Introduction
Consumer technology is all about convenience. Nowadays, this technology has come far enough that many of our office buildings are outfitted with gadgets and systems that make workplaces comfortable for the workers inside.
In this post, we’ve highlighted some of the technologies that should be present in every modern office. In recent years, even things like signage have been upgraded using modern technology, as is the case with the best digital wayfinding systems, but we’ve included tech that you will interact with directly when working in the office space.
Conference Lines
Yes, this is basic and yes, conference lines have been in offices for quite a while now. That said, many offices still lack reliable conference lines that are incapable of supporting high-quality video calls. Even when offices do have conference lines, many of them aren’t future-proofed against the next big technological developments in video and phone-calling spaces. Needless to say, you’re going to need a good Wi-Fi connection to keep these lines functional. As remote work increases in the wake of 2020, your office better have a reliable way to communicate with off-site workers and contractors.
The Cloud
In the quest for data protection, many modern establishments make use of cloud technology. Through cloud-based technology, it’s possible to access your data from virtually any location while keeping it safe. That doesn’t mean there aren’t security threats, you’ll find more on cybersecurity below, but if your office uses a cloud-based platform then you can work from home and distribute work data with ease.
An Array Of Communication Methods
Office spaces are where a lot of ideas get discussed, in which case they should have the devices that can effectively communicate those ideas. It doesn’t need to be the most sophisticated technology – a whiteboard would do. That said, an interactive electronic whiteboard is better and the ability to video conference and share your screen with colleagues is becoming more and more important.
Similarly, offices should have hardware like headphones that allow colleagues to communicate with clients or one another. Headphones also block out exterior sounds, so people in the office can focus more on the task at hand.
Internet-Of-Things Integration
There’s no point in having everything in your office connected to the cloud, or each other if your appliances aren’t compatible. The Internet of Things is where different devices in an office are all connected. Connecting a printer to your computer is one thing but, with the Internet of Things, employers aim to create an office where most gadgets are interconnected. This way, workers maximize their products since they have more control over the workplace, and managing those devices is more convenient.
Along with smart temperature and HVAC meters and linked computer appliances, you can also connect certain desks to the so-called Internet of Things. To achieve the best comfort, offices may use sit/standing desks that have height adjustability and can even set and monitor activity goals.
Private Office Network
Any modern office should have a robust network that guarantees the place has enough bandwidth to conduct business operations. Don’t rely on public Internet and tired infrastructure that has been in use for years, an office should have their own infrastructure to support the amount of data they throw around on a daily basis. Even if intense data crunching isn’t happening on a daily basis, every office should at least have the capacity to avoid embarrassing technical difficulties and delays to production. The amount of data that’s passed around between devices and on the Internet isn’t going down anytime soon, after all, so every office should prepare and future-proof itself.
Cybersecurity
No matter how sophisticated technology gets, there are always going to be people who can manipulate, exploit, and break that technology to access data or communications that aren’t for them. While hackers reveal weaknesses in security systems so they can be improved for the future, no office space wants to be the victim of a cyberattack. That’s why every office should have robust cybersecurity, especially as more and more items in both the office and the home are now online.
Don’t forget multi-factor security too. If your security system is foiled if a hacker gets lucky once then you’re already exposing yourself to too much risk. Passwords aren’t strong enough anymore, especially if you’re dealing with organized hackers who may have previous ties to the office or sophisticated password-cracking equipment. Multi-factor access should be used, typically through effortless biometric information like facial recognition or iris scans.
