Has this now changed? Are household systems on the brink of being linked – with each other, and with the outside world? Well, a growing body of opinion now seems to be convinced that, at long last, the future is here. David Rimmer, European Marketing Manager at Cooper Security, supplier of the Scantronic and Menvier Security product ranges, believes change is on the way: "In the US, structured cabling is already regularly installed in new houses to provide video, audio, heating, lighting, ventilation and security, all from one central control panel. All these systems may not be required initially, but if other facilities need to be added, the cabling is already in place and installing an additional system is simple, and relatively cheap".
Internet is the key
As Rimmer explains, the Internet will have a key role to play. "In the next five years Internet access to the home will be as important to householders as water, electricity and gas. It will be taken for granted. And, the Internet is the obvious gateway into the home, which means that all these linked system can also be controlled remotely".
"Technically it is not a very complicated process to link an alarm panel to either a simple lighting system or a full-blown home automation system. A simple wire from an output port could be all that is required," he said.
To take advantage of the possibilities, Cooper Security have put together a partnership with Intamac Systems Ltd, a company that specialises in 'Smart Home' technology. An early success for this partnership has been a joint project with Bryant Homes, which was recently featured on BBC TV.
Bryant Homes are the first UK house builder to provide a 'Smart Home' for their buyers. The show home at the new Bryant development in Arborfield, Berkshire, demonstrates the latest in home technology with structured wiring throughout the property.
At the heart of the system is the Scantronic 9750 intruder alarm panel, which links the property to a revolutionary new Internet monitoring service provided by Intamac.
Remotely managing homes
But what does this mean to the householder and, thus, the installer?
Essentially, the householder can remotely manage their home environment. Alarm activations are immediately relayed to the householder, their specified contacts, or perhaps to support services such as manned guards. These messages can be relayed by text message, e-mail and voice. Support services are available, including advice and practical help such as glaziers and locksmiths, and properties can be managed when owners are abroad and unable to respond.
Other potential benefits are that a Scantronic 9750 panel linked to the Intamac 'Home Manager' service can inform parents when the children get home, or receive warnings if their washing machine has sprung a leak or the freezer has lost power.
This 'smart' show home is a first for Bryant Homes. Bryant's Regional MD, Peter Andrew said: "We want to give our customers the benefits of living in a modern home with the best protection available today and the ability to adapt to new technologies that may emerge. Intamac's new 'smart' security system is an example of what is now possible. It can provide our customers with new levels of protection and the enjoyment of a host of additional benefits."
Opportunity for installers
Builders and architects are embracing this new technology, and it seems to have, at last, built up some serious momentum. The time has finally arrived to regard this as a major opportunity for installers, simply because the alarm panel can now be used as the nerve centre of the new 'smart' home.
Gardiner Security are now supplying Intamac's Home Manager, along with the Scantronic 9750 panel. "We believe these new 'smart' systems are the way forward for the security market" said James Somerville-Smith, Group Marketing Director at Gardiner Security. "Internet technology is making it possible to deliver new capabilities and we expect Intamac's Home Manager to stimulate interest in home automation systems".
Future prospects
The breakthrough has major implications for the future. The 'Smart Home' can watch over an elderly relative living alone and have the house raise the alarm if they fail to get up in the morning. It can automatically control kitchen gadgets or the central heating, or switch on lights or draw the curtains to improve security. Both Intamac and Cooper Security believe it will soon be possible to trigger the filming of intruders in the home or garage, and monitor their activities via the internet, from anywhere in the world.
The safety benefits are enormous. By linking the fire sensors to the Internet it is possible for the house to summon assistance from friends, neighbours or the fire brigade or police. And they get full details of the problem so they can provide the appropriate response.
This new technology will open up a whole new market of prevention, when the security system is shown to operate as an active deterrent. It also gives installers a chance to sell an upgrade to an existing security system.
Until now, reluctant installers could point to the fact that most homeowners were not aware of the new possibilities and the safety benefits available as a result of this breakthrough. That has certainly been true in the past, but with house builders picking up on this technology, and forward thinking installers being able to buy the products at outlets such as Gardiners, home owners won't be in the dark for much longer.
What can an installer do?
But what can the working installer do to harness the future and make it work for him? Well, perhaps most importantly at this stage, is working with an alarm panel supplier who will future-proof its products to ensure that installers can make the most of any opportunities that arise in this area.
Cooper says it will align itself with "the most appropriate new communications technologies". To this end, the company is a member of the Custom and Electronic Design and Installation Association, specifically in order to keep up with developments in the area of home automation.
The alarm panel is the hub of a 'smart' home so the availability of this new technology has to be a substantial opportunity for the installer.
Simply as a competitive advantage, opening up a householder's mind to the potential added-value uses they can get from their security system, will make you stand out from the next security company through their door.
A genuine opportunity is unfolding for the installer with ambition and vision.
Source
Security Installer
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