As technology is becoming increasingly more important in every part of our lives, home owners are drawn more and more towards the idea of a smart home. The ability to connect to the homes sub systems such as Air Conditioning, Lighting, Security, CCTV, Blinds, Hydronic Heating, Audio Visual, Intercoms and more is not only appealing but also convenient...until it's complicated, not convenient or not reliable. This is where an integrator is a must have on your project, an Integrator not only can give you the "smart" connectivity to these sub systems, but they can deliver you a project that is controlled with one easy to use interface, a truely smart or as we call it integrated home.
So many times we see people with smart homes, who have an entire folder on their phone dedicated to apps controlling their "smart home". There are control systems that will do away with the need for multiple apps and replace them all with just ONE! Yes you only need one app to control your home, and as for the home itself, it is possible to remove the multiple controllers, interfaces, switches and thermostats with one style of switch or touch panel that can control anything connected to the home automation system. But why an integrator, well it's simple, the contractor for each individual subsystem knows their system and it's control system giving you a smart solution, what they don't know (unless they are integrators) is how that system will talk to another system and have them work together. Integrators a trained in understanding multiple sub systems, how these systems work and communicate, the cabling requirements, the hardware, the programming, the networking and all the other requirements that allow them to successfully offer a wholistic solution to the client where all of these sub systems are not only connected but also operate as one.
So who needs an Integrator ?...Almost Everyone! Any home with more than 3 smart sub systems should have an integrator involved, and who should involve them? An integrator should be consulted early, during the design phase of planning, so it could be the home owner, or the architect or the builder. If an integrator is consulted early in the design and planning phases, many of the unnecessary, costly or undesirable changes can be avoided, it also streamlines the entire process by ensuring everyone has the one contact for your smart integrated home. The Integrator will assist and liaise with all the stakeholders (architects, designers, builders, trades etc) to ensure that all sub systems are compatible and integrated, the aesthetics and design integrity is maintained and the entire system is complete and working. Because there is one point of contact this makes management for architects and builders much easier, it also streamlines the commissioning, handover process. The home owner is already busy enough getting ready to move into their new home with an integrated system the client only needs to learn ONE system to control their entire home and that is one less (or maybe 20) things a home owner needs to worry about. Integrators provide after sales support and customer service, meaning the home owner can just get on with living in and enjoying their new home.
So who needs an Integrator? ARCHITECTS - BUILDERS - DESIGNERS - HOME OWNERS -
PS- Did you know, unlike a smart home (with many many apps) a truly integrated home will actually ADD VALUE to your home!
