Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1156106
56 I ICT TODAY building's dynamic lighting. Scheduling, occupancy, and daylight sensors now provide fully automated shade control that minimizes heat build-up and eliminates glare, reinforcing the smart, adaptive nature of the building. This solution, which was easy to install, also dramat- ically reduced cost and workplace disruption. The only costs are the additional components necessary for ex- panding this application. Leading window and shade manufacturers covering the market have already adopted PoE technology for their motorized shades, offering a wide array of options. The PoE powered and controlled shades maximize energy savings and employee comfort. These allow natural light to enter the room while controlling unwanted, uncomfortable glare. Heating and cooling cost savings can be substantial, and employee productivity improved with the right daylighting control strategy. GP'S SUCCESS FACTORS To highlight some non-core infrastructure technology related success factors, GP implemented a suite of inte- grated cloud-based software solutions to enhance em- ployee productivity and collaboration in the new work space. Key capabilities include Office 365, digital signage, room scheduling, and mobile printing. These capabilities have been a key enabler to support the new way of working. In addition to new technology infrastructure and software, a key success factor was increasing technology awareness, training and support services. GP's Working Smarter Program was rolled out to provide on-going training and awareness of the company's collaboration The AV and wireless access points (WAPs) are connected with Cat 6A, while the PoE lighting is connected with Cat 5e UTP that is designed specifically for high power network applications. and productivity tools. To enhance day-to-day tech- nology support, a new walk-up Tech Bar was launched where employees could quickly get support with basic technology questions and concerns. Additionally, the office itself now has a "free address" approach, which means the majority of employees are not limited to an assigned workspace but instead has an assigned neighborhood to work in on their team's floor. This allows them to choose the type of environment they use during the day based on the type of work they are doing (Figure 10). Unassigned versus assigned seating varies depending on business needs and functions. Overall, there are fewer private offices, more spaces for private conversation and collaboration, and conference spaces equipped with consistent technology. Thanks to the new floor plan, employees will be more productive, creative and innovative. The spaces allow for multiple types of collaboration (Figure 11) and make knowledge sharing much easier and more natural. More- over, free address allows for more efficient use of working spaces—no more empty offices or workspaces assigned to a single person who may be out of the office. There is more usable space per person than before, while con- suming fewer floors of the GP Center and freeing up those spaces for growth or future outside tenants. And grow it intends to do. Leadership at GP notes that this updated workspace will directly impact the company's continued growth. The design and furnishings will allow them to add people to the team—whether it is through natural expansion or through potential future acquisitions—and easily engross them into workspaces. Current employees can be proud of the modern space, FIGURE 10: Mobile work space example.