by Brianna Crandall — June 25, 2018 — New York-based workplace furniture manufacturer Innovant and Dutch wireless charger manufacture ZENS have exclusively partnered together to launch HotDesk, a groundbreaking new product that is operated via smartphone technology. The unveiling took place during this month’s NeoCon 2018 contract furnishings show in Chicago.
A user can “book” a desk simply by placing their phone onto the wireless charger built into the desktop. Image courtesy Innovant
HotDesk is a comprehensive workplace tool that tracks occupancy through a system that is mounted into a desk worksurface. The sensor is triggered when a person places their smartphone, with the HotDesk application open, on top of the charger. Employees will be able to place their smartphones on the charger which will transmit data directly through the cellular network to the cloud. Smartphones can dually be charged while becoming visible on the HotDesk application, enabling peer-locating and the tracking of important occupancy data for space planning, for architects and building managers.
Currently, HotDesk is available for IOS and Android operating systems.
Designed with the end user in mind, HotDesk does not require the hassle of Bluetooth pairing — instead, a user can “book” a desk simply by placing their phone onto the wireless charger built into the desktop. It also protects privacy by deleting all “personal” information so it can’t be used to tell management who was working when — it is just used to locate people.
Smartphones can dually be charged while becoming visible on the HotDesk application, enabling peer-locating and the tracking of important occupancy data for architects and FMs. Image courtesy Innovant
HotDesk does not rely on a company’s corporate network, as each user’s smartphone acts as a gateway to the cloud, streamlining the process and eliminating security concerns. This will also relieve the need for a company’s information technology (IT) team to keep servicing the product.
Bruce Wells, director of Marketing and Design at Innovant, commented:
Innovant is thrilled to exclusively partner with wireless charging pioneer ZENS to bring HotDesk to the North American marketplace. HotDesk is a “user focused” product that provides invaluable occupancy data to the organization in the background. Its simplicity and value to the end user is what makes HotDesk unique, and we are confident it will drive rapid acceptance and widespread use in the workplace.
Benefits for FMs
HotDesk was primarily designed for unassigned workplaces, where employees are constantly on the move. However, its sensor capabilities make HotDesk an asset for post-occupancy tracking in any office environment, a feature that can inform the designers and architects, as well as facilities managers (FMs) how occupants utilize a completed space. Ultimately, the information compiled by HotDesk could help cut down energy usage and other occupancy costs while identifying the areas that occupants gravitate toward most frequently for future space planning.
Occupancy data can be accessed through a secure browser-based dashboard where building managers can generate fully-customizable reports geared toward any office configuration — a flexible feature that is in line with Innovant’s wide array of versatile furniture offerings.
Additional recent introductions showcased at NeoCon
Innovant showcased additional recent introductions with customizable capabilities and integrated technology components at NeoCon:
beSpoke: beSpoke merges height-adjustable desking, intelligent power and cabling distribution, and tailored storage and privacy features to deliver a sophisticated, modern alternative to open-plan furniture. It is comprised of a family of customizable components that can be freestanding or integrated together.
NIGEL: With minimalist construction and smart, user-centric features, NIGEL strikes a balance between sophistication and simplicity, with a colorful finish palette, allowing collaborative and mobile office workers across different industries to build a home with NIGEL by personalizing their space with unique storage and connectivity features.
REX Benching: Refined engineering and unique design details make REX sit-stand benching suitable for office environments requiring a clean, smart aesthetic with efficient cabling and technology management. REX’s 120-degree benching helps clients seeking to blend open-plan collaboration with personal space and privacy.
FORm_AV: Innovant’s comprehensive FORm_AV products are suited for high-growth, global companies with intense video-conferencing requirements in search of a flexible and cost-effective yet stylish solution. Freestanding elements and Huddle Tables offer integrated display and technology housing for small spaces, while Conference Tables and dual-monitor AV Stands deliver award-winning performances for large spaces. Innovant’s FORm_AV Conference Suite epitomizes efficiency.
For more information about HotDesk or the other new products and photos of the company’s showroom at NeoCon, visit the Innovant website. With 1990 origins creating furniture for financial firms’ trading floors, Innovant specializes in customizable desking and benching systems for contemporary offices, creating cutting-edge designs that support forward-looking technology for today’s interconnected workplace.
