Capstone Projects

Transforming Commercial Wi-Fi Networks Metadata into Actionable Occupancy Data

Program: Data Science Master's Degree
Host Company: American Family Insurance
Location: Madison, Wisconsin (remote)
Student: Sean W. Hyland

Leveraging a Python API to gather metadata from a commercially installed WiFi network, building occupancy can be accurately determined. When the WiFi metadata is combined with disparate data sources from HR regarding employee data, and IS regarding company issued electronic equipment, information regarding employee work location, time of day, and day of week can be determined. This data can be used to answer several business questions: 

  • When are where are employees working 
  • How much real estate space is needed to accommodate employees activities 
  • What type of work environments to employees prefer 
  • What building can a business relinquish in what markets based upon employee space requirements 

This capstone reviews in detail the research conducted, the methods applied, findings, and recommendations for future research.