So you’ve decided to enter the home automation race, but where do you begin? Pete Baker outlines your first steps to a successful smart home career.

I started in the consumer electronics industry right out of high school in 1985. It’s very hard to believe that it has now been over 30 years!

Although, most of my professional life has been spent in sales, marketing and business development, I was also a licensed power limited technician through our State Board of Electricity. I have wired countless homes for  technology over my 20-year career as an AV professional integrator.

Now, deep in the next phase of my career having worked for home automation manufacturers and now as an international sales rep, I see the industry from a new perspective. Some may argue that technology wiring is disappearing and being replaced by wireless solutions – I completely disagree.

According to numerous market reports and industry studies, the home automation and smart home market is experiencing double digit growth, as high as 49.7% in some markets. The value of the smart home related revenues is forecasted to exceed $US100 billion by the end of 2023.

Consumer interest in smart home technology has never been higher. Much of the reason for the heightened consumer interest in technology can be attributed to retail solutions: Front door cameras, smart thermostats, LED lighting, etc… Although the consumer can purchase some of these interesting items at a retail store, very often ‘professional grade’ solutions offer increased benefits: better performance, more flexibility, professional guidance with the product selection, set-up and most importantly an easier and more intuitive user experience, especially when integrating different brands of products into one user interface.

So, how can you capitalise on this thriving product category and business opportunity?

WHY

Why should you consider expanding your product offering to include smart home technology? It is a great revenue opportunity, which also adds value to your core business. By offering technology wiring and related hardware solutions, you can diversify your company increase your average project value.

Technology wiring also adds value to the home, for the consumer. For example: if two homes exist on the same street with similar construction, size and amenities, but one is wired for smart home technology and the other is not, which home will off er better value and marketability?

HOW

How can you begin to offer smart home technology to your customers? I suggest starting with audio distribution, because it is very profit rich, easy to install and a fun product category to offer to consumers. Audio distribution
systems can be centralised and ‘home run’ to one location, like an equipment closet or they can be decentralised and
localised in many rooms in the home, or a combination of both. I would suggest trying to focus on the centralised solution as much as possible to also add the value of technology wiring in the home.

Once you have added audio distribution wiring , you could expand into a simple control solution that would offer further integration of third party devices, like lighting control, door entry, climate control, etc…

WHEN

When should you start this endeavor?

Now!

The technology train is burning up the tracks with containers full of cash and it is passing you by every day. The longer you wait, the more business and revenue you will miss and hand over to your competitor. This could be the very best decision you ever make for your company, so don’t let another day pass by, without capitalising on this opportunity.

WHERE

Where can you learn more about smart home technology? Industry partners are ready, willing and able to assist you with this opportunity – so am I. Contact your local distributor, sales rep, trade association, industry publication or me directly for free advice on the next steps you can take to begin offering smart home technology to your customers.