Kromers

The Return of the Suit: Fashion Statement or Desire for a return to the office?   As we navigate the bustling streets of London, it’s hard not to notice the resurgence of suits and ties. But what’s driving this trend and what does this say for our evolving work culture? Is it a simple bold fashion statement or a reflection of our desire to dress up for the office?   The return of the suit can be seen as a blend of both. On one hand, fashion in London is ever evolving, with professionals embracing classic styles, maybe with a modern twist, to make that sartorial statement. Or maybe the need to make a clear definition between home and work has become more important now that hybrid working appears to be here to stay, and what you wear helps make that distinction.   On the other hand, the shift back to formal office attire may signify a renewed commitment to professionalism; after a period of remote work and an even longer period of casual wear in the workplace, many could be eager to return to the structure and routine of office life, and dressing the part plays a crucial role in this transition.   Whatever the cause, the suit and tie appear to be back. What’s your preference - casual, smart casual, or the suit?

Exciting Kromers News......... This is Richard Ellis - CTS-D, CTS-I, EAVA. Rich has chosen to join Kromers as a Consulting Project Manager, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Rich brings a wealth of experience and a refreshing new perspective to our growing team, and his dedication to excellence and innovative mindset aligns perfectly with our values of putting people first and fostering creativity. We couldn’t be happier Rich is now part of the Kromers team - join us in giving Rich a very warm welcome!

How Kromers are Driving Positive Impact As organisations increasingly recognise the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)goals, Kromers guidance becomes crucial. Effective dialogue with stakeholders (investors, employees, communities) is essential. Kromers facilitates this engagement, enhancing transparency and trust. Kromers specialise in understanding intricate systems, data, and processes. We dissect organisation’s operations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending sustainable practices. Armed with data analytics, Kromers assesses environmental impact, social performance, and governance practices. Our insights empower informed decisions aligned with ESG objectives. We understand that One size doesn’t fit all. We customise solutions to organisation’s unique needs. We provide targeted strategies for energy efficiency, or stakeholder engagement. ESG risks—such as regulatory compliance and reputational threats—can impact long-term viability. Kromers helps mitigate these risks by implementing robust ESG practices. ESG success requires collaboration, innovation, and a holistic approach. At Kromers, we’re committed to driving positive change.

As we are in the school holidays and the corporate world is heading off to relax and recharge, we wanted to ask a burning question… How much of a calendar year is actually productive?

Proactive or Reactive? In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, smart buildings stand out as a hallmark of innovation and efficiency. But what sets them apart from traditional buildings equipped with Building Management Systems (BMS)? Smart buildings leverage advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and big data analytics to create a highly responsive and adaptive environment.   Smart buildings are proactive and able to adapt to the preferences and behaviours of their occupants, adjusting environmental settings such as temperature and lighting to enhance comfort and productivity. They use sensors and real-time data to anticipate maintenance needs before issues arise, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of equipment. By continuously monitoring and analysing energy consumption patterns, smart buildings can dynamically adjust lighting, heating, and cooling systems to maximize energy efficiency without compromising comfort. While Building Management Systems have been a significant leap in managing building operations, they are inherently reactive. BMS relies on preset schedules for maintenance tasks, often leading to unnecessary maintenance or overlooking potential issues that arise between schedules. They adjust settings based on predefined parameters rather than real-time data, which can lead to inefficiencies and higher energy consumption. BMS typically responds to problems once they have already occurred, leading to potential disruptions and higher operational costs. The future of building management lies in integrating the proactive capabilities of smart technologies with the foundational control offered by BMS. By upgrading BMS with smart building technologies, we can create environments that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also enhance the well-being of their occupants. Embracing smart building solutions means stepping into a future where buildings are more than just structures—they become intelligent ecosystems that proactively manage themselves for the benefit of everyone within them.

Audio - A Little Clarity Good quality audio is essential in video calls for several reasons. Clear audio ensures effective communication, minimizing misunderstandings and the need for repetition. It helps maintain the flow of conversation, reducing frustration and fatigue caused by poor sound quality like echoes or background noise. High-quality audio keeps participants engaged and focused, leading to more productive and efficient meetings. Additionally, it conveys professionalism and respect for participants’ time, enhancing the overall experience and effectiveness of virtual interactions.   However, achieving good quality audio is difficult, at the home or desk office, or in the meeting room. A wide range of issues influence audio, but the key elements are the physical acoustics of the space and the ingress of external noise.   The only way to achieve the best quality communications is to plan well in advance; the only way to achieve that is to have the right knowledge in the design team early enough in the design process.   Do you suffer from poor audio?

The Evolving Role of the Workplace In our ever-changing work landscape, the office transcends mere desk space. It's a hub for connection, collaboration, and innovation. It's a place where people feel purpose and can connect to their work. Purpose and Connection: The workplace allows employees to connect with their work, fostering purpose and meaningful relationships. Creativity and Teamwork: Whiteboard brainstorming and impromptu chats thrive in shared office spaces, fueling creativity and teamwork. Company Culture: Workplaces celebrate milestones and share company culture. It’s where new projects come alive. As hybrid work evolves, let’s prioritise spaces that nurture collaboration, creativity, and culture.

The Evolving Role of the Workplace In our ever-changing work landscape, the office transcends mere desk space. It's a hub for connection, collaboration, and innovation. It's a place where people feel purpose and can connect to their work. Purpose and Connection: The workplace allows employees to connect with their work, fostering purpose and meaningful relationships. Creativity and Teamwork: Whiteboard brainstorming and impromptu chats thrive in shared office spaces, fueling creativity and teamwork. Company Culture: Workplaces celebrate milestones and share company culture. It’s where new projects come alive. As hybrid work evolves, let’s prioritise spaces that nurture collaboration, creativity, and culture.

Kromers is pleased to confirm that their latest RIBA Assessed CPD "Mastering Smart in the Built Environment" is now taking bookings. This CPD will free up the architectural design process, whilst giving you the ability to provide more accurate budgeting and enhancing the project delivery. The session will also highlight the significance of "Smart" in achieving 2050 Net Zero goals. To book please visit www.kromers.co.uk/cpd or email cpd@kromers.co.uk

During Kromers security, traffic management and national infrastructure SOC work, we’ve noticed some interesting technology trends impacting future designs: Video content analysis heavy-lifting is starting to leverage Artificial Intelligence for data insights and forecasting, with predictive analytics helping identify risks and outcomes before they occur. The centralised AI we describe above is also starting to be supported by AI equipped Edge Technology, such as cameras equipped with AI providing faster insights for real-time decision-making. This eliminates the need for separate system infrastructure and reduces data transfer requirements. Taking this even further, the pandemic forced trust in cloud services upon us, with businesses increasingly relying on cloud-native solutions for video storage, analysis, and scalability. And lastly, technology such as solar powered Wi-Fi-connected cameras and peripheral interfaces are enabling coverage of remote locations that were once beyond the reach of traditional wired systems. With the pace of technology change in these markets, the future offers an exciting prospect of speed and scale arriving at a potentially dizzying speed; exciting times.