IoT Solutions to Ease Your Return to Work During COVID-19

August 26, 2020

 

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on all facets of life. From healthcare and education to travel and business, the way in which the world operates will be forever changed as a result.

With much of the workforce currently working remotely, business leaders are trying to figure out what returning to work safely will look like and what measures can be put in place to keep individuals safe during the pandemic and beyond.

Traditional disinfection and sanitizing efforts are just one solution for easing the transition back to the office and giving employees peace of mind. With a cutting-edge IoT platform, companies can go above and beyond to protect employees and provide a safe, comfortable work environment.

An IoT platform enables customizable features such as people counting sensors, real time location systems (RTLS) and UV disinfection — all controlled through a user-friendly dashboard. These are just a few examples of the many innovative IoT solutions that enable a safer return to work amid the current coronavirus concerns and after.

Maintain Social Distancing with IoT-Enabled People Counting

One recommendation to limit the spread of the coronavirus is maintaining social distancing. One way to enforce social distancing indoors is to limit occupancy within a given space. With people counting sensors connected to lighting fixtures throughout an automated, PoE-based smart building, a business can track how many individuals are using the space. When integrated with an IoT platform such as Nexos by Igor, it’s simple to create presets and programs that will limit the number of employees allowed in these spaces.

How does a people counting sensor work?

People counting sensors and door counters can detect motion and report information about occupancy volume. When connected to a smart building automation system, people counting sensors enable users to create customized actions such as turning the lights off when a room is vacant . They can even be used to enforce social distancing guidelines.

For example, users can set a custom room occupancy limit and program a beacon light or other signaling device to warn others when the room has reached maximum occupancy. When these sensors are all connected through Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, they converge under an IoT platform for easy data collection and analysis. With access to real time building information, companies can make smart decisions about safe occupancy levels and  social distancing measures.

Today, there are several companies in the market that manufacture people-counting sensors and intelligent lighting solutions. Igor’s open IoT platform is compatible with most IoT devices, even those that aren’t designed to be PoE-friendly. This allows businesses to select and connect their preferred brands and products.

Use Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) to Manage Building Traffic

Knowing where employees are throughout a building is especially important during the current pandemic. Through real time location systems, sensors can track individuals’ movements throughout a building in real time. Equipped with RTLS data, companies can implement basic contact-tracing, helping to limit the spread of pathogens among employees and throughout the building space.

What is location tracking technology?

Location tracking technology refers to devices that physically locate and track people or objects, typically recording location and movement information so that it can be stored and reviewed later.

Real time location systems contribute to social distancing efforts as well. RTLS technology gives companies the opportunity to identify high traffic areas where employees are in close proximity and additional physical distancing measures may need to be implemented.

As with the people counting technology, there are multiple companies in the market that are producing cutting-edge RTLS technology for use in commercial businesses. Using an open API, such as the one found in Igor’s Nexos Platform, companies can select and manage their RTLS devices within their IoT smart building platform.

Keep Spaces Clean with Intelligent UV Light Disinfection Technology

Sanitizing and cleaning spaces following meetings or at the end of a workday is top of mind for companies to ensure spaces are safe and clean. However, there is more to disinfection than the common sanitizing wipes and cleaners. UV light disinfection is creating a revolution in corporate sanitizing.

What is UV disinfection?

UV disinfection systems use UV-C lighting to destroy harmful microorganisms and germs on surfaces and in the air. Innovative UV-C disinfection technology is proven effective against killing pathogens and microorganisms, including COVID-19, and contributing to cleaner, healthier environments. Commercial UV disinfection may be used to complement traditional cleaning processes.

How is UV light used as a disinfectant?

UV-C light is extremely powerful, capable of breaking down the genetic information in microorganisms that may be resistant to traditional disinfecting methods.Intelligent, automated UV disinfection technology has been used and trusted in the healthcare sector for many years and is now expanding into other markets. An intelligent UV disinfection system is an innovative solution for disinfecting work spaces. Using UV-C lighting, Igor’s Nexos Intelligent Disinfection system works to eliminate pathogens on surfaces, protecting spaces and employees.

Is UV disinfection safe?

UV-C light is extremely dangerous to people. Earth’s atmosphere filters out UV-C light from the sun, but man-made UV-C lights can pose a health risk. The best way to keep people safe from harmful UV-C light is to make sure no one is around when UV light disinfection systems are in use.

Igor’s Nexos Intelligent Disinfection system uses people counting sensors, door locks, and occupancy scan data to ensure spaces are unoccupied before the disinfection cycle begins. Once the safety checks are complete and the Nexos UV light sanitizer determines the spaces are empty, the UV disinfection process will begin. Doors will lock, and a beacon light or other signal located outside the space will turn on, alerting passers-by that the ultraviolet disinfection system is currently running.

Data from people counting sensors and RTLS technology enables organizations to initiate UV sanitization protocols in between meetings or overnight. Just 15 minutes of UV disinfection can eliminate up to 90% of pathogens. An intelligent UV disinfection system can assure, safe and secure disinfection, giving peace of mind to employers and employees alike.

Return to Work Safely in an IoT-Enabled Smart Building

Bringing employees back to work will not be a simple process, but innovative technology can ease the transition and enable safer work environments. Using an IoT platform with partner technology and hardware integrations can improve the health and safety of buildings and create more effective disinfection and social distancing practices.

With Igor’s integrated IoT platform allowing for user-friendly control and enhanced data collection, building decisions can be streamlined, and high-tech health measures can be implemented to support traditional tools like face masks and hand sanitizer.

Returning to work will be an extensive effort that takes the cooperation of everyone involved to see positive results. Trusting a safe and secure IoT platform like Nexos will enable safer work environments that employees can return to with greater peace of mind. Learn more about our Intelligent UV Disinfection to get started improving office health and safety!