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Smart building components – The benefits of occupancy management

09 March 2022
Smart building components – The benefits of occupancy management

As the world recovers from COVID-19 and maintaining a social distance from others becomes the norm (perhaps even a preference!), businesses are turning to cost-effective ways to manage occupancy levels in busy spaces.

In the UAE, where many of our buildings are already ‘Smart’, occupancy technology is a smart building component that uses IoT sensors to accurately measure user numbers, in real-time. It allows businesses to meet social distancing requirements and remain competitive, whilst also supporting the most comfortable environment for the consumer.

In buildings with a heavy footfall, people counting devices can record the number of consumers within any given space, at any given time. They can accurately monitor the flow in and out of certain areas and identify where crowds are likely to form. Real-time IoT sensors then relay this valuable information to management teams, allowing them to immediately implement processes that can divert people away from crowded areas or change the direction of footfall to avoid over-crowding.

Occupancy sensors can also help management teams optimize energy consumption. By controlling things like lighting, AC, and ventilation, energy bills are reduced and the overall experience of the people occupying the space is improved.

Monitoring occupancy in the washroom

The cleanliness of commonly used spaces is now more important than ever. For an area such as the public washroom, remaining hygienic and safe goes without question. And the easiest, most cost-effective way to achieve this is by monitoring occupancy.

With the introduction of bathroom occupancy sensors, Smart Washroom management systems like VERTECO’s LooLights™ use lights outside each cubicle to direct customers to empty spaces and away from occupied stalls. Data the occupancy systems collect can then be displayed at the washroom entrance, directing customers to less busy facilities. The system can be easily retrofit into any space, and instantly eases congestion.

In fact, the benefits go far beyond social distancing:

Optimal cleanliness

The data that the systems collect is in real-time and can easily be analyzed by facilities teams on handheld devices. Operational changes such as updates to the frequency of cleaning schedules can quickly be made to always ensure the highest levels of cleanliness.

Improving staff efficiencies

With up-to-the-minute, accurate occupancy data, facilities teams get a clear picture of all the washrooms they are managing, allowing them to develop more efficient cleaning schedules. Resources can be diverted to where they are really needed, supporting more effective facilities management.

Cost savings

The use of occupancy sensors supports better management of resources and can reduce waste. By knowing where people are, things such as lighting and AC can be set to the most cost-effective levels. The benefits of washroom occupancy sensors are vast, but ultimately, they provide the best possible experience for customers, staff, and business owners, with the reassurance that their wellbeing is a top priority.

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