Smart devices to transform your business

When you're a business owner, your company is on your mind 24/7/365. So when it comes to finding ways to run your business more efficiently, smart technology can be an easy place to start.

More and more businesses are turning to smart devices to improve energy efficiency, reduce consumption, and incorporate automation to simplify day-to-day operations and let their customers know that they're a
sustainable company.

Get started with these 4 smart technology tips:

1. Smart lightbulbs

While smart lightbulbs are growing in popularity for use at home, businesses can benefit from their energy efficiency, ability to automate and monitor energy usage, and even the ability to boost the look and feel of a space. 

Smart bulbs can be controlled from anywhere with the tap of a smartphone app and set to a schedule that reduces the risk of wasted energy while checking one more thing off your daily to-do list. You'll also be able to track their energy consumption to help you plan for monthly expenses and operational costs.

Depending on the brand of the bulb, you can automate your lighting to respond to everything from motion to the weather. Want to brighten your space on cloudy days? Connect your smart bulbs to adjust accordingly depending on the weather forecast. Some bulbs even let you change the warmth and colour of the light, letting you customize the ambiance of your space.

2. Smart security

You can't be everywhere at once (as much as you'd like to be) and being able to keep an eye on your business is important. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems can be costly and complicated, but some brands of smart cameras are more affordable than ever and offer the same peace of mind.

Smart cameras can be set up both inside or outside of your business and let you access both a live feed and archived video right from your smartphone or computer through a cloud-based storage system.

Smart locks are another way to boost your businesses' security and make it easier to share access to your space. Forget worrying about lost keys or having to cut new ones, employees can be assigned specific codes to access your business, letting you know exactly who is going in and out and when. You can also revoke access when needed, and schedule or remotely lock your doors at the end of the day.

3. Smart thermostat

Like smart lightbulbs, a smart thermostat can give you more control over the energy usage of your business and give you one less thing to worry about. Set up a schedule to turn down the heat or air conditioning overnight and adjust in the morning to a comfortable temperature before you even walk through the door.

Does your business use heat-producing equipment throughout the day? You can set alerts to let you know if you need to turn down the heat to keep your employees, customers or product at the perfect temperature.

4. Smart plugs

If you have a list of tasks to complete before locking up for the night or before you open for business, smart plugs might be able to help you streamline the process and save energy. Smart plugs can be attached to regular outlets and any devices, appliances or equipment plugged into them can then be controlled using a smartphone app. They also let you monitor the specific energy consumption of whatever is plugged into them.

With the tap of a button, you can turn off computers to reduce idle power use, switch off equipment that could cause damage when unsupervised, or even schedule your coffee maker to start brewing before you arrive in the morning. The possibilities are endless!

Smart devices are easy to implement and make your business easier to manage and more efficient. With a small business or commercial energy plan from Encor by EPCOR, you can rest easy knowing that you're getting the best rate for your business and can manage your account your way. Want to find out which plan is right for you? Visit our Encor by EPCOR for business page to start to find a plan that's tailored to your business.