Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/37034
20 MARKET TRENDS AUTOMATE Continued from page 18 entry-level home automation,” Klinger said. “Millions of house- holds … are really just looking for basic energy management and lighting control.” For example, he said, women living alone returning in the eve- ning to dark homes they hope are empty have expressed a desire for product that will turn lights on at the same time they approach the house and disarm their system. “In addition to a need for pro- tection,” he said, “there is also a tremendous need … for reassur- ance.” To answer that sort of need— and also a desire by many envi- ronmentally conscious “green” customers to reduce energy usage—Honeywell in late June released its 5800ZBRIDGE, which it described as “an easy- www.securitysystemsnews.com AUGUST 2011 to-install product that enables Honeywell security systems to “That kind of response rate is unprec- edented.” JT Hwang control up to four Z-Wave devic- es. It can automatically set back thermostats and turn lights on or off whenever security systems are armed or disarmed—helping homeowners save money and conserve resources.” Klinger said there also are two other types of consumers, both smaller groups than those that just want the basic offerings. He said one group wants enhanced home automation fea- tures. He said such a person might say, “I don’t want to just set back SECURITY SYSTEMS NEWS the thermostat, I want to set it at 68.2 degrees ... two hours before I get home, from my smartphone.” And the third group, Klinger said, actually does want a high- end home automation system. “Honeywell is now working on and investing tens of millions in launching new products and ser- vices to address all of those differ- ent target markets,” he said. Of course, as Klinger and others acknowledged, the new market opportunities also are attracting other new players in residential home automation and security—telecommunications and cable companies like Verizon and Comcast. But those in the security indus- try believe it has a competitive advantage. D’Ascoli said ESA’s research, “It’s a fascinating time.” Jay Kenny which also surveyed consumers, showed that “security compa- nies are found by consumers to be the most trusted providers to offer not only security services but these [home automation] services as well.” Kenny, with Alarm.com, agrees. “My sense is that it’s a more com- pelling proposition to start with somebody who’s an expert at pro- viding security and then adding services on top of that, than to start with someone who provides entertainment or infotainment and then also trying to provide that mission critical security on top of that,” he said. One key, he and others said, is to get the many consumers still unfamiliar with home automa- tion to understand what it is. Houser said one way that Vivint “will help not only us, but the | start installation | More fun. Less work. | 10 minutes later | It’s a real game-changer. The time-saving HES 8500 is the world’s first concealed electric strike for mortise locksets. Designed for fast, convenient installation, the 8500 fits into low-profile openings without cutting into the face of the frame. You get a flawless finish and the fastest installation time of any electric strike anywhere. Fast installation means less work and more time for fun. The 8500 is UL 10C fire-rated, UL 1034 burglary resistant listed and ANSI/BHMA A156.31 Grade 1. 8200 Mortise Lock photograph courtesy of SARGENT Manufacturing hesinnovations.com industry, is that we’re launching [TV] commercials nationwide, 60-second and two-minute com- mercials [about home automation offerings].” Kenny said security dealers can take advantage of the advertising muscle of companies like Comcast in informing the public. Then, he said, “the sales pitch will be a little easier because people will under- stand what it is. The education is hopefully going to be done by Comcast and then the security dealer can come in and say, ‘Look, we sell security, which is what you really need, and we also sell these services that connect in and enhance your life.’” SSN