Workplace Technology in Omaha, NE

Advancements in technology continue to transform how we do business, and also how we do our jobs. Sophisticated technology that’s user-friendly and allows us to do so much more than ever before is exactly what’s being delivered by our local experts, and it’s never been more accessible. As with any investment that will have a major impact on how you do business, incorporating new technology into the workplace is something that requires thoughtful planning and precise execution.

With so many useful applications in the workplace currently, and a future full of new innovations a certainty, this story could go on at length about the marvels of modern technology. As such, there a few key areas we’ll focus on that have the potential to make a big impact on a business’ operations and bottom line: infrastructure, central functions, control of key systems and communication.

The internet has revolutionized everything about the way we do business, and as such, directly influences workplace technology and the role it plays in all operations. This makes it more crucial than ever to have a highly reliable connection with enough available bandwidth to support the needs of today’s enterprise. Along with the internet, the devices and programs used to complete any number of tasks play a critical role in any type of business. Working hand-in-hand, advancements in one area will have an effect on how we use the other. With that in mind, expert guidance and support with applications, functions, uses and outcomes of all workplace technology will ensure the full power is being harnessed in order to maximize all benefits.

“One of the most, if not the most, critical exercise any team must commit to is a requirements gathering process,” emphasizes Jeff Newton, vCIO with Five Nines.  “All too often we see the situation arise where an individual, team, or entire organization is so far down the line with a software package, hardware system, workflow change, or any other major initiative only to realize that the outcomes were never explicitly defined.  This leaves you with limited options in most cases, where you have to find ways to overcome the gaps, blind spots, additional work, or manual process workarounds just to get to the finish line.

Our support model pivots around having the intimate knowledge of our partners’ businesses and infrastructures. This puts us in a position to be able to pull the necessary resources in a single room and attack a requirements gathering session, until there is consensus and the objectives are agreed upon and clearly stated.  Only from that point are you in a position to truly begin thinking through the upgrades or additions of new technology into your business.

He further advises, “Never forget that technology is only a tool.  It provides little to no value if it is not adopted fully, integrated properly, and trained appropriately.  The unfortunate reality is that there is an overwhelming amount of hype/buzz/flash in the pan technology these days, and it only continues to become more prevalent as the days pass.  Never forget the basics of blocking and tackling, as you vet solutions or consider bringing in a new product or solution.  Don’t get caught up in the sales pitch, but make sure you take the time to explicitly define your objectives, and measure the solutions against those.  Understand how your workflows may also need to change to truly adopt something new.

One of the most applicable concepts I’ve been able to carry over from the more hands-on technical days into the solutions design or consulting area is that of goals-based troubleshooting.  What that means is never ‘dive in’ or begin troubleshooting the problem until you have a clear understanding on the goal of the individual(s) you’re there to help.  It’s no different at the higher levels of business.  If you haven’t taken the time to communicate, evaluate the implications, listen for understanding, and seek explicit clarification before you begin then you can be certain you’ll spend that time, money, or energy on the backend dealing with the repercussions. Technology is no realm to be impulsive.

Five Nines vCIO (Virtual Chief Information Officer) role has been a fantastic addition to our service portfolio over the last 18 months. The key is to overcome the “we don’t know what we don’t know” as well as having a holistic view of an organization so we don’t make shortsighted decisions which undermine overall success.”

In addition to assistance with the technology related to how you conduct business and perform work, you might also be looking to invest in building technology, which has plenty of advantages in its own right. Also at the core of business functions, Pat Killeen, owner of Engineered Controls offers insight on control of key systems:

“From a building technology perspective, there are a whole host of Building Management System (BMS) programs that will incorporate more advanced technology in the workplace. These will apply whether your building is new or if it is an existing building as part of a retrofit project. Briefly, a few of our BMS technology offerings for commercial buildings would include:

• Affordable integrated building control and automation systems that make your buildings smarter and more efficient by providing essential instrumentation and control.
• Systems that make lighting much more efficient. Our lighting controls solution offers smart scheduling, presence detection and photocells to ensure lights aren’t left burning in vacant areas and that lights are off in areas where there is already plenty of natural light.
• Integrated security solutions to meet your every need. These include standalone and networked access control solutions, an intrusion detection or video surveillance solution or a fully integrated security system, Engineered Controls can provide exactly what you needed.
• Gas detection systems for parking garages and mechanical rooms with chillers and boilers where safety is a concern and where people can become sick and or even die if not ventilated properly. We are passionate to helping our customers achieve their hazardous gas needs with our Gas Detection solutions.
• The latest in parking gate controls and revenue generation system solutions for airports, education, event, healthcare, hotels & public buildings, cities & municipalities, office, and retail.

Engineered Controls offers our customers high quality products and services that create efficient, safe and comfortable building environments. So to that end, if someone was looking to improve the energy efficiency in their facility we have products and service that will do that. On the other hand, if someone is looking to protect their people and assets, we have safety products and service that do that as well.

When working with a building technology contractor, it is proper to choose a system that has the ability to be scalable as your business needs grow. Do not skimp on features of the equipment thinking that the lowest priced option is equivalent. The axiom ‘You get what you pay for’ often applies. A good building technology partner will be able to explain the difference in the products available and is willing to inform you of your options. It is also beneficial to know the reputation of the building technology partner, ask them for their history and other business referrals.

We have a team of engineers assigned specifically to create custom integration solutions to pull all of your building equipment into a common platform regardless of manufacturer. Our software design engineers can implement open interface protocols and develop third-party communication drivers to pull everything together.”

Specifically regarding new trends and solutions that have been recently introduced to the market, Killeen further advises, “As far as technology advancements, the security industry probably has the lead in new products and solutions. There is a whole array of new video cameras with better low-light technology, and the number of manufacturers embracing the wireless locks technology is expanding so at some point it may overtake hardwired locks. Others to note are NFC readers that turn cell phones into credentials, integrated apps that notify law enforcement or others of emergencies, vandalism/ballistic window laminates to add to the physical security and protect the occupants inside of buildings.”

Finally, communication needs very little introduction as to the impact it has on the success of a business or organization. Moreover, there are so many different ways that technology is affecting how we communicate.

We live in a busy world, with so much going on in our day-to-day work lives, but still need to remain in contact with our team and available to our clients. Wireless solutions are continuing to evolve because those who are always on-the-go don’t want to have to worry about connecting to their devices.

“Bluetooth and wireless technology is always advancing,” explains Chelley Baack with Headsetters™. “The range of the devices is always growing farther, batteries are lasting longer, devices are getting more comfortable to wear, and strength and durability continues to improve while technology is becoming more sophisticated.

Wireless devices are so popular among business owners and professionals because they make it easy to talk on the phone and be hands-free to multi-task or connect to another wireless device without worrying about cords or wires.  Some of our headsets even have the capability to allow ‘multipoint connections’ where the headset can connect to a computer, a landline, and a mobile phone all at once. Furthermore, all it takes is the push of a button to tell it which one to make a call from.

In addition to offering wireless solutions for our customers, Headsetters™ also offers mobile access to our products and services.   Even when we’re closed on nights and weekends, our clients never have to be out of info or out of contact.”

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Technology is here to stay, and it’s benefitting us in a big way. Those interested in remaining competitive and reaching their highest potential are the ones who are taking advantage of the technology of our time, harnessing it to do the most good for their businesses, employees, and clients. This quote from Stewart Brand hits the nail on the head: “Once a new technology rolls over you, if you’re not part of the steamroller, you’re part of the road.”