Automation isn’t just a wow factor; It impacts the bottom line
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I’ve been told the automated smart technology our team designs and installs for clients is like creating a sort of Disneyland for adults. There’s wow factor with endless ideas. Yet in the midst of all the action, there’s a reality. Automation isn’t just an attractive feature. It positively impacts the bottom line and is why many commercial business owners are taking a look at the options.
Technology, or “prop-tech,” is rapidly evolving in commercial real estate. We’re getting the calls from smart business property owners who want smart technology. The benefits of smart technology and automation are endless, including giving business an edge in a competitive commercial landscape. Who doesn’t want to show off cool lighting features to a prospective tenant or new employee to show they are a modern company?
We all know the story. Many businesses continue working a hybrid weekly work schedule. Companies are abandoning the amount of square footage they once had. And as more companies continue working this way, commercial real estate firms are looking for ways to create a tenant experience that helps to bring people back into the office.
A 2023 trends survey conducted by JLL Technologies among commercial real estate owners and operators shows:
- The number of property teams planning to invest in smart buildings/IoT technology has increased 53% since last year.
- 61% of commercial real estate property teams are prioritizing energy efficiency/expense reduction in 2023.
- 43% of property teams expect to increase investment in technology over the next year.
There are many investment options related to smart technology that commercial businesses are using, and they go far beyond the simple installation of Alexa devices, Nest thermostats and other off-the shelf devices. A recent example shared with us by our partners at Loxone tells the story of a restaurant that invested $4,600 in automation technology and now saves just under $2,000 per month in utility costs. What did they do?
Automate Climate Control
Some 40% of a building’s energy use is tied to HVAC systems, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Typical management is based on occupancy. What if you could have systems work based on when staff is in a room instead of heating and cooling five days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which are typical work hours.
Automated HVAC systems are designed to sense weather patterns by using an outdoor weather station. Room sensors tied to the system know when people enter/exit workspaces and adjust HVAC automatically. If no one is in the room, the temperature automatically adjusts to accommodate. Then complement these systems with automated shades to create long-term impact to the bottom-line that impacts energy cost positively and helps the environment with less overall usage. During a hot and sunny day, conference room shades know to go down. On a cold, sunny winter day, they’ll stay up to capitalize on nature’s warmth.
Lighting Control
We all remember growing up and hearing our parents yell at us if we left lights on in a room. Sometimes as business owners we feel the same when we look around and see staff leave the room without flipping a switch off.
As noted above, automated lights sense when someone walks into a room or turn on based on your programming. No more wondering if someone left lights on after hours. And even if they did, an app allows you to control the lights from anywhere at any time.
I’m a business owner and like to see results via data. Smart systems record and measure what’s happening in the office or building. Your team can read and analyze ways to continue the efficiency of your space, which is why so many commercial space owners and managers are looking at ways to capitalize on smart technology and automation.
Dan Killinger is owner of Intelligent Living Solutions, a company that specializes in designing, installing and supporting automated technology systems including climate control and lighting systems.
