This report from Siemens Industry was published in May 2020. The role of the smart office in contributing to a crisis management response is examined, with discussion of some of the digital technologies available and how they support the operation of office buildings  while keeping the  occupants healthy and safe. With the use of workplace applications, it is possible to deliver timely and local communication, showing how density management can be facilitated through sensors and booking software and how risk mitigation can be achieved with data and access control. “The lines are becoming increasingly blurred between buildings, technology and community as new workplace solutions are introduced based on intelligent building infrastructure.” The analysis concludes that it is crucial to acknowledge the different layers within an office building which generate data points – from infrastructure to spaces to people – and the ability to connect them. The building itself has an ever-increasing role to play throughout the lifecycle of the crisis – and beyond.
Key words: Access Controls, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biometrics, Computer/Network Hardware, Controls/Sensors, Employee Productivity, Energy Management, Home Networking, HVAC, Identification Systems, Intelligent Building, Cybersecurity/Privacy