Digital transformation is at its peak today, and it plays such a prominent role in the development of new innovative products. It has hugely impacted companies and organizations in the way they work and has completely transformed office technology and the day-to-day lives of employees.

Nowadays, the major changes in workplace technology are more about creating the best possible work environment and focusing more on smart work than hard work. The main focus is to implement intelligent devices and systems, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT) and IoT security when venturing on this journey. At present, there are billions of devices connected to the internet and are continuously transferring and accumulating data. The internet of things (IoT) promises to revolutionize the workplace to a whole, another level. 

Now, let’s dive in deeper on how IoT stir up the workplace- 

• Digital Assistants-

One of the most familiar uses of the IoT is something many people use in their homes nowadays, and that is digital assistants. Even chatbots have become much popular in assisting employees to figure out their tasks and queries. However, these devices are not much popular in the office environment. The most apparent use-case of a digital assistant in the office is none other than to help employees with their individual tasks and making calls. Regardless, they have much more significant potential than this. Digital assistants can help you with controlling the conference room equipment settings and order supplies, it also lets you know which meeting rooms are free, update your calendar, set up meetings, and many more. 

• Smart Buildings-

Smart buildings utilize IoT systems for cost savings and for remote operation. For example, a smart heating system can understand the temperature and set up the preferable air conditioning or heating accordingly. However, it has been also said that, with more recent developments, smart buildings can be also connected with the number of people using computers. 

Also Read– Is Digital Transformation Critical for the Growth Of Pharmaceutical Industries?

• Smart Desk Objects and Well Being-

Another significant benefit of IoT in the workplace is that it provides up-to-date analytics on employee health and wellbeing. For example, smart desks can warn you if you’re sitting too long, and smart chairs have sensors equipped in them to let employees know that they have been sitting too long or when they have a bad posture. Wellness wearables let employees know when they need a break, to have a walk, or even to have a glass of water. Because of these up-to-date analytics, it helps optimize the working environment for employees and helps the workplace become even more productive.

Impact of IoT on Office Technology

When it comes to office technology, IoT is far more advanced and has quite a few points to bring to the table. From automating tasks to creating an interactive product experience, IoT can do it all. And with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) blending with IoT, it paves the way for more innovation. Let’s see how IoT will change office technology and the way we do business-

• Automate Tasks-

From simple office tasks to manufacturing operations in a smart factory, companies can automate almost everything today. Test automation and intelligent automation also boost up the smooth running and overall productivity of a workplace of a company. The automation of tasks can be achieved by the utilization of the IoT and VoIP, or an internet connection together. Take an example of a multi-million dollar company Harley-Davidson, using e-Commerce integrations, and other IoT devices, they decreased its operating costs by a whopping $200 million at a single plant. Their production schedule was also decreased from 21 days to a sheer six hours. 

• Conduct Remote Face-to-Face Meetings-

With the utilization of advanced IoT, management can use a telepresence robot to conduct face-to-face meetings with other employees via a screen and also help them to navigate around the office. Another great benefit of IoT in the workplace is that it also enables managers to visually check in on their staff, even if they are working on-site or remotely. 

• Save Energy-

This is one of the prominent impacts of IoT in the workplace, for example in the retail sector, as well as the maritime sector. You can optimize lighting and temperature usage accordingly, by utilizing smart devices with the IoT. Saving energy extends the lifespan of devices and also acts as a significant cost saver. 

• Track and Re-Order-

IoT sensors can help in maintaining proper stock by triggering a VoIP telephone call or another type of warning when stock is running low on quantity. This also results as a huge time saver, hence making employees more efficient in their other tasks. 

• Create an Interactive Product Experience-

With the help of IoT sensors again, brands create a personalized experience for their customers. Take an example of Johnnie Walker’s smart bottles, they gave their customers an interactive experience by scanning the bottle. Near Field Communication (NFC) sensors were detected each time a bottle was opened and it delivered a distinctive message to the customer. 

Also Read– Can IoT Make A Difference In Smart Manufacturing And Industrial Sector?

How Your Business Can Transform with IoT 

We are entering a new era of digital transformation and business productivity altogether. This wouldn’t have been possible without the emergence of increasingly sophisticated connected devices. Experts predict that more than half of new businesses will definitely run on the internet of things (IoT) by 2022. This enables many businesses to save millions in improved productivity and workflow optimization. Nevertheless, even with facts like these, business managers and analytics do come up with the question: ‘How can IoT improve the overall business productivity?’ Now, let’s find out the answer to that now-

• Improving Collaboration-

Improving collaboration among fellow employees is one of the ways that employee productivity is being improved. It is also enhanced through the increased possibilities for remote working. Employees are no longer required to be in the same physical space in order to collaborate with one another with the help of harnessed connected devices. Employees can work from anywhere over shared networks, especially with the support of portable devices and cloud-hosted software. 

• Operational Efficiency-

One of the factors that make IoT so beneficial for businesses is its ability to accumulate data from IoT devices, and that can be used in an incredible amount of ways. One of the ways in which data is harnessed is to help with the proper tuning of day-to-day operations. Take an example, some companies may use smart sensors to get to know which all rooms are occupied and where employees spend the majority of their time. This information can be later on used to track employee attendance effectively and can minimize unnecessary logins or swipes that can waste an employee’s productive time. 

• Improving the Supply Chain-

This is another great benefit of IoT in businesses. It enables you to track the transport and delivery of products. Hence, allowing you to monitor the arrival times and logistics more accurately. Inventory levels and warehouse tracking can be done smoothly with smart sensors and smart tags. This results in a well-organized stocking, which eventually enhances your company’s cash flow. 

• Increasing Office Efficiency-

Automation is possible with the help of IoT technology. Smart offices make benefit from all the available devices that do different functions such as monitoring, controlling, and managing various operations across a business. With the help of these functions, employees free their time from repetitive tasks and focus their time on more productive work. There’s a huge potential for increased productivity as AI assistants like Siri and Alexa take over the IoT ecosystem. Therefore, companies are trying to invest in more virtual assistants, advanced machine learning (ML), and AI for better growth and performance.

• Lowering Energy Costs-

IoT not only improves employees’ productivity but also makes efficient use of resources and minimizes unnecessary expenses. The use of smart heating and lighting systems are some examples that prove IoT lowers energy costs and will be put up only when required. 

Also Read– What Is A Digital Twin? How Is It Useful In The Retail Industry?

How ThinkPalm can Help in Business Automation with IoT

At present, almost all new businesses have implemented IoT as a part of their office technology and in their workplace. IoT is booming now more than ever. With the never-ending devices, new innovations, and advanced services like mobile app development services and IoT services coming into the field every day, the world is most likely to turn truly digital in the upcoming years. 

Come partner with us at ThinkPalm as we offer top-notch IoT services. We implement flexible software and hardware services planned to perform in any environment. Our IoT Services for industries are robust and exceptionally effortless to integrate. Companies, big and small, are leveraging enterprise IoT and consumer IoT to enhance productivity, derive real-time insights from interconnected assets, decrease costs, and drive innovation through new business models. The future of IoT is finally upon us.

Author Bio

Feril Hazem is an enthusiastic content writer working at ThinkPalm. He is a techie and self-motivated unique storyteller with a keen interest in writing about the latest technology updates and industry insights. Off the screen, he is a movie buff, likes playing basketball and listening to music.