How Business Insights Help You Make Wiser Business Decisions

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Business Insights Automation Cork

 

The development of technology has grown rapidly in a short time frame. Thankfully, for business owners this means work life has become slightly less stressful. Technology has opened up avenues for new and efficient methods of managing businesses. 

Smart technology in particular has seen a steep rise in popularity due to its ease of use, security and energy management capabilities and its ability to be used remotely. One specific feature favoured by business owners is business insights. 

By collecting information from each product in the business, Business Automation can generate informed reports. These reports are helping business owners to make informed decisions to best benefit their business, employees and customers. 

Reports can be easily accessed through the business automation app – anytime and from anywhere. Streamlined management is gained through the relevant and useful nature of these reports. 

Here are the ways in how Smart Insights can help you to manage your business

 

Identify Peak Periods of Activity 

Shop and restaurant owners understand the frustration of not having sufficient staff on at peak times. A lot of the time it may be difficult for employers to identify the business’s busiest times as they can’t be present every second of every day. Calling staff to come in last minute is not the most effective solution either, and can lead to a lot of phone calls and a lot of frustration. 

By viewing reports you can view understand the busy times at your business and use this to make assumptions based on patterns. This helps to ensure that you have sufficient staff for the effective and smooth running of your operation. 

 

Monitor Open Times 

Are you concerned that employees may be opening up late or closing up early while management is not present? Through the app you can view trends in the opening and closing hours of your business. 

Smart notifications inform you of who is arming and disarming the system. Also, if you have smart access you can pinpoint the exact time each employee arrived and left work. 

Stay Informed with Activity Summaries

Activity summaries are incredibly useful in helping to identify and pinpoint unexpected or unusual activity. View if doors have been or are regularly left open which can cause energy wastage or act as a safety concern. 

Activity summaries also inform if anyone has entered the business after hours, and allows you to keep a track record of which employees are disarming the alarm system. 

 

Simple Report Interface 

Reporting is made simple with the user friendly interface from Alarm.com. If you are the owner of one business premises then, not only can you manage all sites in one location, but you can also generate reports for all your sites. 

Business owners can easily set up a reporting schedule and have reports generated daily, weekly or monthly. 

 

Interested in knowing more about Smart Business Insights with Business Automation? Call our Sales Team on 0214966248 or fill out the form below. 

 

 

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5 Ways To Save Money With A Smart Thermostat

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With the rising cost of heating your home, it’s understandable that Irish homeowners are searching for ways to reduce their heating bills. 

Ireland’s weather can make it difficult to cut how much you’re spending on heating your home without the need to layer yourself with blankets. 

Smart Heating controls are an effective way in reducing the amount of energy needed to warm your home and hot water, without having to sacrifice comfort. Smart thermostats can save you an average of €300 per year, and still keep your home cozy throughout the day. 

Here are 5 ways how you can save with a Smart Thermostat. 

 

  1. SEAI Grant Application

If your home was built before 2006 then we have good news for you. Homes built prior to 2006, and have not had a grant claimed it before can claim the SEAI Grant for Heating Controls. 

At Smartzone, we take your MPRN number during the Free Home Assessment and then look into whether your home is grant applicable. If so, our team will apply for the grant on your behalf meaning you get Smart Heating Controls, from us, at a seriously reduced price. 

 

  1. Zoned Heating Controls 

Zoned Heating Controls warm your home with greater efficiency. By implementing three zone you can heat the downstairs and upstairs of your home, as well as hot water separately. 

Heat rises meaning that downstairs is normally colder than upstairs. Without a thermostat, or any sort of heating controls you are heating all areas of the home at the same temperature when it is not needed. 

With Smart Heating Controls you can heat downstairs at a lower temperature than upstairs so you use less energy in heating your home to a desired temperature. 

 

  1. Reduce energy use when you leave home

Our Smart Thermostat works in harmony with our Smart Home Security bundle. Sounds strange, but using advanced technology the thermostat communicates with the system and know if you’re at home or not. 

When you arm your system the Smart Home hub speaks to our Smart Heating Controls, letting your thermostat know you’ve left the house. The thermostat will then reduce temperatures as you don’t need your house heating as if you were at home. 

 

  1. Schedule for comfort

You can schedule when you want your heating to turn on/ off or increase and decrease temperatures at certain times of the day. Lower temperatures at bedtime and have them increase for a short period when you wake. All you have to do is set the schedules once so you don’t have to keep changing the thermostat on your phone every time you want a warmer or cooler home. 

 

  1. Save Energy on the move 

GeoFencing Smart Thermostat Ireland

GeoFencing is what makes any smart home truly intelligent. By setting a perimeter around your house, your smart home will perform actions when you leave or enter this area. 

By using GeoFencing with your heating controls, your system will automatically lower temperatures when you leave home and increase them when you come back. 

Want to see savings? 

Smart Home was designed for user convenience and security, but also to save money. And, using Smart technology to reduce the energy use in your home means that you save significantly on your heating bills. 

If you want to save with a Smart Thermostat call us on 0214966248 or fill out the form below.

 

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Why Your Small Business Needs An Energy Audit

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Smartzone Energy Audit Ireland save energy

The Sustainable Authority of Ireland have so far been successful in helping both the residential and commercial sector to reduce their energy use. One way in doing so has been the introduction of an Energy Audit Scheme. This scheme requires larger business to undertake surveys or inspection to determine whether they are managing their energy sufficiently. 

Essentially, an energy audit analyses how and where a business’s energy is used. This determines any energy wastage and helps to identify how to correct this in the best and most ethical way. 

While the audit is not a legal requirement for small to medium sized Irish businesses, it’s no harm for these types of organisations to perform their own audits. 

Why perform an energy audit? 

With a busy schedule, it can become almost impossible to keep track of energy usage in your business. 

Performing an audit brings focus back and highlights any urgent issues, or behaviours which are causing  unnecessary energy wastage. An audit is essential for two main reasons. 

  1. Reducing carbon emissions which benefits the planet
  2. Significantly lowering energy costs helps protect and improve your business’s bottom line. 

 

How to perform your own energy audit

Energy audits can easily be completed by having a team member walk around the premises with a checklist of things to look out for. Your checklist should include (but be limited to): 

  • Lights 
  • Heating 
  • Water Use 
  • Electrical Equipment

Smartzone energy audit lights

Turn the lights off

Are lights left on when no one is in the room? Your business should consider placing reminders for staff to switch off lights when a room is left empty, and at the close of business (when lights aren’t required to remain switched on).

It’s also wise to think about switching your lights to Smart LEDs Bulbs. LEDs efficiently use 60 – 75% less energy than traditional, incandescent light bulbs. By installing Smart LEDs, you can further reduce the energy needed to light the building by having the control to remotely switch on and off lights and set schedules so lights are never accidentally left on again. 

 

Keep the heat in

Heating a premises can be incredibly costly, especially when winters in Ireland seem to last almost all year long. It’s often habit of employees to set high temperatures on the thermostat in the hopes that the room will heat faster – but usually ends up in employees sweltering not long after. 

There are a few small tips to follow to ensure you’re making the most of your thermostat including keeping boxes or items which may restrict air circulation away from radiators, or closing blinds at the end of the day to prevent warm air from escaping. 

Smart Thermostats are effective in reducing energy use by up to 20% compared to traditional thermostats. How? These thermostats have features that traditional thermostats do not. These include employee lockout so only you can control temperatures, scheduling for temperatures to decrease when the premises is empty and receiving alerts when the thermostat has been adjusted so you can remotely change it back. 

Smartzone reduce water Energy Audit

Reduce your water use 

It’s a good idea to inspect all piping, taps and toilets to ensure there is no presence of leaks. A leak, no matter how small, is an unnecessary wastage of water. During your energy audits keep a close eye on your water meter to see if there are any significant changes or to see if your business might be using far more water than previously thought. If your business is billed according to meter ratings, then taking measures to reduce water use will be financially rewarding for your business. 

 

Switch off electronics 

Of course it is essential to leave some electronics on overnight to ensure the most streamlined running of the business. However, not everything needs to be left on. Computers, chargers, printers, lamps etc. should all be switched off at the wall at the close of business. Leaving devices on standby is insufficient as they are still using energy when not needed. 

Alternatively, you could consider Smart Plugs. Smart plugs allow you to remotely shut off appliances when needed, or, just like the thermostat, you can set schedules so that electronics are shut down at a specific time of day. 

 

Performing energy audits are a smart way for your business to play its part in reducing its carbon footprint, while also benefiting the organisation’s bottom line. Energy management is a key factor of Smart Business Automation. If you would like to know more about how Business Automation and Smartzone can help your business, feel free to contact our sales team on 0214966248 or fill out the form below and we will get back to you.

 

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What is the SEAI Better Energy Homes Heating Control Grant?

Heating Controls SEAI

 

The SEAI ‘Better Energy Homes Heating Controls’ grant – it’s a bit of a mouthful and can leave many homeowners scratching their heads. 

However, there is nothing complicated about the grant, and it is far more straightforward than many would believe. This grant, and many others offered by the SEAI, are helping create energy efficient homes around the country. So too is Smartzone by helping owners with the Heating Controls grant application. 

So who are the SEAI, what is the Heating Controls grant and how can you use it to create an energy efficient home?

 

Who are the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland?

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) was founded by the Irish government in 2017. The SEAI was established with the core aim of revolutionising how we use energy in Ireland. 

Working with businesses and homeowners, the SEAI hopes to achieve energy sustainability and encourage the transition to clean energy usage. 

The Authority offer various grants to homeowners so they can renovate their homes to make them more energy efficient. These include grants for insulation, heating pumps, solar panels, and of course, heating controls.

 

What does the Heating Controls grant involve? 

A massive 80% of the energy used in Irish homes is to heat both space and water. This means that the emissions from heating methods can be concerning (depending on the method), hence the reason why the SEAI offer grants for heating controls to the public. 

The grant in question is offered to homeowners who occupy homes that were built before 2006, and have not claimed the heating controls grant before. If your home was built in 2006 or after, it would have been constructed according to newer building regulations and wouldn’t require significant energy upgrades. 

Heating controls are effective in reducing the energy used in your home by up to 20%, saving you an average of €300 per year on your energy bills. Homeowners who can avail of the grant continue to save significantly as the SEAI offers a cash grant of €700 for two and three zone heating controls. 

 

Smartzone SEAI Heating Controls GrantWhere does Smartzone come into this? 

Smart Home is designed for convenience and control. Smart Home combines various aspects of the home – including heating controls. Smartzone offer Smart Heating Controls both as part of our Smart Home Security Package and as a standalone product. 

Due to our partnership with the SEAI we can offer Smart Heating Controls at a seriously discounted price when a customer’s home is eligible for the grant. 

In order to do so, we apply for the grant on behalf of the customer. This eliminates the stress of the paperwork – after all, we are all about making the lives of our customers easier. 

During the Free Home Assessment our assessors can check to see if the house was built before 2006. All we need then is the customers MPRN number which can be found on the top of any electricity or gas bill. It’s that easy! 

Our current Smart Heating Controls offer gives you 3 zone controls and two Free Smart Plugs for only €399!

 

 

For more information on Smart Heating Controls our Customer Service Team on 021496248 or check out our website on www.smartzone.ie. 

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QUIZ: How Green Are You?

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Think you have your Eco-Friendly knowledge up to scratch? Take the quiz to find out!


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Stay in Control of your Business with Smart Security and Business Automation

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Smartzone Smart Business Solutions Ireland

 

Smart phones; they are the tool that allow you to communicate with colleagues and staff easily and efficiently. They are also effective for streamlined control of business premises without any hassle.

Smartzone’s Smart Business Security and Automation provides Professional Grade Security, Energy Management, Video Surveillance and Access Control all integrated into the single app for convenience and superior managing methods.

It may not be possible for you to be on site every day. The app allows you to take control over all the aspects mentioned above ensuring the smooth running of the property. You’ll stay informed and gain direct line of sight into your business at all times.

Business owners are choosing to automate their business with Smartzone’s Smart Solutions. Here are five reasons why.

 

1: Security without the doorway dash

Old alarm systems just aren’t as effective as they should be. To arm a traditional keypad you have to enter the pin and make a quick exit to prevent the alarm being triggered.

With Smartzone’s Smart Security arming your system only takes a few taps of the app. It is not necessary to arm the system before you step outside the door. Simply set the system to ‘arm’ when ready. Smart alarms eliminate that stressful closing-time “doorway dash”.

No need to worry about employees forgetting to arm the alarm either. You can turn on arming reminders or use auto-arming giving you peace of mind.

 

Smart Business Solutions Smartzone Dublin

2: Alerts that keep you in the know   

The Smart Business app keeps you awards of any important activity that you might otherwise miss.

If something out of the ordinary occurs the app will notify you immediately. Door left open, someone entering a prohibited zone? Don’t panic. You will know the moment this type of activity occurs giving you time to react and address the issue. Daily alerts can also be set up to confirm important details, such as opening times.

 

3: Video feeds for instant insight

Video feeds can be directly viewed from your phone or tablet making it easier than ever to see what is happening in your business.

Live view or watch recorded video footage all from the app. The integrated activity history makes locating specific clips a straightforward process. You can also download clips to your phone, from cloud storage, for you to view at a later stage.

 

Video Surveillance Business Ireland

4: Remote access control for convenience

Lock and unlock your premises from anywhere in the world with Smart Access Control. Employee forgotten their smart lock user code? Simply unlock the door from your phone.

 

5: One-touch opening and closing with Scenes

Scenes is one of the most convenient features offered in the Smart Business App.

Scenes send commands to your Smart Security devices to complete specific tasks. The feature can perform tasks such as arming the system and locking the doors at the end of the day.

The app offers two Scenes – Open and Close, but you can also create and customise new Scenes, using your alarm, locks, lights and thermostat according to the needs of your business and employees.

 

Business Security Smart Ireland

 

Want to implement Smart Business Automation?

Our Smart Business solutions integrates Professional Grade Security, Access Control, Energy Management and Video Surveillance all into one centralised smart app or web dashboard.

If you are interested in upgrading your business or just looking for more information, call our Sales team today on 0214966248.

 

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Smartzone’s Smart Business Automation | Professional Grade Security, Video Monitoring, Energy Management and More

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Comfort, Security and Convenience – How Smart Home Technology Is Transforming The Way We Live

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Ireland has long sought to catch up with technologies widely available in the land across the ocean. Like American Football and Diners, Smart Home Security and Automation has spread its influence to Europe. With Ireland quickly following in the footsteps of our US counterparts.

The US market for Smart Home is growing at such an incredible rate that it is predicted to be worth €73 million by 2021. More than 80% of American home buyers have expressed an interest in the technology. So, it’s no wonder Ireland has picked up on the trend!  

By implementing Smart Home Security and Automation, houses are transformed into more than just living spaces. They become a place of ease, comfort and convenience. Our products work as part of an Ecosystem allowing for integration of all aspects of the Smart Home. Everything is controlled from the one dashboard making our system even smarter.

We offer solutions for all needs, including Smart Home Security, Video Monitoring, Home Automation, Heating Controls and Wellness.

 

Smarter Home Security

For the first time, the heart of the home is placed in the control of the homeowner. Home Security Systems give homeowners valued insight into what is happening in their home at all times. The technology provides a source of incredible real time knowledge so homeowners feel assured that their home is safe and secure.

Users are sent instant alerts and email the moment any unusual activity is recognised in the home for ultimate peace of mind.

 

Video Monitoring

HD cameras let you live view what is happening inside and around your home straight to your phone. Some of our cameras, including the popular Video Doorbell, come with an intercom feature so you can chat to visitors, family and even pets (if that’s your thing), while you’re away from home.

But security isn’t the only feature of the smart home. We provide add-ons to our package to give users an all-round smart home automation experience. With simple to use technology, homes become a space for sustainable and convenient living.

 

Heating Controls

Wintery spells can have us craving a perfectly brewed cup of tea while sitting on the sofa in the coziest of temperatures. Now you can relax by not moving a muscle to change the thermostat. A push of a few buttons on the app swiftly adjusts the temperatures in your home, leaving you to rest in absolute comfort.

Even on the long, warm days of the summer our thermostat can recognise when a window or door is left open and turns itself down saving you money on your bills.

 

Home Automation

Lights can be switched on or off and slightly dimmed with control and ease to create a luxurious atmosphere thanks to Home Automation. You also add on colour changing LED light bulbs, which use less energy than regular bulbs, to easily alter the mood. 

Want not waste not with energy as management tools are available on your phone. The app lets you monitor the energy usage in your home so you understand what appliances may be draining on your electricity. You can also compare your usage over time.

Never fear flooding again. Smart Leakage Sensors pick up on the presence of water where it shouldn’t be. With an extendable cable to access hard to reach areas, you’ll be notified of any leaks or flooding with the sound of an alarm. Leakage Sensors can also help you to reduce your home insurance premium.

Smartzone Wellness Care Smart Home

Wellness

Wellness is the perfect solution helping aging loved ones to live more independently by providing a 24/7 safety net. By monitoring the daily habits of your loved one, our system learns routine and alerts listed contacts if anything appears to be out of the ordinary.

 

You truly are King or Queen of your castle when you are in control of your home so why not try Smart Home Security and Automation? To learn more about what we have to offer call us on 0818 222926 or check out our website for more information.

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