Growing Demand for Smart Workspace Solutions in Asia an Area of Interest

  • Facial and smile recognition technology can be relevant to the service sector
  • World Smile Day on 4 October is dedicated to spreading happiness and encouraging acts of kindness

PHILIPPINES, 4 October 2024 — Canon today announced that there are 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 customizable profiles and HR integration, it also streamlines guest sign-ins. Space booking is made simple, with data-driven insights helping to optimize 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.

World Smile Day

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 of which the first celebrates happy moments, while the second video showcases how our Smart Workspace Solutions foster smiles and enhance user interactions. It also demonstrates how these solutions create positive experiences in various scenarios, encouraging smiles in the workplace. The first video can be viewed on Canon Philippines Facebook page (Canon Big Smiles) and the second video can be view on Canon Philippines Facebook page (SWS World Smile Day – Facebook) and  Canon Marketing Philippines LinkedIn (SWS World Smile Day – LinkedIn).

“World Smile Day is a reminder of the power of a simple smile. Our Smart Workspace Solutions are designed to create positive and meaningful engagements, helping businesses cultivate an environment where people can thrive, grow, and contribute to innovation,” said Kenichiro Kitamura, Director of Business Imaging Solutions for Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc.                                                                                                                                                          

In addition to smile recognition capabilities, other features of our Smart Workspace Solutions include:

  • Access Control: Authorized 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 authorized 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.

About Canon in the Philippines

Canon is a multibillion-dollar company with one of the most extensive product lines of digital imaging devices. 2020 marks the company’s 35th consecutive year it has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and the 16th consecutive year it has been ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents granted. It continues to enrich lives through technological innovation.

Guided by its commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon provides total imaging solutions to improve personal and professional lives. The brand ranks as one of the top 20 brands in the region according to a 2018 study conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific and Nielsen thanks to its strong reputation on performance and good corporate citizenship.

Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has offices spread across the Philippine archipelago supported by its vast network of authorized service centers. Recognitions and awards received include the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for providing distinctive service to customers.

Canon Marketing Philippines reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all its operations and product lifecycle, striving for a greener future for generations to come.