The market for new technologies is booming right now. There is a constant demand for more accessible, more innovative devices to make your life more convenient and save you some time. These days, there are more and more smart solutions available for small businesses, and with the Internet of Things IoT, boring pieces like door locks bring connectivity.
Business owners can now take advantage of new opportunities and improve their sales and customer service costs. Here, you will find the best smart devices you can implement into your business in order to improve small business operations.
Security and Access
Security is a vital part of any business. Moreover, there is more than one type of security you should consider. Protecting your company and employees from harm includes both their on-site presence and private data. If you want to ensure your business’ protection, you should think about hiring a professional cyber security company like Bulletproof.co.uk and invest in an innovative security system that includes a few components.
Smart Cameras
Today, smart cameras allow owners to observe everything that’s happening around offices, warehouses, entrances, and other areas you may want to see. Unlike old-fashioned cameras, they don’t need big servers for the footage storage, as you can just connect them to Wi-Fi and keep everything in the cloud. They don’t need any cables except for those used to power them, so you can put them wherever you want.
Furthermore, smart cameras offer a range of useful features you may choose from, like intelligent alerts and person detection. The times of unnecessary alerts when an animal crosses over your premises are over, as they can distinguish a human from other moving objects.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are becoming more popular among business owners than ever before. They are a fantastic alternative to conventional locks and keys. For instance, you can control every lock with your phone or entry code, so you won’t risk losing your keys, which can be a significant office security risk. Unique codes allow owners to track everyone that comes into the office via smartphone. They are especially effective when used in conjunction with smart cameras and doorbells.
Smart Doorbells
Devices like smart doorbells are affordable and easy to use. At the same time, they can make a tremendous difference when combined with other smart security devices. A video doorbell can be connected to your smartphone, computer, or tablet, so you can see who’s knocking at your door at all times.
Energy
You can find a variety of smart home devices that will prove efficient in the office. The technology will help you save money and help the environment.
Smart Lights
Smart light bulbs are probably the most wanted smart device, as they are really cheap and efficient. A connected light system can have a variety of benefits, including increased security. From now on, you can help monitor whole premises without using night vision cameras, and deliver location-based services such as smart parking. You can control everything from your smartphone to achieve the sustainability goals required for a measurable investment return.
Smart Thermostats
One of the biggest steps you can take to make your company more eco-friendly is to install a smart thermostat connected to HVAC. This way, you can control the whole system on a customizable schedule. It can also intuitively adapt to the environment and recognize when to crank the heat or cool things off. As with other smart devices, this one is also compatible with your smartphone or tablet, so you can control your energy consumption wherever your business takes you.
Productivity
Implementing smart technology can also help you increase your office productivity, and cut time spent on tedious tasks. Now, you can focus on more important things and let your artificial assistant help you.
Digital Assistant
The most amazing thing your assistant can do for you is to create a hub that connects all the smart devices you have, making it much easier to control. Assistants like Amazon Echo Dot come with a virtual assistant named Alexa who can help you with efficiency. For instance, you won’t have to worry about scheduling meetings in your calendar, creating events for all team members, dictate notes, or make and receive calls. Alexa and Echo Dot become smarter every day, and more updates are coming in the nearest future so that she can keep up with all businesses.
Chatbots
Chatbots may seem like big companies’ privilege, but there are many benefits to using chatbots in small businesses. The most popular way is to implement it on the Facebook page so that no message will remain unanswered. The chatbot can also answer the most frequently asked questions and aid customers searching for a product or service on the site.
Logistics and Operations
Aside from smart solutions for offices, you can also find devices that will help you control your business’s strategic part. From now on, you can monitor everything that happens both in your office and inventory.
Shipping Trackers
Henceforth, you will never lose your valuable package again. IoT is set to give the best visibility you can achieve, especially in long-distance shipping. You can connect tracking devices feed into transportation management and supply chain platforms to provide critical information at the pallet and package level.
Inventory and Stock Control
The Internet of Things can be combined with radiofrequency identification to create smart stores that are equipped with sensors and cameras to allow remote and centralized inventory management, including automated restocking.
The Bottom Line
Although smart technology is still pretty young, it is already making a considerable impact on how we behave and work. It can improve our business and allow us to be more sustainable without compromising the company’s efficiency. It won’t be long until we have the technology we dreamt of as kids. A lot of things we could see only in science fiction comics and movies are now our reality.
Investing in smart technology will make your company more attractive to clients and can help you streamline processes and create a more efficient workplace. It’s high time to think about making this next step into the future!
