Choosing the right smart home ecosystem for clients

Why smart home ecosystems matter for installers

Every integrator wants the best for their customers – but it’s essential that they have as much faith in the technology as the end user. From an installation perspective, the ecosystem can affect:

• Client satisfaction: How user-friendly is the interface, and how compatible is it with all smart home devices?
• Project success: Will we run into any installation issues, and can the system meet a client’s exacting needs?
• Future-proofing: What kind of technical support will be needed, and will parts or updates be available in future?

This is why it’s best to be agnostic. There’s no one ‘best smart home ecosystem’. Rather, it depends on your client’s needs and your experience with the product. Broad knowledge of mainstream and professional systems will give you a competitive advantage.

Overview of leading smart home systems

Many market-leading smart home systems require little to no installer assistance. Technology such as Apple Homekit, Google Home or Amazon Alexa uses ‘plug-and-play’ systems for basic smart home functionality.

Professional platforms offer more flexibility, and therefore benefit from an installer. While the abovementioned consumer brands are easy to install, they may be limited by the apps they can connect to. They may not also meet a client’s aesthetic needs, for example, blending lights or speakers into a ceiling.

Systems such as Crestron and Control4 meet higher demands. They are controlled from one central hub, with remote monitoring available should they need maintenance or updates. Clients can access climate control, lighting and security all in one integrated platform.

This gives installers more freedom to meet clients’ needs, such as adapting lighting for study or socialising, or adjusting speaker volume throughout a large home. Integrators will also have industry knowledge on these higher-end brands, providing ongoing tech support for updates. This universal compatibility saves time and helps installers fix issues faster.

Key considerations when choosing a home automation ecosystem

With so many smart home platforms to choose from, installers should think about these influencing factors:

Compatibility

Integrators should have clear conversations about what their clients need, and any pre-existing preferences for brands.

Installation

Each project may have specific installation needs, so integrators should think about how easily tech assimilates with their existing infrastructure – and ongoing technical support.

Scalability

Clients often request several systems in one place, such as audio, lighting and climate control. Installers should be able to add these without compatibility issues.

Security and privacy

Adherence to data compliance is essential for building customer trust. Integrators should be able to explain how clients’ data is kept secure over connected networks.

Support

Smart home projects are a long-term investment, so it’s important not to install legacy technology. Support options should be one of the first considerations when choosing an ecosystem.

Why professional installers should consider CEDIA membership

The best smart home ecosystems don’t stand still – and neither should professionals. With a CEDIA membership, integrators have unfettered access to training on the latest platforms and technologies, helping to future-proof for their clients.

In turn, they gain competitive advantage with accreditations from a well-known industry body. Customers feel assured that they’re working with a professional who has invested in learning and development.

This learning doesn’t stop at training. CEDIA offers ample networking opportunities with manufacturers and vendors, helping installers stay one step ahead in a shifting market. As technology develops, so too do client options – ensuring you provide the best customer service every time.

Smart home ecosystem comparison: informing client recommendations

Integrators need to consider the business case for the right smart home ecosystem. But this should not be at the expense of the client. As such, they should be transparent about:

• Budgets: What features will clients lose or gain depending on financials?
• Capabilities: Will this system integrate with existing technology?
• Ease of use: Is a consumer-grade ecosystem always the simplest?

There will always be a trade-off between consumer and professional systems. The key is to demonstrate the value in both. An installer acts as a trusted advisor on every smart home project, aligning the right ecosystem with the customer’s needs.