The Challenge
With hybrid working policies becoming standardised, our client introduced a formal expectation that employees work onsite three days a week starting in 2025. Prior to 2025 there was no oversight set on these expectations, and the policy shift has created the need for data on how spaces are being utilised on site. The main goals of studying the utilisation of the spaces, was for capital planning purposes, space design strategy, and group planning.
Requests for recapitalisation and investment in existing office buildings required data that shows the space is being fully utilised and any spend will be justified. The company required data to help determine what kind of spaces their employees prefer to work in.
Finally, there were issues with teams not having enough space for their employees to sit in designated areas so a study to confirm these issues and develop a strategy was needed.
Key challenges included:
- Lack of data for capital planning, space design, and workplace investment.
- Insufficient insight into employee workspace preferences.
- Localised overcrowding in team spaces.
We needed short-term occupancy studies to validate space issues and inform decisions on redesign or investment. Pressac’s hardware-only model gave us full autonomy and eliminated any recurring SaaS fees — making scaling cost-effective.
The Solution
The decision was made to deploy Pressac IoT desk occupancy sensors across critical workspaces for a short term study that would identify optimal space utilisation. This would give sufficient data to be allow stakeholders to make decisions around space design, capital planning and to justify expenditure for remodelling if needed. The pilot was planned, developed, implemented and tested in less than six months with data reviewed and analysed ready for
wider deployment.
Installation & Technical Overview
IoT sensors were installed under desks within the particular area of concern for ~1-1.5 months to gather data on overall desk utilisation. Utilising ethernet only gateways paired with Verizon hotspots to provide a network connection, data is processed via AWS IoT and then stored in databases for use with Tableau to create custom analytics based on the client needs.
- Sensor installation: Simple double-sided adhesive application under desks or screwed to desks for longer studies.
- Gateway setup: Typically on columns or lockers for optimal coverage.
- Ideal ratio: 30 – 40 sensors per gateway, depending on space layout and coverage requirements.
Support & Scalability
Pressac’s technical support team were always on hand to answer any questions accurately and in a timely fashion. From installation to ongoing support where needed, the Pressac team provided guidance through the deployment of sensors across multiple remote sites.
Analytics & Outcomes
As the client wanted to capture the time each pace is used throughout the day, they deployed IoT desk occupancy sensors to gather data to help them work more efficiently through heat mapping, occupancy and space utilisation.
Captured data includes:
- Total usage time per day
- Occupancy heatmaps
- Trends in space utilisation
- Room type effectiveness
Key Results
They chose to deploy IoT desk occupancy sensors from Pressac across critical workspaces for ~1 to 1.5 months at a time.
- Data-backed investments: Informed capital planning and space redesign.
- Optimised resource allocation: Reduced overcrowding in designated team zones.
- Room utilisation insights: Used for conference and focus room strategy.
Why Pressac?
1. No Subscription or SaaS Lock-In
Pressac offered hardware-only solutions, which aligned with a desire to avoid paying premium prices for cloud-based SaaS services. The internal capability to process the data and build custom analytics, was already in place so they didn’t need bundled software services.
2. Data Control and Custom Analytics
Using Pressac allowed them to retain full control over their data and analytics. Data from the sensors was processed via AWS IoT and analysed using Tableau, enabling tailored insights for their clients.
3. Straightforward Installation and Scalability
The pilot setup proved that installation was simple and scalable, which was crucial as they rolled out the solution to multiple sites. The sensors were installed using double-sided tape for temporary studies, and gateways were easily deployed in central areas.
4. High Accuracy and Versatile Use
The data collected was reported as accurate, and Pressac’s sensors were versatile enough to be used not just for desk occupancy, but also for monitoring conference rooms and focus booths, enhancing their utility.
5. Positive Technical Support
It was reported that Pressac provided excellent technical support, noting timely resolution of any issues encountered.
6. Cost-Effective and Scalable Architecture
The solution was cost-effective, particularly for an organisation that already had the infrastructure to process IoT data. This made it suitable for large-scale deployments and potential permanent installations, such as in their Indianapolis site.
