INTERVIEW |
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The Eliot programme from Legrand will connect existing Legrand smart products and help with the further development of new intelligent devices . |
Which sectors in the electrical industry do you think have witnessed the biggest changes ? And which sectors , if any , do you think are in danger of slipping behind ? I would say the electrical industry as a whole has evolved enormously over the past three decades , as the drive for change and the fast pace of R & D has shaped its |
progression , which in turn has filtered down into the vertical markets . Given the sheer scope of opportunity linked to the likes of BIM , the Internet of Things and smart cities , there really is no sign of it slowing down .
I would say the whole notion of manufacturing in this industry has also changed . From a Legrand perspective , our own evolution as a manufacturer of products , to systems , to the supply of total electronic solutions is strong evidence of this .
However , where we need to tread carefully as an industry is to not price out core societal functions , such as local authorities , who have to operate with very tight resources . Hospitals and schools are two of the most important components of modern society and we must ensure that the level of technological innovation is kept available to those who will really benefit from it .
What challenges and opportunities do things like smart buildings and the Internet of Things ( IoT ) present to the electrical industry ? Smart technology is already all around us . However , while it ’ s all well and good having a smart building on paper , if it doesn ’ t add real value to those in it and those using it , then what is the point ?
In the coming years it is important that we don ’ t forget the huge role smart technology and the IoT will have
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throughout residential , commercial and industrial applications . We must grasp the opportunity that it presents .
Connected devices are fast becoming an integral part of our everyday lives , leading to the growth of smart solutions and smart buildings . To facilitate the greater dialogue between Legrand ’ s portfolio of connected devices – including AV equipment , door entry systems and lighting controls – and Internet enabled devices , we recently unveiled our new development programme : Eliot .
Eliot is central to our ongoing innovation strategy , and it effectively combines electricity and the IoT to deliver solutions that are innovative , connected , and most importantly , user focused .
The Eliot programme will not only connect existing Legrand smart products , but will help with the further development of new intelligent devices , particularly in the fields of home automation , assisted living , security and lighting control . Crucially , the aim of the Eliot programme is not just to produce connected devices , but to provide a valuable benefit to the end user given connected products are primarily designed to make everyday life easier .
Don ’ t miss the second part of Tony ’ s interview in the July issue of ECN , where he discusses the problem of counterfeit products and Legrand ’ s plans for the future .
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