Any smart business leader wants to cut costs. However, many assume that overhead costs are fixed and cannot be reduced. That’s not the case. Expenses from lighting, heating and cooling can be controlled with smart systems. What’s more, smart devices simplify your life while saving you money. Here are three ways that automated smart systems can help your business run smoother while cutting costs.
#1: Automated smart systems can cut costs from wasted energy.
A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council showed some alarming news about business power usage. They found out just how much energy our devices use when they are idle. Surprisingly, electricity used by devices in standby or sleep mode adds up to over $19 billion each year! This is the same amount of energy produced by 50 large power plants, just to keep devices on that are not performing any functions.
It’s easy to see how we created this problem. Many computers and appliances stay turned on during lunch, all night, and at other down times. The wasted energy results in a higher power bill, but the amount of work done using the devices stays the same. What’s worse is that the problem is easily avoidable. By using automated systems, you can stop this power drain. Simply set devices to shut down when no one is there and power up before they get back. You don’t have to create any policies or depend on people to remember to do it. Everyone contributes to the solution even at times when they are not around.
#2: Automated smart systems can cut costs by optimizing natural light and heat.
If you have a pet dog or cat, then you have an automatic sunlight sensor. Just find out where it’s sleeping and you’ll know where the sunbeam is. When you’re at the office, you act in the opposite way. If your desk faces a window, there will be times when you need to escape the sun. To avoid the sun blinding your work, you’ll need to turn your screen, your chair, or move entirely. This doesn’t help you get your work done. Since your pet has found a way to use the sun to its advantage, why don’t we? Automation is the key to harness this light and warmth to cut our energy costs.
Let’s say you have a conference room with a wall of windows facing east. Due to the movement of the sun, it will be tough to use the room at all. Firstly, it will get too hot from being in the sun for several hours. Secondly, the sunlight will make it hard to see a presentation on a TV screen or monitor. A professional can help you use automation to fix this problem. A smart system will plot your room’s location to find out when sunlight will be present. Next, it will program the motorized shades to block out light and heat when needed. Finally, a smart thermostat will learn from these patterns and efficiently adjust the temperature in the room.
#3: Automated smart systems can cut business costs by increasing security to prevent losses from theft.
According to CNBC, employee fraud (or embezzlement) costs U.S. businesses over $50 billion annually. What’s worse, a recent survey found that affected small businesses lose an average of $289,864. Today’s business owners now need to watch out for cyber fraud in addition to employee fraud. Let’s not forget about old-fashioned robbery, either. Luckily, automated systems can help you prevent all three of these crimes.
Prevention is about keeping people away from your belongings when you’re not there. Start by having your automated system set the doors to lock on a schedule. No more wondering if you locked them all when you left, or if the last employee to leave did. You can also set security measures for your sensitive data. A smart system can ensure that only people that you choose have access to it. This is true for both physical and digital storage. Smart locks prevent anyone from borrowing a key without your knowledge. Similarly, you choose the requirements and set the rules for who can get into your files. Your smart system will enforce the rules for you. As a result, you’ll protect your assets and minimize the chance of fraud or robbery.
Discover Smart Business Automation at Sphere Home Technologies in Birmingham, AL.
A smart business automation system can increase security and cut energy costs. However, there are countless other ways that you can automate your business. From automated shades to fans, the sky is the limit. Give Sphere Home Technologies in Birmingham, AL a call today at 205-777-5626. Also you can fill out this form to see how we can help you cut costs and be more productive.
