intelligent

Buildings will become hyperaware

As they look to digitally transform their businesses , organisations are introducing increasing numbers of IoT devices and sensors , which will provide vast amounts of data on building temperature , humidity , energy and resource consumption , air and fluid flow , occupancy and more .

All this data has massive implications for operational costs and efficiency , as well as the employee experience . What time do the lights need to turn on ? Are we overcooling rooms or heating them while windows are left open ? Are employees using the collaboration spaces or do we need more work pods ? Are we cleaning spaces that no one is going into ? Organisations will soon have all the answers to help them better use their space and facilities , minimise waste and reduce costs .

In time , we will also see organisations leveraging this data to enable automated buildings that are fully cognisant of , and responsive to , the occupants and their environment .

The network of the future

As we explore these trends , it ’ s clear that this reimagined office will require a far more wireless infrastructure to support the full range of devices , users and platforms .

Beyond this , it will also require a network that is AI-powered and predictive . This is the only way to ensure network performance , operational efficiency and that the unprecedented amounts of data are actually being used to deliver business value .

It ’ s also the only answer to the significant security risks inherent to any distributed network – where the sheer number of IoT and unmanaged user devices means that IT teams simply do not have the time or visibility required to manage risks manually .

The increased emphasis on collaboration and socialisation will see more clients and guests visit the office as well , creating different levels of access that must be managed . An automated solution will both simplify visitor access and implement security policies that tightly manage what visitors can do and see while on the network .

This network also needs to be scalable , with the ability to respond as workplaces change due to evolving needs and behaviours , new technology , budgets or because the data shows that they should .

In fact , enterprise networks are so missioncritical that I believe these infrastructure investments aren ’ t about enabling hybrid workplaces at all . Instead , they are about creating agile , future-proofed organisations .

But all investments require funding . With this in mind , the final part of Aruba ’ s hybrid workplace guide will explore how organisations can strategically maximise their budgets and build a network that enables the future of work – whatever it looks like . �

Jon Howell , Smart Spaces and IoT Lead EMEA at Aruba

ALL THIS DATA HAS MASSIVE IMPLICATIONS FOR OPERATIONAL COSTS AND EFFICIENCY , AS WELL AS THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE .