Wouldn’t it be nice if it were as simple to implement an integrated lighting solution as it is to turn a switch on a light bulb? That is unfortunately not the case, but the incredible cost savings, efficiency enhancements and productivity gains an integrated lighting solution offers makes it well worth the time and effort.

An integrated lighting solution in a commercial space can immediately make a positive impact on any organization’s bottom line. This is partially due to the fact that the majority of commercial buildings and modern offices have a higher level of light than is necessary for the space. It’s also a result of the lights staying on in many rooms even when they are unoccupied.

The innovation that has taken place over the last several years is astonishing. Many of the integrated lighting systems available today are extremely intuitive, offering automatic adjustments according to the levels of natural light in a room, how many people are present in a building, time of day and how often a designated part of the office is typically in use.

From executive offices and conference rooms to open office space and cubicles, the common thread among end users is a strong desire for customization. Simply put, people want to be able to control the level of light in a room. In fact, study after study has shown that people prefer lower levels of light in a work environment than previously thought.

When provided with access to a dimming switch, most people choose to turn down the lights. This amounts to a substantial reduction in costs. Small changes can make a big difference, and the economic benefits of providing employees with something seemingly as insignificant as a dimming switch can be profound. This is not to mention the impact a choice about the level of light could have on employee morale and productivity.

Anyone with experience managing lighting controls in a large commercial building knows it can be a complicated, time-consuming process. When an integrated lighting solution is incorporated into such an environment, it provides an employee or a manager with the opportunity to adjust the levels of both natural and artificial light right from a PC or laptop.

Integrated lighting solutions make it easy to control, manage, evaluate and report on the level of light in any room. This not only makes employees more comfortable and therefore more productive, it also provides businesses with the chance to realize maximum savings in terms of added efficiencies.

What’s on the cutting edge in any discussion about integrated lighting solutions?  Implementing a customized solution into the framework of a building automation system is one of the newest strategies for achieving substantial cost reductions. 

Though it is not a simple process, when done correctly it allows the end user to successfully manage all of a building’s major systems through the same software. This significantly reduces inefficiencies pertaining to building operations and management.

There are many other new and exciting developments in the world of integrated lighting solutions, such as demand response, which allows a system to reduce output during peak hours of energy consumption. 

For more information or to schedule a consultation about how to implement an integrated lighting solution into your business, contact me at the phone number, email address or website listed below.

Joe Marston is a seasoned entrepreneur and the president of Wilmington Winlectric, a leading distributor of lighting solutions and electrical supplies. Offering reliable guidance and trusted insights, Wilmington Winlectric serves clients in the industrial, commercial, and residential markets. Wilmington Winlectric is a locally-based provider of consultation services as well as lighting solutions, controls and electrical equipment. To find out how Wilmington Winlectric can benefit your business, call 910-790-1909, email [email protected], or visit www.WilmingtonWinlectric.com.