With the advancement of technology, the Internet has permeated every sphere of our life. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) smart buildings have emerged across the globe. This new-generation architecture presupposes that various operations and pieces of equipment within a building are integrated and automated due to cutting-edge software and Wi-Fi. Compared to legacy buildings, their smart counterparts consume less energy, minimize environmental impact, provide enhanced security and help occupants stay more productive—through improved lighting, comfortable temperature, enhanced physical safety and sanitation.

While smart offices aren’t ubiquitous, many space owners purchase special software that helps their businesses decrease costs, streamline operations, automate specific processes and improve space management.

If you’re starting a coworking business and consider making your space a smart one, here are some things to take into account.

Creating a Smart Coworking Space

1) An efficient IT network—equipment, data storage, IP telephony, security, CCTV, and HVAC, that can be managed.

2) Coworking software that will help you manage space and resources.

3) Mobile access control solutions that take security to a new level. Keys become redundant. Think personalized access, unique user credentials and the possibility of remote control of your venue.

4) Room sensors and smart thermostats that enable you to control temperature depending on the occupancy.

5) Visitor management systems mean that no visitor will go unidentified, and help reduce operational costs to create a more positive image of your venue.

6) Ergonomic furniture means more comfortable working conditions and better health.

7) Sufficient light level is needed to create a healthier and safer work environment.

Why smart offices?

Flexible offices can benefit from smart technologies and special coworking software inmany ways. From access control to improved lighting and temperature control, from member authentication and online meeting room bookings—’smart office’ means that you can automate a majority of processes within a building.

For you, as a business owner, this means simplifying your operations and cutting down costs on the employees that would otherwise control those processes. You can also derive a higher profit by charging clients a larger fee for premium services.

For your members, a smart workstation is a healthier, safer and happier place to be. Before setting up a smart office, make sure that you are equipped for it and are aware of some of the pitfalls.

Common issues when converting to a smart office

You do not have to have a newly constructed building to make it smart. In fact, majority of existing buildings are suitable for smart technology; however, it should be noted that to convert a legacy flexible office to a smart one, the following prerequisites are mandatory:

- Good IT infrastructure

- Building automation

- 3D drawings

- Asset information

- Wireless sensors

- Special software

All of the components mentioned above mean higher costs up front for you. However, as you implement smart technologies, they will inevitably lead to a more sustainable, cost-effective and efficient flexible office.