The market for integrated smart automation and security solutions continues to flourish, writes Mark Taylor, Managing Director, RISCO UK & Ireland.

The IoT (Internet of Things), where electronic devices are interconnected with each other via the internet, continues to grow exponentially, driven by technological advances, increasing global commitment to energy conservation and expanding customer expectation of convenience. 

Smart automation systems that use technology to control and automate multiple building systems represent a significant strand of IoT, and the market for these products is expected to grow by 20% between 2021 and 2028 according to Fortune Business Insights.  

Launches of DIY products by companies such as Amazon and Google are driving a growing awareness of smart automation solutions that incorporate security, and commercial and residential demand for this integrated equipment is soaring. 

At first glance, integrated DIY smart automation and security systems are tempting to both residential and smaller commercial end users, who continue to face significant cost-of-living challenges.  But few have the skill, inclination or time to install them correctly. 

Most DIY products are not protected against cybersecurity threats and are not of sufficient grading to match the physical content value and associated intrusion risk of many buildings, nor to meet insurance criteria. 

End-user benefits  

Professional integrated smart automation and security solutions built by specialist security manufacturers are the answer, incorporating security as their bedrock.  Furthermore, they incur only a relatively small additional investment to that of a standalone alarm system. 

Integrated professional solutions offer users higher level of proactive protection than autonomous security systems. End users can create event rules, for example where exterior lights are activated by intruder detection, so deterring trespassers from breaking into a property.  They may also preconfigure integrated scenes, without risk of human error; when occupiers vacate a building, doors lock automatically and shutters close.  Time-scheduled rules can be created, with lights programmed to switch on at specific times to give the impression of occupation.  

The best professional solutions also enable end users to simply manage security and smart automation remotely from a single control panel and via app.  Voice activation control is rapidly becoming an expectation rather than a preference and solutions incorporating this capability are particularly popular. 

Installer opportunities and specification guidelines 

As well as delivering substantial end user benefits, professional integrated solutions provide installers with the opportunity to revolutionise their businesses, as they add smart automation to their offer.  

Operationally, the installation of combined systems is more efficient than that of standalone products, enabling contractors to maintain healthy margins even in the face of tight customer budgets.   

Installers need only train their engineers in the fitting and maintenance of a single solution and hold a relatively small amount of stock.  A streamlined product requirement offers a degree of protection against the supply chain issues that persist in some areas following the pandemic. 

The choice of integrated systems is increasing, and this can be confusing for installers seeking access to the smart automation market for the first time.  There are a few tips that can help them to choose the best products for their customers. 

• Select an open-source solution that can be easily integrated with customers’ existing devices – ranging from lights, plugs and switches to door locks and garage doors – irrespective of brand, permitting flexible system expansion in future. 
• Straightforward extension of a customer’s integrated smart automation and security solution in response to property evolution can be facilitated via the selection of scalable products that enable the number of zones covered to be easily increased. 
• Bus is the most flexible wiring topology on the market and installers should seek a solution where this is used to connect the alarm and controller.  Devices may be simply wired in a single-line “daisy chain” protocol instead of or in addition to a traditional “star” layout, minimising the length of cabling and quantity of zone expanders required.  RISCO customers have made time and material savings of up to 75% on projects incorporating Bus. 
• Buy from a manufacturer that provides bespoke face-to-face as well as online product training to ensure that solutions are installed correctly, efficiently and cost-effectively. 

In response to communication with customers delivering contracts ranging from residential to large, multi-site commercial and industrial projects, including Grade 3 installations, we launched our first integrated security alarm and smart automation product earlier this year.   

The scalable RisControl Controller for Alarm and Smart Automation enables users to easily manage security, video and smart automation remotely from a single interface; it also features Alexa integration.  The solution may be configured with up to 200 Z-Wave automation devices connected to the LightSYS+ intruder alarm system via Bus.  

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