Digital Automation
With the world moving towards digitisation, various IoT (Internet of things) devices are gaining popularity. These devices help reduce employees' contact with the surfaces. For example, the automation with a Lutron Processor system enables scenes to be activated based upon the time of the day on an Astronomic time clock. Wireless wall-mounted keypads, allow for easy retrofit applications. This system replicates the controls on devices like smartphones, tablets, etc.
Smart LEDs can adjust the light temperature of the room varying from a warm white (3000k)to cool white (5000k) and daylight levels of a particular space. For instance, the Lutron Digital Addressable lighting interface (DALI) modules provide different ambient lighting experiences to meet the occupants' needs. All these measures can help improve employee productivity and overall office experience.
Today, building automation and control tools are available to process and analyse occupancy patterns. These are called occupancy sensors that help to detect when a space is unoccupied and thus turn the lights off. As a result, one can save more energy and reduce carbon footprint. For example, the Lutron ceiling mount sensors feature high-end in ceiling sensors with minor motion detection ability. The dual technology version provides optimal energy saving and occupancy detection. This self-adaptive technology helps to eliminate the need for manual adjustments. Data from the sensors can also be fed to the Building Management Systems to manage the HVAC loads as well, thus maximizing energy savings.
Voice Technology
With voice-enabled devices, one can request services and enable contactless operations. Moreover, employees can use appliances without touching handles and buttons, making work simpler and ensuring social distancing. In addition, most voice-enabled devices understand commands like managing meetings, controlling conference room devices, and setting room temperature, simplifying work nitty-gritty.
Smart building automation helps in creating a healthier and pleasant environment for employees. For example, ventilation systems with air cleaning and filtration technology can help reduce airborne contaminants creating a safer and more hygienic workplace. For instance, the Coolmaster System by Anusha Technovision facilitates seamless integration of the HVAC systems. The system provides services like maintaining the thermostat, touch keypad/dynamic keypad for control, occupancy/vacancy sensor, Lutron Connect App, etc.
The office spatiality is changing. Post the pandemic as the staff re-acclimate to the new normal, building improvisations and automation will increase office efficiency with employee well-being as the mainstay. Automated office engagement and innovation, embracing a hybrid work model will help deal with the pandemic effectively.
One of the new trends in international and multinational companies is to now focus on the Wellness factor in addition to focusing on minimizing the energy consumption in the building. As such now “wellness ratings” in addition to the LEEDS Energy ratings are being sought from international rating agencies. The realization dawns that the cost of energy in the building is nothing compared to the cost of employees and as such savings should be focused on increasing the productivity of the employees in proportion to the increased “wellness” -now being the new Mantra.
