Q&A
KARL RAWLINS
SMART HOME ADVANTAGE
Karl Rawlins at Scolmore Group
answers some of the key questions about
smart homes and building automation.
Q
What is the scale of home
automation – does it need
to be a complete refit of the
customer’s electronics, or are
there minor installations that
can nonetheless make a big
difference to the customer?
Home automation is available in
various formats, including: wired
‘BUS’ systems which utilises data
cables with programmed control via
a central computer; X10 which uses
the electrical cables already fitted;
and then RF ‘radio frequency’ which
uses wireless technology.
For full refurbishments and new
builds people have generally looked
at wired home automation systems,
with wireless previously being for
smaller, simpler installations and
solutions. Today however, due to the
digital wireless technology available
and the reduced costs, wireless
control is now being requested for
most areas, be it new build, full
refurbishment or retro-fit.
Product and component
longevity is key in customers’
thoughts. Replacing obsolete
products can be both costly and
time consuming and may be
beyond the capabilities of the
homeowner themselves. As a
result, reassurances will be sought
that simple software updates will
future proof the installation for an
acceptable timeframe.
The fact that the components
are electronic devices will mean
that they will at some point need
to be replaced. This is something
that needs to be conveyed to the
consumer and a plan put in place
to maintain the installation. In most
cases, updates will take the form of
simple software updates.
For installers, this is where vital
information can be garnered during
the training process. The installer
needs to be made aware of the
procedures for product updates,
enabling the relevant information to
be passed on to the customer.
Q
Q
A
Is this very much ‘customer
driven’ or are there any
challenges/barriers to