity, handing all of us instant access to information and useful tools wherever we go. And now that same transformation is happening on a much larger scale, with workplaces and commercial buildings becoming ever more interconnected. This paradigm shift is about more than just tech upgrades. It’s about reimagining the way organisations operate, how they stay secure, and their planning for the future.
The rise of the integrated workplace
Workplaces are no longer simply bricks, mortar and cubicle space. They have become ecosystems where workers, processes and systems converge with modernity as a result. Smart buildings are designed to weave together security, lighting, heating and use of space – sometimes all under the one integrated framework.
The benefits, if done right, are obvious and immediate. Smoother daily operations, lower costs, and hopefully a more welcoming environment for staff. For example, a booking system for meeting rooms that syncs lighting and climate controls, and can even know when everyone is in place. The integration that is now possible will improve efficiency, but also support employee wellbeing, which makes it easier to attract and retain talent.
Where mobile access control and business intelligence meet
The next chapter in connected business could be the merging of security and data insights. Traditional key cards are being superseded by mobile access control, with smart phones serving as secure, flexible, digital locks and keys. Credentials can be updated, revoked, and assigned at the click of a mouse, improving safety and convenience.
This is before we even get to the matter of business intelligence and how this can dovetail with security tech. Leaders can track how and when spaces are used and identify areas for improvement, which can include energy usage and bottlenecks in how the workplace flows. With the assistance of experts like Genetec, modern access control solutions can do more than just open and lock doors; they can unlock potential too.
Future-proofing your infrastructure
Of course, adopting new technology is merely half the challenge. Keeping it relevant is every bit as vital; the key to future-proofing is investing in systems that are both scalable and interoperable. Open platforms are an opportunity to add new tools and adapt existing ones without having to start from 0 again.
Security also necessitates constant attention. As buildings and workplaces become ever more interconnected, they create additional entry points that can be targeted by cyber threats. Regular updates, strengthened encryption, and a workplace culture that prioritises digital vigilance are all essential – and easier to achieve in a workplace where people are comfortable.
Not least of all, sustainability should guide every choice when it comes to infrastructure. Smart buildings can minimise waste and optimise use of energy. The upshot is that they will not only reduce costs, they will also demonstrate a commitment to responsibility and regulatory resilience. For any forward thinking company in an era where ethical planning is as important as it is now, this can be an advantage in itself.
