Franka loves the Frankfurt skyline. Depending on the vantage point, the configuration of the skyscrapers always changes. But the view is increasingly blocked by cranes and construction sites. It is a problem that many other cities know only too well: Everywhere you look, existing buildings are expanded, or new buildings are added. Metropolitan areas suffer from a shortage of office and residential space.
Franka had an idea: She wants to open up a co-working space that can be used for projects, freelancers and teams that need a creative alternative to their normal company offices. What she does not want: just another co-working space with stylish chairs, massive wood tables and extra-large lamps. Franka is thinking of a few more innovations – primarily IoT solutions.
Office space and meeting rooms are hard to come by and are also a cost factor. They generate rental and operating costs, even if the rooms are not used. Smart Spaces provide sustainability effects for operators and convenient features for users.
Franka loves the Frankfurt skyline. Depending on the vantage point, the configuration of the skyscrapers always changes. But the view is increasingly blocked by cranes and construction sites. It is a problem that many other cities know only too well: Everywhere you look, existing buildings are expanded, or new buildings are added. Metropolitan areas suffer from a shortage of office and residential space.
Franka had an idea: She wants to open up a co-working space that can be used for projects, freelancers and teams that need a creative alternative to their normal company offices. What she does not want: just another co-working space with stylish chairs, massive wood tables and extra-large lamps. Franka is thinking of a few more innovations – primarily IoT solutions.
Office space and meeting rooms are hard to come by and are also a cost factor. They generate rental and operating costs, even if the rooms are not used. Smart Spaces provide sustainability effects for operators and convenient features for users.
Our (work) locations for inspiration
Campana & Schott has had a positive experience with Smart Spaces. For example, our meeting rooms feature sensors. If a meeting room is not used, a chatbot automatically reports to release the room again. Touch screens outside of the rooms provide information about capacity utilization; they can also be used to book a room (click), report a lack of pens (voice entry), or ask for IT support. I was surprised how small things like that generate such a positive response. We have also observed that IoT solutions are particularly effective if they are deeply integrated into the user's digital workplace.
I used this as an inspiration and decided that I would no longer occupy a classic office from now on. I will move and my new office will become primarily an inspiring workplace while also functioning as a meeting room: When I am not there (my status will be visualized on the display), the room can also be used by others. Now, we are taking things a step further by working on an artificial intelligence solution that compares room availability against my calendar and that is supposed to detect – without human intervention – whether a scheduled date is associated with an outside meeting or a trip. In that case, my office will be displayed as available.
Easy switch to the Smart Office
The conversion from a classic office to a Smart Space can start with small steps. Sensor kits are not expensive, and they can also be installed after the fact without too much trouble. There are many Smart Space Solutions in the market, which can be used to start the first pilot projects. Cloud solutions ensure that the IoT connection remains simple and that new users can be activated quickly.
The advantages are clear - three examples:
- Energy costs can be reduced since heating or air-conditioning systems are only activated when the room is occupied.
- Use of space is optimized and companies can learn more about actual capacity utilization and adjust future office space to real demand.
- Employees are notified when workplaces are not available. In that case, they can save themselves a trip and work in their home office.
From empty office space to IoT laboratory
Employees are supposed to feel comfortable, work with focus and also try out new things together. That is exactly the idea behind Franka’s new co-working space. Users themselves can experiment with sensors and scripts. A nice side-effect for Franka was that her office space also became an IoT laboratory. In that way, the office space becomes a stimulating work location. Programmers, project planners and creatives work together on prototypes and new concepts for the Smart Spaces of tomorrow. Because sometimes the best ideas appear when you least expect them.
Campana & Schott has had a positive experience with Smart Spaces. For example, our meeting rooms feature sensors. If a meeting room is not used, a chatbot automatically reports to release the room again. Touch screens outside of the rooms provide information about capacity utilization; they can also be used to book a room (click), report a lack of pens (voice entry), or ask for IT support. I was surprised how small things like that generate such a positive response. We have also observed that IoT solutions are particularly effective if they are deeply integrated into the user's digital workplace.
I used this as an inspiration and decided that I would no longer occupy a classic office from now on. I will move and my new office will become primarily an inspiring workplace while also functioning as a meeting room: When I am not there (my status will be visualized on the display), the room can also be used by others. Now, we are taking things a step further by working on an artificial intelligence solution that compares room availability against my calendar and that is supposed to detect – without human intervention – whether a scheduled date is associated with an outside meeting or a trip. In that case, my office will be displayed as available.
Easy switch to the Smart Office
The conversion from a classic office to a Smart Space can start with small steps. Sensor kits are not expensive, and they can also be installed after the fact without too much trouble. There are many Smart Space Solutions in the market, which can be used to start the first pilot projects. Cloud solutions ensure that the IoT connection remains simple and that new users can be activated quickly.
The advantages are clear - three examples:
- Energy costs can be reduced since heating or air-conditioning systems are only activated when the room is occupied.
- Use of space is optimized and companies can learn more about actual capacity utilization and adjust future office space to real demand.
- Employees are notified when workplaces are not available. In that case, they can save themselves a trip and work in their home office.
From empty office space to IoT laboratory
Employees are supposed to feel comfortable, work with focus and also try out new things together. That is exactly the idea behind Franka’s new co-working space. Users themselves can experiment with sensors and scripts. A nice side-effect for Franka was that her office space also became an IoT laboratory. In that way, the office space becomes a stimulating work location. Programmers, project planners and creatives work together on prototypes and new concepts for the Smart Spaces of tomorrow. Because sometimes the best ideas appear when you least expect them.
