Today’s technology moves at the speed of light — but, I don’t have to tell you that. When you pair this fast-moving technology with a younger workforce, heightened competition in the business space, and the need to always be innovating … do our physical buildings get left behind?

I think that there are two ways to look at this conversation. There’s the technology that you need for your business to run and thrive, and then there’s the physical building technology that’s paramount to keep your infrastructure on the cutting edge.

So, let’s look at how you can make sure you’re keeping both up to speed …

#1. CONDUCT AN ASSESSMENT

What technology does your building currently have? Is it being used to its full potential? (And, my favorite — is it useful?) Do the right team members have access to the right data to help them do their job?

The first step to help future-proof your physical space is to make sure what you’re currently doing is actually being used. There’s no way to find areas of opportunity without assessing what’s currently being used (or not used) and how that technology — and resulting data — is helping or hurting.

To really dive deep, speak with team members in different departments to get their take on what’s working and what’s not.

#2. RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS

Next, take this information and start researching what technologies are available to help you capitalize on those areas of opportunity. Is your building set up for 5G, for example? Are you using sensors to monitor sensitive power or temperature data? What about the safety and security of your people?

As with any tech stack, finding the right combination of technology can be daunting at best. Consider having a team that’s responsible for reporting on the status of your building’s technology infrastructure (at least quarterly) to ensure you’re always on the cutting edge.

#3. MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS “PLAYING NICE”

Once you’ve decided on the right pathway forward. It’s vital that all of your technology “plays nice” with each other. These integrations can make your technology really come to life.

CONSIDER TECHNOLOGY A DIFFERENTIATOR

Outside of how a building’s technology helps companies flourish, consider it a differentiator of physical space. It’s not just today’s fast-paced startup companies that are looking for physical spaces that offer the best technology — this is becoming the norm for companies of all types and sizes.

When you invest in the physical technology infrastructure of your building, you’re prepping for the future. This can be your building’s differentiator when tenants are considering their options.

How are you keeping your building’s technology on the cutting edge? I’d love to learn how you’ve tackled this all-important subject at your company. Let’s move this over to my LinkedIn page and keep the conversation going!