Embracing Smart City Technology

Embracing Smart City Technology: Why Commercial Properties Should Include Navigo® Digital Signage, Building Directories, Transit Screens, and Wayfinding Kiosks

5 minute read |  Updated November 8, 2024

people looking at a digital signage room scheduler

In today's tech-forward urban landscape, commercial properties are increasingly implementing Smart City Technology to enhance tenant and visitor experiences, streamline operations, and align with sustainability goals. Navigo® offers solutions that help properties meet these initiatives such as digital signage, digital building directories, transit screens, and wayfinding kiosks. These solutions work together to make navigating, commuting, and accessing services easier and more efficient. These technologies support a connected, data-driven environment and also elevate the property’s value, positioning it as a modern and attractive space for businesses, visitors, and employees alike.

 

The Importance of Smart City Technology in Commercial Properties

Smart City Technology encompasses a range of digital tools and solutions that promote efficient urban living, often through connectivity, real-time information, and automation. For commercial properties, these technologies are instrumental in meeting energy efficiency standards, enhancing accessibility, and improving visitor satisfaction. Additionally, as cities adopt more advanced tech infrastructures, buildings equipped with these smart systems stand out for their forward-thinking approach.

Navigo® digital signage, TransitAccess® transit screens, and wayfinding kiosks are particularly relevant in commercial settings as they contribute to a cohesive, user-friendly experience and support sustainable urban mobility. By integrating these tools, commercial properties demonstrate a commitment to innovation, safety, and convenience, all of which are key elements in modern Smart City initiatives.

 

1. Digital Signage: Engaging and Informing Tenants and Visitors

Digital signage serves as a dynamic communication tool that delivers important updates, promotional content, or emergency notifications in real-time. Positioned in high-traffic areas, digital signage can display anything from building news to local events and promotions, fostering a sense of community within the property.

  • Engagement: Digital signage grabs attention more effectively than static signs, making it a valuable asset for sharing relevant information, enhancing tenant communication, and showcasing important updates.

  • Flexibility: Content on digital signage can be updated remotely and instantly, allowing property managers to tailor messaging based on time, audience, or events.

  • Energy Efficiency: Modern digital displays are designed to be energy-efficient, aligning with Smart City goals by reducing the environmental impact of frequent signage updates.

Digital signage thus plays an essential role in making commercial spaces not only smarter but more adaptable to tenant and visitor needs.

 

2. Digital Building Directories: Simplifying Navigation and Enhancing Accessibility

digital directory kiosk

Navigo® digital building directories offer an intuitive solution to help tenants and visitors find businesses, departments, or individuals within a commercial property. Compared to traditional, static directories, digital versions are interactive, visually appealing, and can be easily updated as occupancy changes.

  • Real-Time Updates: Unlike traditional directories that require physical changes, digital directories can be updated instantly, reflecting any new tenants or reconfigurations within the building.

  • Enhanced User Experience: With touch screens and searchable interfaces, digital directories make navigation easier and faster, improving the visitor experience.

  • Accessibility Compliance: Digital directories can be programmed to offer multi-language support and voice-activated navigation, enhancing accessibility and ensuring compliance with regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In essence, digital directories facilitate smoother access and navigation, which is essential for large commercial properties aiming to provide a seamless experience.

 

3. Transit Screens: Supporting Sustainable Mobility Choices

person using navigo transit access

Transit screens display real-time information about local public transportation, rideshares, and bike-sharing options, making it easy for tenants and visitors to make informed commuting choices. This technology plays a vital role in Transit Demand Management (TDM), promoting sustainable transportation and reducing the reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.

  • Reducing Traffic Congestion: By providing real-time transit schedules, transit screens encourage the use of public transportation, which helps reduce traffic congestion around commercial areas.

  • Supporting Green Initiatives: Transit screens align with sustainability goals, as they make eco-friendly commuting options more accessible and appealing.

  • Enhancing Tenant Satisfaction: For employees and visitors, knowing when the next bus, train, or bike-share is available can simplify their commute and save time, increasing satisfaction and convenience.

Incorporating transit screens into commercial properties aligns with Smart City values by promoting sustainable transportation, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting efficient transit demand management.

 

4. Wayfinding Kiosks: Streamlining Navigation and Improving Visitor Flow

person using wayfinding in a smart building

Navigo® wayfinding kiosks provide interactive maps and directions to help visitors find specific locations within a building or campus. These kiosks are particularly useful in large commercial properties, where navigating can be challenging without proper guidance.

  • Reducing Confusion and Traffic: Interactive wayfinding helps reduce bottlenecks and confusion, especially during peak hours, by directing visitors quickly and efficiently.

  • Customizable and Data-Driven: Wayfinding kiosks can be programmed with specific routes for accessibility needs or updated with new locations, events, or emergency information as needed.

  • Integration with Other Smart Systems: Wayfinding kiosks can be integrated with other building management systems, such as visitor management, security, or emergency response, creating a cohesive and intelligent navigation system.

Through wayfinding kiosks, commercial properties can improve visitor flow, enhance accessibility, and offer a personalized experience—all essential in a Smart City context.

 

Smart City Benefits for Commercial Properties

When commercial properties adopt Smart City technologies like digital signage, transit screens, directories, and wayfinding kiosks, they achieve multiple benefits:

  • Higher Tenant Retention: Tenants value convenience, modern amenities, and sustainable practices. Smart City technologies make buildings more appealing and tenant-friendly.

  • Improved Building Efficiency: Automating updates and providing real-time information helps reduce operational costs and minimizes resource consumption.

  • Enhanced Public Image: Properties that adopt these innovations are perceived as environmentally conscious and community-oriented, building positive brand perception.

  • Future-Proofing Investments: As more cities adopt Smart City standards, properties equipped with these technologies are better positioned to meet evolving expectations, making them more resilient to market changes.

 

The Key Takeaway

Integrating digital signage, transit screens, building directories, and wayfinding kiosks into commercial properties is essential for any Smart City initiative. These technologies transform buildings into modern, interactive spaces that not only enhance convenience and accessibility for tenants and visitors but also support broader sustainability and urban efficiency goals. By investing in these tools, commercial properties can position themselves at the forefront of urban innovation, aligning with Smart City objectives and elevating their value in a competitive real estate landscape.

 

Explore itouchinc.com for more information on our solutions or contact us for needs unique to your property or project.

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