Workplace aesthetics

Smart offices have fast become the need of the hour. A defining characteristic of modern day workplaces is that they rely heavily on information technology

What Smart, elegant looking offices have become part of our corporate culture. A swanky office impresses everyone. Two decades ago, technology at its best meant a fax machine and an electronic typewriter; today it’s an iPad connected to your enterprise cloud solution. The modern office is a smart office which makes use of things designed and made in such a way that these are practical and aesthetically appealing. Smart technology at the office place is revolutionising the way people, process and technology integrate. Conference calling, web conferencing, unified messaging, voice mail, replay line, fax-on-demand, virtual office, software solutions are some areas where cutting-edge technology is required to make an office look smart.

Today, research on smart environments represents some of the most innovative work being done in computer science, electrical engineering, and information systems. The interdisciplinary scope of the field integrates aspects of machine learning, human-machine interfacing, wireless networking, mobile communications, sensor networks, and pervasive computing. As research efforts devise intelligent environments for use in homes, offices, classrooms, hospitals, and automobiles, far-reaching applications – from design and architecture to health care issues and software engineering–become increasingly evident.
Electronic systems used in an office environment are comprised of hardware and software components. When used together, these components are capable of storing, retrieving, manipulating, transferring, computing, and printing information. Hardware components include, but are not limited to, electronic typewriters, word processors, personal computers, work stations (keyboards and visual displays) linked to a computer, and associated equipment such as printers, optical scanners, and modems. Typical types of software used in office automation work include word processing, electronic mail, calendar, project management, database management, desk-top publishing, graphics and spreadsheet.

Nowadays, office interiors are being renovated to accommodate the demands of such communication, keeping aesthetics and space management as top priority. Overhead projectors, plasma screens, surround sound systems, sleek microphones, video cameras and other gizmos find discreet space.

Modern Office Automation
Office automation refers to the varied computer machinery and software used to digitally create, collect, store, manipulate and relay office information needed for accomplishing basic tasks and goals. The history of modern office automation began with the typewriter and the copy machine, which mechanised previously manual tasks. Today, however, office automation is increasingly understood as a term that refers not just to the mechanisation of tasks but to the conversion of information to electronic form as well. The advent of the personal computer revolutionised office automation, and today, popular operating systems and user interfaces dominate office computer systems. This revolution has been so complete, and has infiltrated so many areas of business, that almost all businesses use at least one commercial computer business application in the course of daily activity. Even the smallest companies commonly utilise computer technology to maintain financial records, inventory information, payroll records, and other pertinent business information.

Office automation helps in optimising or automating existing office procedures. The backbone of office automation is a Local Area Network (LAN), which allows users to transmit data, mail and even voice across the network. All office functions, including dictation, typing, filing, copying, fax, telex, microfilm and records management, telephone and telephone switchboard operations, fall into this category. Office automation was a popular term in the 1970s and 1980s as the desktop computer exploded onto the scene. A universal truth is dawning on the multinational brand names the world over that brands are incidental and the solution is the driver.

Decision makers today treat information technology (IT) as their basic need for any business. Recovery cost depends on the customer. The earlier the customer decides to put implement IT solutions, the faster the returns. Spiralling costs can be handled in many ways. And one of them is to optimise on the functions of the gadgets like printers, fax machines, printers, notebooks and laptops, scanners etc.

Effective communication
It has been found that when employers give employees an environment they feel comfortable and good in, they become more productive and satisfied in the workplace. Staying connected is also critical in a company’s ability to respond to a customer’s changing needs, with the latest technology to work around. The Smart Office equipments now come in portable sizes too, so that the user may even cart it along to another part of the continent – and never have to miss out on an important meeting.

Researchers who studied teams of software programmers working on a project and huddled in one room for four months revealed that they (software developers) spent less than half their time at tasks like programming and coding; the remainder of their day was spent on meetings, problem resolution with team members or clients, product testing, etc.

Isolated in cubicles, communication between programmers was impaired; researchers found that the further apart team members were, the less they talked to each other. The net effect of ineffective communication was that projects habitually came in overtime and exceeded their budgets. This research confirmed the positive effect of locating employees in a more flexible, open space. Time-to-market, or cycle time for the software programmes developed by the teams dropped by one-third as compared to a company baseline. Communication and problem resolution were enhanced by close proximity to others on the team. Once upon a time, every employee was housed in a cubicle or individual office. These days, there are fewer permanent addresses; not every employee needs a personal work station in a digital workplace.

The average office space used to be 70 per cent cubicles and 30 per cent collaborative or shared space. Today, that equation is 55 per cent cubicles and 45 per cent shared space. In the agile office, a hybrid solution often works best: small private rooms for concentrated work, personal work stations in open office settings for team work, and a variety of formal and informal meeting spaces. Work spaces are simultaneously shrinking: from a standard unit of 8 by 10 feet to one as small as 6 by 6 feet in an open office plan. Work station walls are coming down, to open up views and allow occupants to enjoy natural light.

A friendly ambience
Further, as health and safety of employees becomes paramount for companies, most corporate offices are switching to ergonomic and functional furniture. These areas are designed to break the monotony of workplaces and create a healthy working atmosphere where employees feel relaxed. The trend is to create a friendly ambience for both management and employees like a community, where everyone is familiar with another, a place where all needs are met, physical as well as psychological. Therefore a smart office will strive to create an environment that has a smart, attractive, friendly design and can form an office ambience which is flexible, effective and welcoming for employees, which makes them feel like coming to work, and motivates them to increase productivity. Creating a non- or low-toxic workplace would be a plus point for a smart office. For example: Use low-VOC paints along with 100 per cent virgin wool carpets made without chemicals or dyes (wool carpet lasts much longer than does synthetic carpet, so the carpeting will not need to be replaced as quickly).

Natural carpet padding (made of jute fibres encased in recycled paper) when tacked to the floor help avoid the chemical offgassing that would have occurred had they been glued. Several practical steps can help you to create a healthier workplace. The key to a healthier office is prevention – in other words, use healthy and efficient building, lighting, and HVAC design, and use nontoxic building materials, furnishings, and office supplies. The best way to create a green and healthy environment is to begin by carrying out an environmental audit to study the duct system, building and lighting design, and office furnishings and to survey employees. The company can create corporate policies that encourage healthier purchasing decisions and production methods and support employee health.

Investing in design
Utilities such as mobile phones, computers or laptops, telephone network, printers, scanners, fax machines and photocopiers use or share computer based data and software applications for higher productivity, saving on time. Creative and insightful planning and refurnishing of work environments are essential to remaining in the race. Design is no longer an expense; it is an investment. This means investing heavily at the front end to ensure productivity and higher staff retention. Innovative design trends are becoming prevalent and attention is being paid to creative and strategic thinking and interactive idea exchanges.

Some of the facets of new work environments include: attractive and inviting private and group work spaces; tree-lined interiors and an emphasis on views; creative thinking areas with drawable walls and surfaces; and even whimsical props such as stuffed animals for inspiration. Traditionally conservative firms are moving away from the old-fashioned look and designing in terms of flexibility, technology and service to create smart office environments for their employees. Cardinal zones in different colours, diffuse, luminous lighting, and an atmosphere that feels more like home as well as systems that include retractable drawable surfaces, spatial dividers of wire mesh, luminescent plastic panels for privacy, and trees.
 

PLUGS

Khimjis’ Office Furniture-All about dream offices under one roof
Khimji Ramdas has carved a niche for itself as the most preferred supplier in its field. On offer at the Bait Al Ahlam showroom is a diverse range of attractive and cost effective office furniture backed up by professional advice and support.

Under the flagship of the Infrastructure Division of Khimji Ramdas, the office Furniture division over the last four decades carved a niche for itself in the minds of the discerning customers.

They offer the best in class solutions:
Comprehensive range of office furniture and Interior solutions and turnkey service for your business. Their range caters to all customer segments-Omanis, expatriates, locals or MNCs.

Extensive range of furniture available from Italy, Spain, Korea in an array of budgets, styles, colors, all under one roof. Executive, managerial and staff settings.

Interiors, special seating and storage solutions
Service provided includes space planning and interior refurbishment proposals
Interior designing, space planning, flooring service, executive desking, workstations, partitions.

Flooring solutions like carpets, Raised Access floors, Security products, warehousing, storage and archiving solutions from the world’s leading manufacturer.

An individual customer can also enjoy a retail experience

Special seating at Libraries, Auditoriums, Stadiums
Professional interior designers with decades of experience in their field offer innovation tailor made solutions that encompass corporate interior designs, facility planning, architecture, project management, 3D visualization, computer aided design (CAD) and graphics, giving both value from the product as well as the best aesthetic look that suits their business needs.
Dedication to quality and commitment to timelines has been a key factor for Khimji’s Office Furniture Division to become the most preferred supplier in its field. Spread across 1000 sq meters, Khimji’s Office Furniture showroom’s layout and state of the art displays have been strategically designed to facilitate comfortable and convenient shopping experience for its clients. The showroom exhibits a wide range of modern desks and seatings.The division also keeps enough inventories to meet the immediate requirements of clients. With its mission to make customer work environment inspiring and motivating Khimji’s Office Furniture has today witnessed steady growth and foresees greater opportunities and success in the years to come.

Keeping abreast of latest technologies
Mohsin Haider Darwish (MHD) is the first organisation in its sector to achieve ISO 27001 certification in the Sultanate of Oman. The MHD is a leading diversified business group in the Sultanate

Computers, Office Automation and Telecommunications division of MHD primarily deal in Office Automation, Telecommunication, Office Furniture, Security solutions and IT products. Dr Manmohan Singh Rehsi, director of the division is focussed on providing world-class solutions, products and services to the customers in the Sultanate.

Office Automation department represents industry leading products in its portfolio with KONICA MINOLTA as its flagship brand.

Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc, a leading Japanese Company in advanced imaging and networking technologies from the desktop to the print shop, brings together unparalleled advances in security, print quality and network integration via its award-winning line of bizhub® range of colour and monochrome multifunction products (MFPs); bizhub PRESS and PRO production printing systems; magicolor® colour printers; and pagepro® monochrome printers. Konica Minolta also offers advanced software solutions, digital imaging systems and scanning systems for specialised applications.

bizhub PRESS C8000 Digital Print Press: A revolutionary breakthrough in color print production
Delivering world-class colour that rivals costly offset printing, the bizhub PRESS C8000 digital print press from Konica Minolta is the print production powerhouse you’ve been waiting for. With superior Print-On-Demand speed, accuracy and consistency, the bizhub PRESS C8000 can significantly boost your return on investment – and deliver spectacular color documents that build valuable repeat business from corporate and commercial print customers alike. The bizhub PRESS C8000 is the first digital print press to have earned the prestigious IDEAlliance® Digital Press Certification for meeting or exceeding established industry tolerances for excellence in Colorimetric Accuracy, Uniformity, Repeatability, Durability, and Registration. After being named “Best of Show” when originally introduced at OnDemand, the C8000 digital print press continues to outpace with the “Color Product of the Year” award by Marketing Research Consultants (MRC) and a 5-Star Rating from the Business Equipment Research and Test Laboratories, Inc. (BERTL) among others.

bizhub PRESS C7000 Digital Press Printing: Production printing capabilities you want, customised to the way you work. The bizhub PRESS C7000 digital press from Konica Minolta creates extraordinary color images that set a new high standard in digital press printing. It offers high-speed 71 ppm output to keep ahead of rising production demands, and the bizhub PRESS C7000 also provides built-in copying and scanning. Combining high-quality digital press printing performance and remarkable color fidelity, trust the bizhub PRESS C7000 to deliver professional grade reproduction with razor sharp precision.

Complimenting the range of Konica Minolta MFPs, MHD offers a complete range of integrated solutions from YSoft / Papercut to meet the centralised print and copy management requirements of the customers. MHD also offers Electronic Document Management and Enterprise Content Management solutions from Laserfiche / Solusoft / NEWGEN.

Other products include OCE range of wide format Printers and Multifunction’s, Kodak Document & Production scanners, RISO duplicators, LCD & DLP Projectors and Interactive presentation devices.

After-sales support: MHD has a wide network of fully equipped and state-of-the-art service centers across Oman. The technical support team is fully trained and certified by the principal partners in the respective products in order to provide fast, efficient and reliable services to the customers at their doorstep. The customer base covers a diverse range from universities to ministries, banks to financial institutions, oil companies to audit bureau, individuals to trading and contracting companies, etc.
 

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