Boingo’s Doug Lodder recently sat down with CRE expert Michael Bull to discuss the state of workplace technology on The Commercial Real Estate Show. From using technology as a marketing differentiator to delivering against tenant’s mobile device expectations, their conversation highlights the future direction of office real estate.
In the video, Doug describes how data and connectivity are creating a new paradigm shift for office landlords, operators, and tenants. It’s a must-watch interview—here are our key takeaways.
1 – The Office Differentiator
Owners, developers, operators, and tenant reps are using technology to attract new tenants and make smarter decisions. Better building information and building management tools allow owners to manage power and utilities more efficiently, saving them money and creating a more productive work environment.
Technology has also enabled owners to capture more detailed digital information about the buildings themselves, through high definition photographs, 360° videos, 360° views, more precise measurements in the building—all things that make the transition from tenant to tenant and from owner to owner seamless.
Similar to the way owners use office amenities to market space, you are starting to see tenant rep brokers using technology as an attractive tool to draw in tenants. You also see tenants utilizing workplace technologies to recruit and attract and engage top talent.
2 – Tenant Technology Expectations
Strong, reliable connectivity is a necessity as tenants expect great indoor mobile service. From sales calls to checking emails and submitting work orders, tenants need better connectivity than ever before. This expectation shows us that cellular service in commercial buildings has become more than just an amenity, it’s a must-have. Today, you can see tech-savvy building owners and tenant reps using cell service benchmarking apps to showcase the strength of indoor cellular service as a selling point for prospective tenants.
3 – Small Cell Revolution
Together, data and connectivity make up the foundation for the next paradigm shift in workplace technologies. For 99% of the office buildings in the country, a major challenge has been creating great cellular connectivity in commercial buildings. The industry has been working to solve this problem by making cellular signal technology cheaper, smaller, and easier to use and manage. This has led to the introduction of small cell technologies that will enable millions of properties to strengthen indoor cellular signals throughout their buildings.
Small cells are revolutionary because they create a connectivity economy of scale for owners and developers:
- Small cell technologies cost less than traditional systems, such as distributed antenna systems (DAS)
- They are smaller in size than traditional DAS solutions. This smaller size gives square footage back to the owners and developers.
- Small cell technology allows owners to get rid of older, less efficient technologies, drastically increasing wireless connection productivity per square foot.