24 FEATURE: SMART BUILDINGS “The Internet of Things is already dramatically changing the way consumers think about technology,” echoes Williams, “and we’re seeing that in the increasing rates of adoption of technology like smart home devices by consumers. That demand is also growing in the installed space, with more homeowners looking for whole-home automation systems to simplify their lives. One-off room and device control will no longer be enough to satisfy homeowners.”
‘Installers should learn more about cloud computing – web services – and how IoT devices communicate with these services’ Kevin Hague, Harman
Pini’s point about DIY home automation solutions is an interesting one. While Lambrecht and Williams welcome the newfound consumer awareness of what’s possible – what will be the result of that awareness? Ideally, for the industry,
it will drive them to seek out a CEDIA member, for example – but could it equally drive them to Amazon, eBay or the local electronics store or DIY shed?
Perceived threat “There is a natural perceived threat that manufacturers will make products that will disenfranchise custom installers,” responds Pedigo. “However, this is not the reality. CEDIA’s Size and Scope of the Residential Electronics Industry Study has shown that average job size, the number of projects and the number of control and home networking projects continue to increase. In five years, interoperability will be just as challenging as it is today, and that is where CEDIA can step in – ensuring installers have the training and skills to deliver exceptional experiences.” “While we do not consider DIY solutions a threat, we do recommend that integrators and custom installers ensure that they are staying abreast of the latest trends and offerings for customers and make recommendations based on these expanding opportunities,” adds Williams. “The emergence of new technologies and capabilities – like Amazon Echo voice control, for example – allows our installers the ability to offer
April 2017
a new and exciting way to upgrade a Control4 system to make a client’s connected home more personalised, comfortable and hassle-free.” For Snyder, the DIY phenomenon is a positive one. “Anything that gets the consumer involved in smart home and smart office will create future opportunity for more professional solutions,” he says. “Personally, I don’t see this as a threat,” agrees Pini. “If anything, I see it as an introduction to the integrated market for a lower price point with limited functionality. I have seen an increase in the knowledge of those talking to Crestron in our London showroom, asking questions about control. This is because of being exposed to some form of IoT device.”
Opportunity In this brave new world of connected devices – whether we call it the IoT or not – what is the opportunity for the systems integration and custom install industry? “Of course, it’s an attractive market,” smiles Pedigo. “Our members have been skilled experts at delivering connected experiences to their homeowner clients since the 1980s. The reality is that people are going to continue to buy