Intelligent lighting enhances ambience, wellbeing and productivity.

Why isn’t it universal in the retail world?

A once missed reality is hitting home in the retail world; take lighting seriously.

The evidence behind adaptive and intelligent lighting, which improves aesthetics and atmosphere, and enables productivity gains for workers, continues to pour in.

‘Improved lighting is an essential element in the overall mix, not only because of the cost savings that energy efficiency brings, but also in the way lighting contributes to workplace wellbeing and people’s performance,’ writes Workplace Insight  ‘including an increase in job satisfaction and, at the same time, decrease of stress.

The basics of intelligent lighting

Every retailer out there needs to evaluate their lighting systems and consider whether intelligent benefits are built in. But what do we mean by intelligent lighting? With reference to the retail space, intelligent lighting works closely with store design, layout, signage, way-finding and product displays, to create atmosphere and to guide and enhance how shoppers move around the store.

Many people argue that intelligent lighting emphasises the importance of designing lighting specifically for the tasks that individuals carry out. There’s little use in designing a blazingly bright, white back office for those using computer screens; workers will fatigue fast. But on a shop floor brighter, or coloured, directed lighting could be a real benefit.

In this example, the wrong types of lighting would almost undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on an individual’s ability to perform tasks. Evidence also strongly suggests that the wrong light can contribute to depression (especially in the winter months) and can even lower productivity.

So, at its most basic, intelligent lighting is task-suited, bespoke, considered and well designed. What it is not; off the shelf, poorly specified, one system suits all.

Understanding what to do next

“The first, and most crucial step, is simply to both realise the issues and assess your estate,” comments Tony Ludlow, Managing Director at Connected Light.

“Once that’s done, the most important barriers to action have already been shattered. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution, indeed the very heart of intelligent lighting is about developing suites that specifically answer the challenges of your business.

“That said, technologies like smart LEDs, automation, daylighting or scene setting, which alters lighting intelligently to suit specific tasks, could all come into play.”

Thinking about finance

Of course, installing intelligent lighting comes with a price. At Connected Light, we can advise on ROI, payback times, and walk you through the investment criteria and the various funding pots which are available.

Crucially, we understand the key role of facilities and asset management teams in such decisions, and the hierarchy of various parts of a business, all crying out for upfront cash and support.

There is no doubt that investing in intelligent lighting represents a tangible investment for your business that will offer up returns.

Contact us today for an informal chat about the possibilities for your business.