How to Implement Touchless Technology in Commercial Properties for Pandemic Preparedness?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial property sector has been forced to rethink how it conducts business. The traditional workplace, with its shared spaces and high-touch areas, has become a hotbed for potential transmission of the virus. As a result, businesses are turning to technology to create safer, touchless environments. This article will delve into the various smart technologies that you can implement in your commercial properties to minimize physical contact, and aid in pandemic preparedness.

The Future is Touchless

The rise of advanced technologies has already begun to reshape the workplace, even before the pandemic. The integration of technology into the office landscape has streamlined processes, increased productivity, and improved employee satisfaction. Now, more than ever, technology plays a pivotal role in creating safe and healthy workspaces.

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In light of the pandemic, touchless technologies are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. By reducing touch-points, these technologies minimize the risk of virus transmission amongst employees and guests. Whether it’s entering a building, attending a meeting, using the restroom, or grabbing a cup of coffee, everyday tasks can be performed without physical contact.

Touchless technology can be daunting for some, but it doesn’t have to be. This section will offer a roadmap to guide you through the process of incorporating touchless technology into your commercial property.

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Touchless Access Control Systems

One of the main points of contact in a commercial property is access control – using keys, keypads or cards to gain entry into the building or certain areas within it. The advent of touchless access control systems has revolutionized this process, offering a seamless and safe way to manage property access.

Touchless access control systems use technologies such as facial recognition, biometrics, or mobile credentials to grant access to employees and guests. By eliminating the need for physical keys or cards, these systems significantly reduce touch-points.

Implementation begins with choosing the right system for your property. Factors like the size of your property, number of employees, and budget will determine the most suitable system for you. Once you’ve identified the right system, the next steps involve installation and employee training to ensure smooth operation.

Going Touchless in Public Spaces

Public spaces in commercial properties, such as lobbies, restrooms, and cafeterias, are high-traffic areas with numerous touch-points. Converting these spaces to touchless environments can dramatically reduce potential virus transmission.

Touchless technology can be incorporated in numerous ways. For example, automatic doors, voice-activated elevators, motion-sensor lights, and touchless restroom fixtures all minimize the need for physical contact.

Before you start the conversion process, conduct a thorough assessment of your property to identify areas where touchless technologies could be implemented. Once these areas have been identified, the installation process begins. It’s also important to communicate these changes to employees and guests to promote utilization.

Smart Building Management Systems

Another touchless technology to consider is a smart building management system. These systems utilize IoT devices to monitor and control building operations such as heating, cooling, and lighting. By enabling remote control and automation, they eliminate the need for manual intervention and thus, physical contact.

To implement a smart building management system, you’ll first need to understand your building’s current operations and identify areas for improvement. You’ll also need to consider your budget and ROI. After that, you’ll choose a system, install it, and train your employees on its use.

Employee and Guest Management

Lastly, consider how touchless technology can help manage employees and guests. Apps and software can facilitate touchless sign-ins, health screenings, and visitor management. These tools not only reduce touch points, but also promote transparency and accountability.

Implementing these technologies involves choosing the right software or app, training employees and communicating changes to guests. It’s crucial to make sure these tools are user-friendly and accessible to encourage uptake.

In the era of the pandemic, building a touchless environment is an investment in the future. It not only helps to mitigate the immediate risk posed by COVID-19, but also prepares your commercial property for any future public health crises. So why wait? Start your touchless technology journey today and build a safer, smarter workplace for tomorrow.

Touchless Technology and Real Estate Experience

In the real estate industry, the implementation of touchless technology is revolutionizing traditional operations. Moving from physical contact to touchless, hands-free interactions can dramatically improve the overall real estate experience, from property viewings to lease signings. The use of virtual tours and digital document signing is becoming more prevalent, allowing potential tenants and buyers to view and finalize property transactions without the need for face-to-face meetings.

Virtual tours, for example, use 360-degree cameras to capture every angle of a property, allowing prospective tenants or buyers to explore properties from the comfort of their own homes. This not only eliminates the need for physical contact but also saves time and resources.

Digital document signing, meanwhile, allows for legal documents such as lease agreements and contracts to be signed electronically. This means that documents can be signed, returned, and processed faster and more efficiently than traditional paper-based processes.

To incorporate these technologies, you’ll need to research and select the best virtual tour and digital signing platforms that suit your needs, budget and expected ROI. After this, you’ll begin the process of integrating these technologies into your operations, which may involve training staff to use them effectively. It’s also crucial to communicate these changes to clients, to ensure they are comfortable with and understand these new processes.

Hand Sanitizer Stations and Social Distancing Markers

Touchless technology doesn’t just apply to digital tools and systems. It also includes more tangible elements such as automatic hand sanitizer dispensers and social distancing markers. These are particularly important in high-traffic areas such as lobbies and hallways, where maintaining hygiene and social distancing can be a challenge.

Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers, as the name implies, dispense sanitizer without the need for physical contact. Meanwhile, social distancing markers, whether floor decals or digital screens, provide clear guidance on maintaining a safe distance from others.

The installation of these elements is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to strategically place them in areas that see a lot of foot traffic. Providing hand sanitizer stations near entrances, exits, elevators, and other high-touch areas can encourage good hygiene. Likewise, placing social distancing markers in these areas can help individuals maintain a safe distance from each other.

These physical touchless measures may seem simple, but they are a crucial part of creating a safe and healthy environment in your commercial property.

Conclusion

Adopting touchless technology in commercial properties has become vital in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Not only do these technologies provide a safer environment by minimizing physical contact, but they also enhance the real estate experience, making processes more efficient and less time-consuming.

Implementing touchless technology involves understanding your property’s needs, investing in the right technologies, and effectively communicating these changes to employees, tenants, and guests. From access control and smart building systems to virtual tours and digital signing platforms, each technology plays a significant role in creating touch-free office spaces.

Though the process may seem daunting, the benefits of touchless technologies are long-term. They not only address the immediate health safety concerns but also set a new standard for future property management. As we navigate through the pandemic and into the future, touchless technology will continue to play a crucial role in shaping a safer, smarter, and more efficient commercial real estate sector. Embrace the change now and invest in a healthier and safer future.