One of our Support Engineers, Andres Perez, from Spica’s Customer Success team shares his experience and insights from the installation process in Toronto, Canada below:
When my fellow colleague and I were asked to travel to Canada for a project, we knew this was no ordinary trip. Our mission? To install the tech needed for a smart office transformation at a client’s Toronto site. They’re transitioning to our system to manage bookings seamlessly, and as with anything new, first impressions are everything. This was also Spica’s first transatlantic installation, which made it even more exciting—and nerve-wracking.
Transforming Offices in Toronto with Smart Sensors
The installation itself spanned three busy days. The first two were dedicated to placing desk sensors, IPS (indoor positioning system – the highlighted paths we offer users to get from A to B) devices for navigation, and Haltian air quality sensors in their designated spots. These sensors are the backbone of the smart office experience, helping businesses optimise space, improve employee well-being, and embrace sustainability.
My colleague Arun, described what all the devices do the best in this blog.
The Challenges in the Smart Office Project
Of course, things didn’t go entirely to plan. We discovered that the access point (AP)—essential for collecting and sending data from the devices—was the wrong one. Cue our back-and-forth calls with our UK team to troubleshoot. Thankfully, our sensor provider came through, shipping the correct AP to Canada just in time for our final day. We managed to set up the AP and tested every device to ensure everything was running smoothly before heading home. Crisis averted!
Learning on the Job
Every installation teaches you something new, and this one was no exception. It honed my time management skills, quick decision-making under pressure, and communication with both colleagues and the client. I also learned to adapt to unexpected hurdles—like the AP issue—by shifting focus to other tasks instead of losing valuable time.
There’s no set formula for installations; everyone has their own approach. Some prefer starting with desk sensors, while others tackle meeting room devices first. I like to assess the space and decide what makes sense in the moment—it’s all about being flexible.
A Few Highlights
What made this project stand out wasn’t just the technology we were installing but the fact that it was my first transatlantic install. And while the work was memorable, so was the city itself. Toronto feels like a blend of Europe and the US, with walkable streets, vibrant neighbourhoods, and lush green spaces, alongside towering skyscrapers, delivery vans, and unmistakably American road signs. It’s a city with its own personality, and I loved exploring it.
On our first night, we treated ourselves to an NBA game—something I’d only ever watched online due to time differences. Seeing it live was electric, and the evening ended perfectly with takeaway and a movie back at the hotel. The journey itself was an adventure. An eight-hour flight sounds manageable, but I learned the hard way that in-flight entertainment requires headphones with an audio jack—something I didn’t have. Watching movies with subtitles and no sound wasn’t ideal, but hey, it’s a story to tell!
Takeaways (Beyond the Food and Souvenirs)
This smart office transformation project in Toronto highlights the growing demand for innovative workplace solutions. This trip was a milestone—not just for Spica but for me personally. It was a reminder of how rewarding it can be to step outside your comfort zone, whether it’s troubleshooting a tricky install or navigating a new city. Toronto welcomed us with open arms, and I can’t wait to see how our work transforms the client’s office into a smarter, more efficient space.
And if we’re lucky, maybe we’ll get to return someday—hopefully with headphones in tow!
