4 Ways Businesses Can Benefit From Door & Window Monitoring

4 Ways Businesses Can Benefit From Door & Window Monitoring

It’s a well-established fact that door and window sensors are an invaluable tool for homeowners. 

But despite their common application for smart home security, door and window sensors have also been increasingly adopted by businesses for a range of purposes. 

Below we look at 4 key uses for small- and medium-sized businesses:

#1: Measure Store Traffic

Any successful retail store relies heavily on foot traffic. The more people who come into your store, the more money you'll make.

That's why it's crucial to track foot traffic in your physical store – it gives you more information with which to make decisions about how to run your business.

For example, based on total sales and foot traffic, you can determine your store's busiest days and adjust your staff schedule accordingly. You can also learn more about how external factors (such as seasonality or weather) or your most recent marketing promotions affect foot traffic.

But how exactly do you measure store traffic? Well, one easy option is to install a Notion Sensor on your business’ front door. 

After doing this, simply open the Notion app on your smartphone and tap the “Settings” icon, followed by the “Integrations” tab at the top.

 

Next, tap “Connect to IFTTT” and follow the prompts. 

From here, you’ll need to log into your IFTTT account or create a new account if you haven’t done so already.

Finally, you’ll be brought to an authorization screen where you’ll be prompted to enter your Notion email and password. 

And that’s it! Once you’ve connected your Notion system to IFTTT, you can select to send your open and closed door data to Microsoft Excel to analyze further. 

#2: Secure Your Business

Every business, big and small, can benefit from a security system. 

Not only will a security system protect your business (and even scare off many would-be burglars), but depending on the model, it can also notify the local authorities if someone does attempt a break-in.

Keep in mind, however, that you’ll likely have to pay a monthly fee if your security system comes with monitoring services. Depending on the amount of equipment being monitored and how advanced the services are, this can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 or more a month.

You also have to factor in activation and installation fees, which can run you as much as $200, and the cost of equipment, which can range from $200 to $2000. 

If you’re looking for a simple DIY security solution for your SMB, a Notion Starter Kit can be self-installed in as little as 15 minutes and cost hundreds of dollars less than traditional security systems.

 

In fact, many small- and medium-sized businesses use Notion Sensors in addition to their traditional security system because it gives them real-time insights into when people are coming and going from entry/exit doors.

All you have to do is place a Notion Sensor on a door in your business and you’ll receive an alert when it’s opened or closed – right on your phone through the Notion app.

You’ll be able to track when your business is opened in the morning, closed at night, or even when a garage door or window has been left open. 

#3: Keep Track of Important Areas  

Protecting your business from outside threats is no doubt important, but you may want to consider installing Notion Sensors on certain doors within your business as well. 

For example, if you’re a restaurant-owner with a cellar full of rare wines, Notion can help you keep track of how often that space is being accessed. Likewise, Notion can alert you if the door to your commercial fridge hasn’t been shut – saving you from a big (and potentially expensive) mess. 

What’s unique about Notion Sensors is that they’re so multifunctional! Whether you’re a real estate brokerage, furniture store, bakery, or something else, Notion allows you to keep track of the comings and goings within your business. You’ll be alerted whenever a sensitive area of the business – such as an office or inventory room – is accessed, and know if there’s activity when there shouldn’t be.

Here are just a few key places you can install Notion Sensors in your business:

  • Safe doors
  • Refrigerators
  • Offices
  • Liquor cabinets
  • Inventory rooms
  • Rooms with valuable products

#4: Reduce Your Energy Bill

Did you know that windows can account for as much as 25 percent of a home’s heating and cooling energy loss? And that’s when they’re closed! 

Forgetting to shut a window may not seem like a big deal, but during the dead of winter or peak of summer when your HVAC system has to work extra hard to keep your business at a comfortable temperature, it can result in an unwanted (and unnecessary) spike on your energy bill. 

Notion can help with this too. When you install Notion Sensors on the windows in your business, you’ll be alerted via push notifications when they haven’t been closed properly, allowing you to take action before your energy bill is impacted.

And that’s it! Notion’s multifunctional door and window sensors can go a long way when it comes to giving you extra peace of mind. Learn more about how you can use Notion for your business here