Growing demand for smart workspace solutions in Asia

Canon’s Smart Workspace Solution manages your workspace seamlessly with the use of Canon’s facial and smile recognition technology.

Canon has announced plans to increase awareness of its smart workspace solutions in Asia.

According to industry research, the Asia Pacific Smart Office market is set for strong growth between 2024 and 2029, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.5%.

This area is increasingly becoming more attractive to business sectors in Asia, including corporate offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, entertainment venues and manufacturing firms.

There is a demand for smart workspace solutions that is driven by users’ need for seamless, tech-driven management tools to enhance productivity and manage dynamic work environments effortlessly.

To meet this need, Canon plans to target the growing smart office market, offering multiple Smart Workspace Solutions, including access control, visitor management, room and office desk booking, and secure printing control.

These solutions address multiple business challenges, including the need for enhanced security, efficient space management and better employee engagement.

Besides, tightening access control with customisable profiles and HR integration, it also streamlines guest sign-ins. Space booking is made simple, with data-driven insights helping to optimise space usage. In the workspace, secure printing ensures that only verified users have access to sensitive documents.

One unique feature is the facial and smile recognition technology, which is powered by deep learning capabilities. The technology can also be leveraged in various ways, including gamifying user feedback by rewarding positive emotions or facilitating interactive experiences in the workspace.

It is also beneficial to the service sector since it encourages front-line employees to start their workday with a smile. Customers can rate their personal experience easily by smiling at the system. In education, younger children can have fun with it, seeing it as a game they and their friends can play.

This facial and smile recognition functionality also aligns with World Smile Day, on 4 October, an international day of celebration dedicated to spreading happiness and encouraging acts of kindness.

To mark the occasion, Canon has produced two videos. The videos demonstrate how these solutions create positive experiences in various scenarios, encouraging smiles in the workplace.

One video celebrates happy moments, while the other showcases how Canon smart workspace solutions foster smiles and enhance user interactions.

“World Smile Day celebrates the remarkable influence of a smile. With our Smart Workspace solutions, businesses can cultivate environments that inspire positive connections, where individuals flourish, grow, and ignite innovation,” said Jeffrey Kung, head of business imaging solution centre at Canon Marketing Malaysia.

In addition to smile recognition capabilities, other features of Canon’s Smart Workspace solutions include:

  • Access Control: Authorised personnel can be granted access to restricted areas, with customisable profiles to limit entry if necessary. Data can be seamlessly integrated with HR systems for accurate time and attendance tracking.
  • Visitor Management: To manage guest registration in a fast and secure manner, pre-registration can be done by staff in advance. Pre-registered guest will receive a QR code via SMS for easy check-in, which helps prevent overcrowding at the reception area.
  • Space Booking: The solutions simplify the online booking process for meeting rooms and hot desks. Statistical analysis reports provide valuable insights for effective space planning and crowd management.
  • Secure Printing: Sensitive information can be printed securely using Canon multifunction printers with uniFLOW print management. Documents are only released to authorised personnel after their identity has been verified. Users also have the option to scan and securely send documents to their email accounts or document management systems.