Lighting Control and customisation
Driven by its ability to produce significant energy and cost savings, the popularity of smart lighting is surging in the UK marketplace. More than just a useful gadget, consumers are recognising the many benefits it can bring to their homes and organisations. Representing a significant opportunity for increased sales and revenue, smart lighting is a category wholesalers must continue to develop and grow.
C
hris Anderson, technical manager at Ansell Lighting, sheds light on the technology and shares insights on effective selling strategies.
According to the Smart Lighting Global Market Report 2023 from The Business Research Company, the global smart lighting market will continue to grow from $13.15 billion in 2022 to $15.55 billion during 2023. Reflecting its popularity amongst consumers, the appeal of smart lighting lies in its ability to offer users the ultimate in control and customisation whilst also optimising energy efficiency and therefore lowering bills. For electrical wholesalers, it presents an excellent opportunity to boost sales and revenue and is a key line to consider to underpin continuing growth.
For wholesalers developing a smart lighting category, it’s important to ensure that the range created is diverse and comprehensive, catering to the varying needs of customer projects. Including products suitable for a mix of residential settings, commercial spaces, and outdoor applications will ensure that all different installation environments and spaces are catered for. Wholesalers should also ensure that products in the range developed work both individually as well as part of a connected solution.
Smart bulbs, smart plugs and smart LED strips are all key items that should form part of the offering as they work across a variety of applications.
An ideal entry level product, smart bulbs can be installed in existing lamps and light fittings and linked together to form a fully automated and controllable lighting system. Smart LED strips give installers the ability to add dynamic lighting effects and ambiance to any space and can be easily installed in various locations, such as under cabinets, along walls, or even outdoors. The benefits of smart plugs go beyond just lighting, give connectivity to anything that is plugged into them. Ideal for floor and table lamps, they enable traditional fittings to be linked together, automated and controlled in the same way as a fully integrated smart lighting system. A fully connected smart lighting system is however the holy grail. A well designed and
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Smart bulbs, smart plugs and smart LED strips are all key items that should form part of the offering as they work across a variety of applications.
operated installation can reduce energy use by up to two-thirds, presenting significant benefits to users. From downlights to ceiling lights, bollards and wall lights, almost all lighting types are available with embedded smart technology and are available with a variety of controls and sensors. It’s worth remembering that smart lighting products stocked should also be interoperable; capable of working seamlessly together across different protocols and eco systems to deliver a truly smart solution. As with any products sold, ensuring stock comes from trusted, quality manufacturers is key. Since smart lighting products often collect data for effective operation, manufacturers should demonstrate that their smart lighting solutions prioritise customer data security. Look for features like anonymous sign-in, TLS 1.2 encrypted cloud connections, OAuth 2.0, and transparent Privacy
Notices to ensure the products meet high standards of privacy protection.
When it comes to sales, effective display and merchandising play a crucial role. Promotional and educational content is particularly important since awareness and understanding of smart lighting technology is still emerging. If feasible, live demonstrations are also highly effective, this can be as simple as installing a smart lamp in a ceiling pendant and connecting it to an app to demonstrate ease of use and set up or simply demonstrating its capabilities in demo mode. Some manufacturers may offer product point-of-sale boards or in-unit displays, and it’s worth inquiring about direct training options for customers.
As a wholesaler, having extensive product knowledge and expertise is invaluable when it comes to smart lighting. Many people remain confused about the technology and its benefits, thinking it requires advanced technical skills to install and operate. However, intuitive apps and seamless pairing make the process straightforward. Engaging in discussions with customers and installers can help demystify the technology and drive sales.
September 2023 electrical wholesaler | 25
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