IoT or the Internet of Things is the concept through which everyday objects connect to each other via Internet. Thus, allowing these, to be either controllable remotely, or collect and share data, other information and communicate without human interference.  IoT in the workplace thus, involves a multitude of hardware’s and various technologies. Like, robots, smart devices and artificial intelligence to enhance performance and build and define new commerce options.

IoT devices for use at workplace

The benefits of IoT in the workplace

IoT in the workplace — intelligent devices at play

In the workplace, having intelligent devices and objects which are able to interact with other devices will make employees happier. They will also become more effective, thus, enhancing their performance. It also makes it easier to calculate productivity by the use of real-time data reports. In addition, it will make the employees more efficient by using AI embedded in such devices. Thus, helping in automating basic questions and other tasks.

Robots in office?

It has been seen that there are ample number of examples of use of robots in the workplace for years. They are though, generally, seen and used in the warehouses or the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

In spite of there being not much use of robots at workplace, few trials of humanoid robots has taken place. As an example, we may take the case of Softbank’s Pepper which can be found welcoming people at meetings. It has also use as a receptionist in an office in London.

Thus, although their use cases may be very novel but there are some automated tasks for which these automated systems can be used. Thus, saving costs and manpower to a great extent in such scenarios.

IoT in the workplace
This is Softbank’s Pepper used as a greeter robot. — IoT in the Workplace

Another use case is a telepresence. In this, robot having webcam and screen on wheels allows anyone talk to other people and also see the office. All this while it roams around at its own discretion. Whereas, earlier a SD video conference screen fix to the wall of meeting room, was use to chat with someone. A telepresence robot is not cheap. But, it reduces manpower to a great extent and also enhances the quality and effectiveness of performance.

Impact of IoT in the office?

Different process will become more optimized with the introduction of the Internet of Things in the offices. For example, coffee vending machines will never run out. Also, it will be easier to reserve or get a meeting room and also getting the teleconferencing setup respond to your voice command.

Workplaces may become noisier too, if voice-control devices are more commonly use, thus creating problem for open plan offices. To acknowledge, if robots for teleconferencing and other such things become common, then we will have metal colleagues wandering around offices.

Management of IoT objects there at workplace

Organisations require to formulate a policy around the use of automated devices in the offices. Rules concerning each aspect of the working of the office keeping in mind the decorum of the workplace.

There shall be ensured great care so that privacy of recorded videos and audio is protective and secure.

The IT needs to play a role in making sure that devices connecting business networks are secure. Constant updation and patching of such devices must take place. This will ensure that hackers are not provide a potential weakness to explore and launch attacks. Also, data should be encrypted in transit and when being stored thereby, reducing the risk of being compromised.

IoT in the workplace
A day at an IoT enabled workplace.

IoT in the office and future developments

It is being articulate that use of sensors in office is only likely to increase in future. This will make it easier to measure anything going on in the office. On the one hand, it will make the workplace infrastructure more efficient. And, on the other hand, it will enhance the workload of managers who will need to take extra care about how the data being generated is used.

Furthermore, it is seen that integrating wearable devices into the smart offices is one great area to explore.

It is not long when these devices would open your office door and also log you into your desktop.

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