Neil Baldwin, Managing Director at ESP, looks at what is driving growth in the smart home and security market sector and how the launch of the company’s latest range can provide installers with the means to easily tap into this lucrative revenue stream.
The most recent report from Mintel UK – The Connected Home Market Report 2021 – provides comprehensive and up-to-date information and analysis of the UK Connected Home market, including the behaviours, preferences and habits of the consumer.
According to the report, the overall smart home market has been boosted by the lifestyle changes from COVID-19, with ownership of all connected home products increasing between March 2020 and March 2021. Older Millennials are expected to be key to the market’s long-term success as they’re the most likely (66%) to say that spending time at home during COVID-19 has made them more likely to buy smart home devices. With a section of them intending to work from home in the long-term, this should help the overall connected home market.
Adapting to a new way
As the pandemic recedes, we’re having to adapt to a new normal and it is highly likely that we will spend more time in our homes than we did before the pandemic, as a result of an increase in those who are working from home. The perennial key drivers for smart home adoption – convenience, security and energy saving – will continue to exert their influence.
A comprehensive smart security range
As the rise in demand for smart home products continues, there is ample opportunity for installers to tap into this burgeoning sector. ESP launched its Fort Smart Security range towards the end of 2021 with the aim of providing installers with a comprehensive range of products that covers all aspects of smart home security. It is designed to be straightforward to install and operate and offers an ideal opportunity to make the most of the huge rise in demand for smart home products.
The complete range of smart security products includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras, all operated under a single App – the ‘Click Smart+’ App. The App is subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the new Fort range under the Click Smart+ App, users have control of a raft of connected home and security products, all from one secure, easy to access platform. At the heart of the range is the smart intruder alarm, which will support up to 32 RF devices and provide remote monitoring and alert notifications directly to the Click Smart+ App. The smart alarm is available in handy kits or can be purchased as separate devices for a tailor-made system.
Different kits available
There are six different kits in the range, with the basic kit containing one each of the following – a smart hub, PIR, door/window contact and remote control. Other kits offer an additional number of PIRs, door/window contacts and remote controls, and there are two kits which include pet PIRs. All devices supplied within the kits are pre-registered, to assist with a straightforward install. Scolmore’s comprehensive range of Click Smart+ products is designed to simplify and streamline connected home products – lighting controls, smart sockets, security cameras and sensors.
The range utilises Zigbee technology – one of the most widely adopted smart home communication protocols. Click Smart+ comprises the Smart Gateway Hub – the control centre of all Zigbee connected devices – 1 and 2-gang smart sockets, plug-in smart socket, switching and dimming receivers, camera, PIR sensor, window, and door sensor, plus a temperature and humidity sensor.
Fully automated
Contractors on-hand at ELEX in Sandown last year were impressed with the live demonstrations that allowed them to see how various products from across the Fort and Click Smart+ ranges interact.
For example, using a combination of devices, the system has the ability to activate exterior floodlights and internal lights on instances of the smart alarm being activated in different modes – armed, disarmed, SOS or intruder. This automation would light up a property, providing reassurance to the user when arriving or leaving a property during low light hours.
In addition, a device connected to a smart socket can be activated in the different smart alarm activation modes. Users also have the ability to schedule when the exterior and interior lights activate on and off via the schedule. For additional automation setting, lights can be activated by the changing times of sunset and sunrise, meaning in the winter months the lights will activate earlier and automatically adjust in the summer months, offering security and economic benefits in one.
The automation feature provides an extra deterrent to a would-be intruder attempting to break into the property. If the smart alarm’s shock sensor picks up vibrations on attempted break-in through a window the smart alarm activates the internal and external siren for an audible alert, and the additional lighting provides the visual alert that the system has been triggered.
In the intruder scenario the user will receive a notification via the App and have the ability to access the cameras to live view or view recorded footage, as well as the option to open up two-way audio channels. Other voice functions are available for convenience.
Voice activation
The smart alarm can be voice activated through Alexa devices and this includes arming and disarming using a pre-set security pin. For additional convenience the smart alarm includes automated arming and disarming modes, ensuring protection for the busy and absent-minded user when it is really needed.
To watch a supporting video of the Fort Smart Security range click here
