Small Businesses Can Reap Big Benefits from PoE

(In this blog post from Superior Essex, learn how PoE can benefit your business, no matter the size. -Teddi)

Sustainable Intelligent Buildings, with all their bells and whistles, may sound like something only large enterprises can afford. But, given the technological advantages of the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and how it can unify disparate building systems and devices for cost savings and other benefits, small and mid-sized companies can’t afford to ignore it – literally.

PoE Explained

Recent advances in communications technology and the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) have changed the way enterprises design and operate in their workplaces. As building systems, services and devices such as IP communications, lighting, security access controls and data-gathering sensors are connected and powered over Ethernet cabling, business owners can more easily manage, measure and maintain those endpoints over a converged IP network made possible by PoE technology.

PoE cabling carries both power and data directly to and from devices, eliminating the need for separate power and communications cables. It allows for more freedom of location for the placement of devices throughout a building while reducing the cost of materials and installation labor. PoE is also significantly more efficient at power distribution compared to traditional electrical cabling. As a result of all of this, companies can realize an energy savings of up to 50% and a reduction in average annual operating costs of up to 14% by installing PoE cable.

Better Workplace, Bigger Savings

Businesses of all sizes sit up and take notice when significant cost savings are on the table. In this case, more and more small and mid-size enterprises are taking advantage of PoE-enabled, IoT-ready technologies to create a workplace that helps them meet today’s business objectives while laying a foundation for the future of their organizations. PoE technologies help small and mid-size businesses:

Combine disparate building networks. PoE allows businesses to merge lighting, air, physical security and other building systems onto a single IP network, making them easier to control, measure and maintain.

Establish an agile, functional work environment. Technologies such as wired Ethernet, WiFi, voice and data, sound masking, occupant sensing and other media devices can transmit both power and data over the same communications cabling network, keeping the workplace modular and flexible while saving money on both installation and maintenance.

Deliver newer and better user experiences. Room temperature, window shade level, and lighting color and intensity settings can all be customized based on the time of day, traffic patterns and other conditions of the workplace.

Improve efficiency and sustainability. Room temperature and lights can be adjusted to account for occupancy and other workplace conditions, saving businesses money by eliminating unnecessary operating expenses – especially in unoccupied spaces.

Collect and analyze data. Networked sensors help track traffic patterns, use of space and occupancy rates. Building managers can then view the data and analytics that they gather in real time to predict future usage, needs and costs, allowing for deeper levels of customization and management process improvement.

Bringing such a sophisticated PoE network to life requires cabling that’s just as sophisticated. And PowerWise® PoE cables from Superior Essex are the most energy-efficient on the market, saving small business owners money by reducing power loss and overall energy consumption, operating with up to 97% energy efficiency as compared to traditional electrical wiring. Furthermore, in addition to quality and efficiency, the these sustainable PoE cables also contribute to green building standards such as LEED, WELL and the Living Building Challenge.

So if you’re thinking about making your building smarter, more affordable to operate, easier to manage and more sustainable, then choose PowerWise® PoE cable from Superior Essex to achieve all of these within a single, streamlined solution. Contact your local Accu-Tech representative to learn more, and view the Superior Essex page to see all of their solutions.