SSI serves security installing contractors providing systems and services; surveillance, access control, biometrics, fire alarm and home control/automation. Coverage in commercial and residential product applications, designs, techniques, operations.
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OPPORTUNITIES WITH WI-FI are demanding. SELF-CONTAINED SYSTEMS OFFER EASE OF INSTALLATION More than ever before people have grown accustomed to technology that makes their everyday lives easier. It's a phenomenon that security dealers are increasingly exploiting to create new customers or upsell their existing client base. "It's a lot easier to retrofi t a system when the underlying technology you need is already there, " says Brian Phillips, service manager at Champaign, Ill.-based FE Moran. Choosing to add Wi-Fi connectivity in security off erings provides dealers with one of the fastest ways to combat the competition. T is is because using this wireless technology allows installers to eliminate cable runs needed to connect traditional IP communicators, a major step that signifi cantly simplifi es the process of connecting to the Internet while lessening the cost of hardwired Cat-5 installation. As Phillips notes, the math is easy: the fewer wires there are, the less time it takes for installation. "Fewer wires has literally made the diff erence between averaging one install per day to where we are now, which is four installs per day," he says. Taking the trend one step further, some dealers are turning to the combination of Wi-Fi-enabled, self-contained systems that provide advanced functionalities but in an easier fashion. Some of the tools that help in this regard are touchscreen capabilities featured in the newer self-contained systems. By taking advantage of its intuitive programming and touchscreen interface, for example, Matt Morgan, security installation manager for Indianapolis-based Koorsen Fire & Security, was able to get an entire system up and running in an hour using a touchscreen. "T e installation on a touchscreen is icon-driven, making it more user- friendly and intuitive. T e steps are right there on the screen and the system locking, shades and more. "Home automation is a huge trend in the industry right now. Customers are fi nding solutions that have capabilities to control lights and thermostats, " says Phillips, "Why wouldn't there be a solution to control the alarm too in one system?" T e benefi ts to Z-wave technology Tablets and smartphones can serve as second keypads for Wi-Fi-enabled alarm and home au- tomation systems. Customers can arm/disarm the system, control lighting and thermostats, and more, all from one mobile device. walks you right through it," he says. Easier operation and functionality of self-contained systems also extends to the homeowners themselves. T ese solutions are designed to easily walk users through the arming/disarming process. Early testers of these types of systems, for example, report a reduced overall training time for end users. "Not only is it easy from an installer's viewpoint, pick up on it right away too. With this simplicity, there's no guessing." HOME AUTOMATION BY WAY OF Z-WAVE While Wi-Fi might represent a breakthrough in ease and installation, those benefi ts are still primarily felt by the dealer as opposed to the homeowner. At the end of the day, the dealer is still forced to provide some sought-after feature sets that the average consumer has come to expect in a gadget-heavy world. Connected home capabilities are the types of features that provide that necessary "wow factor. " Although Wi-Fi itself doesn't create those capabilities, it still represents an easier path to them. T is is particularly true when combining Wi- Fi with self-contained systems. Many of these self-contained units have been positioned as aff ordable home automation solutions by employing communications protocols such as Z-Wave. T is technology allows the unit to communicate with other home systems such as lighting, HVAC, 44 / SECURITYSALES.COM / NOVEMBER 2012 40 50 35.1 30 20 10.3 10 0 This timeline displays predicted sales numbers of tablet PCs in the United States from 2010 to 2015, according to Cambridge, Mass.- based Forrester Research. In the residential security and home automation space, tablets provide homeowners an alternate option to control their systems, no matter where they are in their homes. Source: Forrester Research PHOTOGRAPHY ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PRESSUREUA 24.1 " says Phillips, "the end users provide end users not only with a simple answer for home automation, but also a solution for energy management. For example, with the ability to control lighting or thermostats directly from one self- contained system, homeowners can set lights to turn on or set thermostats back at a certain time before getting home from work. T is not only allows end users to take advantage of energy- saving opportunities, it also provides dealers with an opportunity for recurring monthly revenue (RMR). "T is kind of connectivity has been talked about for a long time. With an all-in-one system, the technology isn't just pieced together; technology features are included that work, and FORECAST OF TABLET PC SALES IN THE U.S. (Unit sales in millions) 44 39.8 42.3 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015