How Technology Keeps Commercial Buildings Modern

As cities around the world begin to evolve into smart cities, the buildings in those cities begin to follow the trend by advancing their technology.

But what is a smart city?

Smart cities incorporate tech that enhances the quality and performance of energy, transportation, and utilities. Technology is used to foster efficiency, sustainability, and economic development.

According to GrandViewResearch.com, smart cities are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030.

This high growth rate occurs because people are naturally drawn to work in environments where tech is advancing. Thus, the growing interest increases the demand for tech improvements in commercial real estate.

That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your building’s technology, keeping it updated and modern to attract new businesses and great tenants.

Keep reading to learn how technology keeps buildings modern, and what you can do to upgrade some of the systems in your commercial building.

Building Automation

Automation is key for efficiency in any commercial building.

Heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and lights can be monitored and controlled based on the usage and occupancy of the building. An automated system cuts down on energy use and reduces the environmental impact of keeping the systems on 24/7.

Web platforms, like the HVAC Control Center System pictured here, can help you maximize the efficiency of your building. The HVAC Control Center System is a secure web platform that is trusted by many businesses, property management companies, and maintenance technicians, including Sturges Property Group’s affiliate company, Maintenance Management.

Technicians are sent alerts that detail building issues, which reduces unnecessary maintenance trips. The system can help you use energy only when needed, directly cutting your average energy costs.

Automation is your friend! Automated control centers keep watch on your building’s systems to prevent possible failures. These systems help you and your wallet by maximizing the efficiency of HVAC, lighting, and more.

Advanced Card Access Systems

Another piece of technology that helps keep commercial buildings modern is a card access system.

Through a simple and easy-to-use web portal, businesses can manage who and when people can access or enter the building. Customizations can be tailored to your building, business, and employee needs. Restrictions and hours can be updated immediately, which makes updating something like holiday hours quick and easy.

Newer card access systems have an app that you can use to lock and unlock doors even when away from the building. No more keeping track of keys, cards, and fobs when away from the office! Control your digital access systems straight from your phone no matter where you are or what time of day.

It is important to choose a card access system that fits your needs, whether that be in style or purpose. You can choose a card reader meant for a front door that can withstand wind and rain, and you can choose another for the inside of your commercial space that is sleeker. Our affiliate company, Nexus Technology Partners, can help you decide.

Electronic Directories

Not all technology updates in commercial properties have to be big changes or commitments.

For instance, adding an electronic directory is a change that can elevate the look of your building or lobby while also giving your visitors a clean, easy-to-use guide. Electronic directories are more effective than standard directories because they can hold larger amounts of information that are customized to fit your building’s aesthetic or company’s brand.

They are also significantly easier and much faster to change, which is most helpful if your property has tenants moving in and out often. A metal or plastic sign with nameplates, numbers, and arrows can be costly and difficult to change, especially when your style becomes out of stock or discontinued. Since the mismatched look is rarely anyone’s style, having a modifiable electronic directory can be a real game changer to your maintenance routine.

Customize what you want to efficiently communicate, include video, or even rent out ad space on your electronic directory. It’s also much easier to place your company’s logo on an electronic directory instead of trying to work within printing or budget restraints.

If you aren’t sold on an electronic directory yet, think of every time you’ve stepped into an office building, medical space, or off an elevator and there wasn’t a clear indication of where to go, what company was on that floor, or who works in the building. Having clear up-to-date signage can help improve a customer’s experience, increasing the likelihood of repeat business.

If you are looking to elevate your commercial building to be that of a smart city, let our affiliate companies help you get there!