If you’re considering installing a mezzanine floor to make the best use of any redundant space in your commercial building, then it makes sense to explore the potential of the space to the fullest degree.
The design and features of the mezzanine structure are crucial here, since various technologies and equipment can be integrated into a mezzanine so that it meets its usage needs.
The Mezzanine Company is a leading designer and installer of mezzanine floors in the UK.
In today’s post, we want to explain what smart mezzanines are, including their key features and benefits.
What’s A Smart Mezzanine?
We’re all familiar with smart home tech. For instance, the likes of video doorbell cameras or even smart thermostats to control the temperature of our homes remotely.
Well, a smart mezzanine is similar in that it takes a traditional mezzanine floor but adds modern smart technology. The idea is to maximise operational efficiency by allowing you and your team to be best supported in their daily tasks. Some smart technology can also work to make your mezzanine safer, plus more energy efficient.
Practically every aspect of a mezzanine floor can have smart features integrated into the design concept.
Some top examples include:
Automated access & control systems
- Smart gates, lifts and conveyors can be automated for improved workflow.
- RFID or biometric access for restricted zones.
Energy efficient lighting & power
- LED lighting with motion sensors reduces energy consumption.
- Integrated power outlets and data ports for equipment or workstations.
Integrated Smart Sensors
- Sensors monitor load weight, vibration, temperature and occupancy for safety and performance optimisation.
- Real-time alerts for overloading or structural stress.
IoT Connectivity
- Internet of Things (IoT) integration allows remote monitoring via dashboards or mobile apps.
- Enables predictive maintenance and performance tracking.
Safety & compliance features
- Smart mezzanines often include digital safety monitoring (i.e. edge protection sensors or load alerts).
- Designed to meet UK and international safety standards (i.e. HSE or ISO).
What Challenges Can Smart Mezzanines Solve For Businesses?
As with any investment you are looking to make in your commercial premises, it’s all well and good laying out different features that you can have installed.
However, there is always the burning question of whether such features are needed, including how they will positively impact productivity, safety and cost savings. For many employers, reducing employee turnover by improving the working environment is also high on the agenda.
While lots of smart integrations exist, some of the wider challenges that can be solved include:
Limited floor space: Mezzanines already help solve this issue. However, smart mezzanines can go the extra step to maximise the amount of space gained and also retain an efficient usage of that space over time. For instance, sensors and data analytics can be used to optimise space usage.
Inefficient workflow and material handling: As a business owner, you’ll be acutely aware of how a poor layout (especially the manual movement of goods between floor levels) impacts productivity. Smart mezzanines can solve this through the use of integrated lifts, conveyors and smart access systems to streamline the movement of goods and people. Also, IoT systems analyse workflow patterns to reduce bottlenecks, while real-time tracking enhances inventory visibility and accuracy.
Safety risks, including structural overloading: At The Mezzanine Company, we take mezzanine servicing (including regular structural appraisals) seriously. So while smart technology isn’t a substitute for professional maintenance or inspections, it can be used to further enhance the safety of the structure. For instance, traditional mezzanines can be prone to overloading, unsafe access or unnoticed wear and tear. Smart technology, like load sensors, can monitor weight distribution and alert staff before overloading occurs. Motion and vibration sensors detect structural stress or instability. Also, smart lighting and safety rails improve visibility and accident prevention.
High maintenance costs & downtime: Again, the need for regular maintenance and professional inspections from our team can help reduce mezzanine maintenance costs and downtime. That said, smart technology can aid in predictive maintenance using sensor data that identifies potential issues early. It’s also possible to perform remote monitoring, while system health reports allow maintenance scheduling with minimal disruption.
Poor energy efficiency: In recent years, the cost of energy has risen for everyone. As a business, it’s essential to reduce the energy bills produced by your building, including any mezzanine spaces. In terms of smart technology, motion-activated LED lighting reduces power usage, while smart energy management systems can track and optimise energy consumption. If you choose to upgrade your mezzanine, you can also integrate renewable power sources to reduce the carbon footprint of your building and save on running costs at the same time.
P.S. Do you have any other challenges to add to this list? Our mezzanine floor experts would be more than happy to advise you. Please get in touch to find out more.
How Smart Tech Can Benefit A Mezzanine
At The Mezzanine Company, our mezzanine floors boast endless usage possibilities, from industrial use to corporate office space. So with all of the challenges in mind, it’s clear to see how incorporating smart tech can allow your business and its people to get the most out of a mezzanine structure.
These benefits can be summarised as:
- Improved safety
- Better operational efficiency
- Future-proofing your operations
- Reduced building running costs
- Data-driven decision making
- More informed building maintenance
- Optimised workflows
- Enhancing the working environment for employees
Also, since smart tech can be chosen specifically to align with your industry and overall building requirements, this allows the benefits to be enhanced further still. At The Mezzanine Company, our mezzanine designers can also work with you to ascertain the exact needs of your structure so that your mezzanine floor offers your business everything it needs to succeed from day one.
Discover Modern Mezzanines At The Mezzanine Company
If your business premises could benefit from a mezzanine, or if you want to upgrade an existing mezzanine structure to feature smart technology, then you’re in the right place!
The Mezzanine Company is based in Nottingham and we design and install mezzanines across the East Midlands and beyond. Crucially, we design mezzanines for various sectors, whether you need more space for storage, manufacturing or an office.
Contact the experts here at The Mezzanine Company to let us know about your project requirements.
Alternatively, please give us a call on 0115 647 7140 to speak to our friendly team.
