| Easy does it is the watchword of the day, as industry suppliers make their products more intuitive |
Of course, the manufacturer benefits, too. The easier and more intuitive a system solution is or becomes, the more likely installers will select and use that system. The double bonus is that if the system is simple to deploy by the user, they are more likely to stay with the service and the service company — that’s the “stickiness factor” so critical to keeping accounts and ensuring that recurring monthly revenue flows.
Intelligent installation with Smart Thermostat
An example is Alarm.com’s Smart Thermostat. According to Matt Zartman, director of communications for Alarm.com, Vienna, Va., some installers may have had trepidation about connecting to an existing home’s HVAC system, which is the reason the company released the new connected device.
“We built the Smart Thermostat specifically for security installers, designed for intelligent installation, configuration and support,” he says. The device features a configuration wizard on a MobileTech application that enables fast and accurate installation. It works with most heating and cooling systems, including up to three stages of heat and two stages of cooling, multiple zones, heat pumps and dual-fuel systems. In addition, the Smart Thermostat features remote support, and device settings can be monitored and adjusted through Alarm.com’s AirFix for instant and easy remote support.
New DSCTouch panel from Tyco Security Products
Tyco Security Products is also finely focused on bringing innovative, connected products that are easy to integrate to the security practitioner, says Brian Storrie, senior product manager security services. “Integration is a huge opportunity for security installers and especially with the connected home. It’s all about simplifying the solution and making devices, robust, simple and easy to use. This ease of use can open a lot of doors for installers,” he says.
The easier and more intuitive a |
Tyco Security Products recently unveiled a new DSCTouch panel, in collaboration with Qolsys. DSCTouch is a smart, intuitive, easy-to-use, all-in-one wireless panel, complete with a seven-inch touchscreen.
Storrie says the system is uniquely based on the Android operating system and integrated with Alarm.com. DSCTouch employs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Z-Wave technology, built-in radios for cellular and the ability to communicate with Alarm.com’s Image Sensor Motion Detector. It also offers dual-path connectivity over GSM and WiFi.
Wireless installations
In video analytics as well, the charge is on to provide ease of use and deployment, says Net Payne, chief marketing officer of March Networks, Ottawa, Can. “We weren’t the easiest analytics to install,” Payne admits. “But now we are focusing on ease of installation and programming, with a simple, smartphone-based application/tool called GURU that integrators can use in the field,” he says.
Installers can download GURU onto their iPhone, iPad or Android device, with instant access to an interactive knowledge database. It includes troubleshooting tips, video tutorials, automated product information and more. GURU’s wireless provision also allows installers to complete final system adjustments, like changing an IP device, right from the mobile device.
Easy does it is the watchword of the day, as industry suppliers make their products more intuitive, simpler to install and specify in an effort to give technicians and alarm companies the tools they need to add revenue with new services.