We are living in a time when many different technological developments are converging: cloud computing, AI, robotics, smart devices, augmented reality, software as a service, blockchain and more. This creates opportunities in all different areas of business. Here are 3 key office technologies to keep an eye on in the next 5 years:

• Utilisation monitoring: due to the new way of working that COVID has brought about, many businesses are still operating in the unknown when it comes to how many staff are using the office space and how often. Monitoring systems will help to improve asset management by providing first-hand data on how the office is being utilised.
• AI-enhanced everything: while not every work task is going to be simplified or eliminated through AI, the number of use cases in the office is vast and growing rapidly – from replacing full job functions, down to micro-actions. Smart office equipment such as AI-enhanced HVAC systems will become more efficient at regulating energy usage and performance. AI admin assistants will perform an array of tasks such as issuing access cards and checking visitors into the office. Other tools may even monitor office supplies and snacks, and automatically reorder when stock gets low.
• Rent it with SaaS: in the past, software licences would entail expensive subscriptions to static products that required regular updates. Software as a service has emerged as an attractive business model in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue. Companies benefit from paying an affordable monthly fee for each of the tools they need, with the flexibility to change services as required. Taking it one step further, you can even subscribe for regular shipments of fresh fruit and vibrant plants delivered straight to your office.

But it’s not just emerging technologies that will shape the future of offices. Yes sure, new and advanced tools will be embraced by some forward-looking workplaces

However, one of the biggest impacts may come from existing productivity tools like Slack, Loom and Asana, enabling effective asynchronous work at scale.

They are established, proven, and are moving into later stages of the technology adoption life cycle, where the largest number of users are likely to come onboard.

Adopting more efficient office tools, and embracing automation enables higher levels of productivity, and new ways of working.

Think about how much the office has evolved with the emergence of modern IT, or even further back to how much the printing press revolutionised the world.

To maintain a competitive edge, it’s important to always be keeping an eye out for opportunities to work smarter.

Ideas for adding new tools to your current workflows can come from all different places. Consider fostering an environment where staff are empowered to constantly look for ways to improve and test new initiatives.

When planning your fitout, consider your hardware needs over the next 5-10 years. How many ethernet ports will be required? Are there areas where Wi-Fi is currently weak that need a signal booster?

Check the internet options that are available in your office and look for the fastest, most reliable solution. As technology evolves, high-speed internet connectivity is only going to become more important.

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