In today’s tech-driven world, more and more businesses are embracing a wide range of different technologies to stay competitive. Forecasts suggest there will be more than 75 billion Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices in use by 2025. That’s nearly a twofold increase from the IoT installed base in 2022. Since automation and connected equipment positively impact how organizations do business, especially in the foodservice and retail industries, it’s only smart for new and remodeled facilities to harness the power of IoT.
The Upsides of Connected Equipment
In a previous blog, Supporting Location Growth with IoT, we discussed how the internet of things could transform operations and make location expansion more manageable. Many of the same benefits ring true when it comes to new builds and remodeled facilities. The actionable data insights and reporting provided by connected equipment make it possible to run a more agile operation and help ensure that critical tasks are completed on time.
Here are five upsides to implementing connected equipment into a new build or facility remodel.
1. Drive digital transformation
It’s estimated that 70% of organizations have a digital transformation strategy. Since digitalization is a top priority for operations leaders, IoT is a game changer. Connected equipment solutions like Open Kitchen and SiteSage drive digital transformation through gathering and analyzing crucial data, improving customer experiences, boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing agility.
2. Optimize performance and reduce costs
IoT can help optimize gas, electricity, and water consumption through efficient, automated control and accurate monitoring. The business gains the ability to identify detailed, individual drivers of energy costs, including HVAC systems, lighting, walk-in coolers, and refrigerators. From there, operations leaders can identify unique benchmarks to target problem areas and make improvements and automate key equipment. Higher energy spending can help uncover underperforming equipment needing repair or replacement, oversized equipment, or poor adherence to equipment schedules. This all leads to lower energy consumption and expenses, reduced maintenance costs, and less equipment downtime.
3. Save on time and labor
Connected facilities take the burden off employees by ensuring essential equipment stays up and running with minimal effort. Automation reduces labor challenges and increases operational efficiency. For example, SiteSage makes it possible to control lighting, signage, and other equipment remotely. With the ability to schedule and proactively service equipment, performance improves, and energy expenses are reduced. For foodservice and retail establishments, Open Kitchen can control energy use and temperatures (which helps optimize HVAC performance) so workers are comfortable and less distracted. It can also alarm employees when food is not being stored or prepared at the proper temperatures or for the right amount of time, which reduces stress levels.
4. Shift from reactive to preventative maintenance
Connected equipment eliminates the stress of unexpected downtime because it constantly monitors the energy usage and temperatures of HVAC units so maintenance technicians can make preventative repairs when they’re already onsite for seasonal checkups. It also leverages proactive text and emails to staff when there are equipment issues to prevent catastrophic failures. Open Kitchen and SiteSage even offer an HVAC ‘fix list,’ which prioritizes the most urgent issues that contribute to customer comfort problems. Red alerts highlight the issues that need to be addressed now, while yellow alerts provide long-term visibility into problems that may not require immediate attention.
5. Easily adapt and scale
IoT, automation, connected equipment—if these terms are unfamiliar, they can leave even the savviest business owner’s head spinning. However, solutions like Open Kitchen and SiteSage don’t have to be intimidating. Instead, they are easily adaptable and scalable when included in new build or remodeling specifications with the right guidance.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of connected equipment for your new build or facility remodel? Reach out to a member of our team.