REDISCOVERING JOB SATISFACTION

Automation platforms are a game changer for residential integrators. In the past, 80% of programming consisted of tedious, repetitive tasks. But thanks to recent developments, programmers can focus on more (challenging, personalised projects), says John Clancy, Executive Vice President, Residential at Crestron.

We’ve seen an interesting shift in home automation these past few years. For the first time ever, the need for back-end programming is being replaced by a configuration app you use from a tablet. While the front end can be personalised and customised, the current home automation systems create room and system tiles, based on the items and rooms defined in the setup app. And thanks to the support of standard control protocols and partnerships with leading manufacturers, the top-of-the-line systems seamlessly integrate third party devices. This configuration solution is ideal for clients looking for a clean and lean user interface, intuitive to use for even the least experienced customers.

One other area that has opened things up for experienced programmers is the creation of drivers that are built to support a third-party device or system in categories far beyond what is supported natively. There are already a vast array of these available now. Want to control your Neff coffee maker or Delos Darwin health and wellness system in your home? No problem. There are drivers available for these and so many more that can be easily added to a home automation system. This is creating a community writing, selling and even giving away these very cool customisations and this just goes to show that the world will always need programmers. In the beginning, installers and programmers were concerned about these changes, as they feared they would become obsolete. But today, the feedback we receive is completely different. When we talk with residential installers, we hear that they love how responsive and dynamic HTML5 is. They no longer need to create separate and distinct user interfaces for every type and size of screen that is part of the control system. No more need to draw tedious amounts of buttons, sliders and icons. Instead, they create one design for all screens. When they push it out, HTML5 automatically adapts to best fit the screen. The homeowner will have exactly the same functionality, visual set up and control options when he is looking at his touch panel set up on the wall, his remote control, or his smartphone.

Added benefit that our integrators mention: since front-end and back-end programming can easily be separated, they can work on more projects at the same time. While a front-end developer builds the GUI for the projects, the back-end programmer can develop tailor made solutions for his clients using Simpl+, Simpl#, SimplWindows or any other basic programming sets. And since it takes a lot less time to design, fewer issues arise and the solution is more reliable, dealer costs go down, giving them the time and resources to take on more projects and jobs. As manufacturers, it is our job to make sure the programmers’ time is used wisely and efficiently, focusing on the things that add great value and not wasted on the mundane.

SWITCH TO SAVANT AUDIO & SAVE!

When designing a home automation system, how many times have you had to reach for a third-party audio system to achieve the control and interface that your customer desires but at an affordable price?

With Savant, you have had the ability to integrate third-party audio systems into your control systems for years. However, wouldn’t it be better to stay within the Savant eco-system for all of your audio requirements? The great news is that now you can! And to make the switch over that much more interesting to you, we are offering not only very competitive pricing but also the opportunity to enjoy real margin when selling audio products. Contact us today to discover the unmissable savings you can make!

SAVANT IP AUDIO 1

The IP Audio 1 is a Host with a high powered, single zone amplifier that streams Savant Music 2.0 as well as having built-in control ports for local equipment. It is a great way to add an additional zone of high quality audio to any Savant IP Audio project.

ARTISON ARCHITECTURAL SPEAKERS

To utilise the IP Audio 1, why not partner it with Artison’s range of architectural in ceiling speakers. Featuring an ultra-slim, magnetic micro-frame round grille, for a low-profile design that blends seamlessly into any décor. The paintable white grilles provide the ultimate in discreet installation.

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