The Smart Office System: How It Works

The look of an office shapes the first impression for clients and investors and affects a company’s image. And a modern direction that takes comfort to a new level is the creation of a smart office — a well-organised space with intelligent control of all its systems.

Making an office “smart” is impossible without a renovation: it is during the works that the automation managing the engineering, multimedia and information systems is built in. In this guide we look at how a smart office system works, what it lets you control and what automation benefits the business gains.

What a smart office is

A smart office is one in which the engineering, multimedia and information systems are united into a single automated scheme. At its core are controllers that allow efficient management of resources, including remotely: you can monitor the systems and change settings even from a distance.

A capital renovation can not only change the look of a space but also re-equip it and replace the engineering systems — which is why automation is built in at the design stage, integrated with the engineering networks.

What you can control: smart office systems

A renovation with a smart office involves installing intelligent control systems: lighting, climate, ventilation, heating, alarm, video surveillance, multimedia equipment, a local network and internet communication. Modern systems have individual settings that take the office’s working hours into account and manage the situation automatically.

The main control functions:

• electricity control and automatic power redistribution in the network;
• automatic switching of lighting and electrical appliances on and off;
• constant monitoring of the power and energy supply systems;
• scenario control of blind drives and lighting;
• an automatic security system and access control to the premises;
• automation of heating and air conditioning;
• emergency warnings.

Light control is covered in more detail in our article on office lighting, and security in the article Alarm & Video Surveillance in the Office.

The business benefits of automation

The main benefit of a smart office is a significant saving of engineering resources: water, heat and electricity. Controllers manage consumption efficiently and remotely, so resources are used only where and when needed.

Other business benefits:

• reliability — controllers ensure uninterrupted operation of the engineering systems, which prolongs equipment life and prevents breakdowns and emergencies;
• security — automatic guarding, video surveillance and access control raise the level of protection;
• comfort — climate, light and multimedia work by scenario without manual intervention;
• image — a technological office strengthens a company’s business reputation and competitiveness.

How a smart office is created: the stages

Before starting work, Partner Create specialists carry out a preliminary assessment of the site:

• studying the technical documentation;
• inspecting the premises, with the necessary lab research and measurements;
• surveying the existing communications.

Based on this data, they determine the type of renovation, the list of works and the possibilities of integrating the engineering networks with the control system, and develop the design and technical provision. The project documentation usually contains an estimate, a contract, sketches and a plan.

The renovation then follows a logical sequence: re-planning, building new walls and partitions, replacing or newly installing communications (water supply, ventilation and so on), then pouring the floor, plastering the walls and rough finishing. Finally comes the technical fit-out, installing the controllers and cosmetic work. The whole cycle is delivered as part of general contracting services.

A turnkey smart office with Partner Create

When choosing a contractor to create a smart office, give preference to specialised companies with extensive experience. Partner Create has been renovating offices since 2006, and its established quality-control system ensures timely work to a high standard.

Explore our work in the office spaces portfolio or learn more about the company.

Smart office in brief

• A smart office unites engineering, multimedia and information systems into a single automated scheme.
• At its core are controllers with remote-control capability.
• It controls lighting, climate, ventilation, heating, alarm, video, multimedia and the network.
• Benefits: resource savings, reliability, security, comfort and company image.
• Creation starts with a preliminary site assessment and project documentation.
• Automation is built in during the renovation, together with the engineering networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Create a smart office with Partner Create

A smart office means resource savings, security, comfort and a strong company image. Partner Create will design and deliver the automation system alongside the renovation and take responsibility for the result.

Explore our work in the portfolio, read useful materials on the blog, or get in touch to discuss your project. Call +38 050 388 24 49.

We also recommend Modern Technologies in Office Renovation and Alarm & Video Surveillance in the Office — they cover automation and security in more detail.