Industry News
Sensors, Apps And Touch-Free Interfaces – New BCO Paper Outlines Office Technology That Is Responding To Covid-19
A new paper from the British Council for Offices outlines how technology is being used in offices to combat Covid-19.
While offices may be shut in the UK until 2nd December at the
earliest, the paper outlines how the sector is adapting and embracing a range of new technology to ensure that offices can comply with hygiene and social distancing measures.
Titled Impact of Technology on the Covid-19 Workplace, the paper states details of a wide range of ‘point solutions’ being considered by the sector, including:
• Desk and Room booking apps – that are deployed to allow users to book individual desks, meeting rooms and other resources • Occupancy sensors – temporary sensors that measure the number of people in an office, alerting building management when the number is high
• Workplace apps – matched with occupancy sensors, workplace apps can tell people which areas of the office are at risk of being over-populated and so should be avoided
• Touchless interfaces – apps and voice technology can allow lifts, lights and other features to be used ‘touch-free’
• Visitor management – in the longer term, the paper envisions
workplaces that allocate space to visitors based on occupancy within the building, and uses unique QR codes to do so
While many of these solutions can be retrofitted, the paper states that those fitting or refurbishing a new building should consider the ‘more fundamental adoption of smart technology’, using advanced technology to manage energy consumption and to deliver a building that is not only efficient and safe, but also optimised for occupants’ wellbeing.
The paper outlines how Covid-19 has catalysed and accelerated the long-term shift to smart technology. It predicts that the pandemic could be the ‘death knell for dumb buildings’, meaning those that do not have smart technology integrated into their design.
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, said: “Covid-19 has left the country working from home. While this presents a challenge to our sector, it has also shown the true value of the office as a place where networks are formed, learning takes place and creativity flows. The adoption of technology can allow us to safely return to the office and enjoy its immense benefits.”
The paper is free to both members and non-members and can be downloaded from
http://www.bco.org.uk/Research/Publications/ Impact_of_Technology_on_the_Covid-19_Workplace.aspx.
As part of FAAC Group’s €100 million acquisition of ASSA ABLOY’s Automatic pedestrian door business in several European countries, the UK division re-launches as FAAC Entrance Solutions.
Following the completion of the €100 million acquisition by the Italian multinational FAAC Group earlier this year, 7 European divisions of Assa Abloy Entrance Systems and Agta Record (also part of the ASSA ABLOY Group) are now being rebranded as FAAC Entrance Solutions.
As part of the EU Commission approved purchase, FAAC Entrance Solutions UK Limited will be the sole supplier of all ASSA ABLOY branded automatic pedestrian door products in the United Kingdom, including swing, slide and revolving door systems and operators.
The UK division (Auto Pedestrian Doors Limited Registration No. 1256207), based in Sunbury- On-Thames – has now been rebranded as FAAC Entrance Solutions UK Limited. The transaction doesn’t represent any operational changes to management, staffing, services, or product offering. The legal entities registration number remains unchanged.
The new identity roll out started on 30th of November and will be completed in 2021.
www.faac.co.uk
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Nigel Miller, Managing Director of Cordless, author of the report and member of the BCO Research Committee, said: “Covid-19 has presented a raft of challenges for the workplace, but these can also present opportunities. When open again, offices need to adhere to strict social distancing and hygiene measures, and be flexible and responsive to any future needs.
“Technology can greatly aid this, and its adoption can lead to long- term benefits that outlast the pandemic. This paper will help the sector navigate new technology and help those planning to integrate it into their buildings.”
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