Gumption Cafés successfully launched, ready for 2023

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In 2022, we launched a new networking initiative for business decision-makers: Gumption Cafés. Experts from various organisations and Gumption companies shared their knowledge and insights on several topics. The first edition on e-mobility took place in June. In autumn, we had Gumption Cafés about smart offices. Gumption Cafés will become a firm fixture in 2023. Let's look back at the last edition!

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Smart offices help with more efficient working and increase employee well-being. If set up correctly, smart offices can also contribute to achieve business objectives. With several businesses within the group specialising in digital tools and solutions for offices, the topic of ‘smart offices’ was right up Gumption’s street.

External experts Pierre van Durme and Tomas Van Look, and Gumption specialists Raf De Backer (Rank 1), Xavier Bracke (Mercuron), Maarten Vansteelandt (Mercuron) and Pieter Hermans (DNCS) gathered in Ghent and Antwerp to inspire business leaders about smart offices.

Traditional office buildings designed for fixed-hours work are evolving into multifunctional buildings with 24/7 activity, according to expert Pierre van Durme. As Managing Partner at Soulbricks, creator and manager of workplaces, he spoke about current trends. An increasing number of people are working flexibly at different locations. Since the end of the pandemic, workers have been eager to return to their offices, especially those that are comfortable and smart in their design, with the same or better work options as at home. Comfort and connectivity have become keywords.

Digital collaboration across multiple locations needs to be smooth and secure, which is a challenge that demands considerable technological expertise. Expertise held by Gumption specialists such as Raf De Backer (Rank 1), Xavier Bracke and Maarten Vansteelandt (Mercuron) and Pieter Hermans (DNCS). They explained how technology can be used to make an office smarter.

DSC00770

Smart offices help with more efficient working and increase employee well-being. If set up correctly, smart offices can also contribute to achieve business objectives. With several businesses within the group specialising in digital tools and solutions for offices, the topic of ‘smart offices’ was right up Gumption’s street.

External experts Pierre van Durme and Tomas Van Look, and Gumption specialists Raf De Backer (Rank 1), Xavier Bracke (Mercuron), Maarten Vansteelandt (Mercuron) and Pieter Hermans (DNCS) gathered in Ghent and Antwerp to inspire business leaders about smart offices.

Traditional office buildings designed for fixed-hours work are evolving into multifunctional buildings with 24/7 activity, according to expert Pierre van Durme. As Managing Partner at Soulbricks, creator and manager of workplaces, he spoke about current trends. An increasing number of people are working flexibly at different locations. Since the end of the pandemic, workers have been eager to return to their offices, especially those that are comfortable and smart in their design, with the same or better work options as at home. Comfort and connectivity have become keywords.

Digital collaboration across multiple locations needs to be smooth and secure, which is a challenge that demands considerable technological expertise. Expertise held by Gumption specialists such as Raf De Backer (Rank 1), Xavier Bracke and Maarten Vansteelandt (Mercuron) and Pieter Hermans (DNCS). They explained how technology can be used to make an office smarter.

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With measurements, you can map how an office environment is used. With that data, you can then optimise the office. Security and privacy are crucial to a smart office.

Making something smart using technology is not reserved solely for offices – smart applications for warehouse and storage spaces are becoming increasingly commonplace.

The timing of implementation is crucial. Not all smart applications are sufficiently mature for installation, and there is a risk of the technology not delivering enough and thus remaining a cost. This is a point for attention.

Tomas Van Look of real estate company Home Invest Belgium explained what the B2B market can learn from the private market in terms of smart technology. He also emphasised that an office can only be smart if it delivers.

Dieter Troubleyn of De Experten helped to keep the conversation on the right track. Following a Q&A session, guests continued the discussion during a walking dinner. Take a look at our aftermovie here!

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With measurements, you can map how an office environment is used. With that data, you can then optimise the office. Security and privacy are crucial to a smart office.

Making something smart using technology is not reserved solely for offices – smart applications for warehouse and storage spaces are becoming increasingly commonplace.

The timing of implementation is crucial. Not all smart applications are sufficiently mature for installation, and there is a risk of the technology not delivering enough and thus remaining a cost. This is a point for attention.

Tomas Van Look of real estate company Home Invest Belgium explained what the B2B market can learn from the private market in terms of smart technology. He also emphasised that an office can only be smart if it delivers.

Dieter Troubleyn of De Experten helped to keep the conversation on the right track. Following a Q&A session, guests continued the discussion during a walking dinner. Take a look at our aftermovie here!

Want to learn more about smart offices? Download the checklist: ‘Ten ways to make your office smart and efficient.

New Gumption Cafés on current business topics have been scheduled for 2023. The next Gumption Café will focus on e-commerce. Want to know more about it? Follow Gumption on social media.

Want to learn more about smart offices? Download the checklist: ‘Ten ways to make your office smart and efficient.

New Gumption Cafés on current business topics have been scheduled for 2023. The next Gumption Café will focus on e-commerce. Want to know more about it? Follow Gumption on social media.

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