ANALYSIS: SMART LIGHTING Smart Home Technology
June/July 2023
ertonline.co.uk
demonstration of the products will also allow customers to see the value and the benefits of these systems.
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Illuminating homes the smart way
When it comes to creating a smart home, lighting is one of the key elements consumers seek to
modernise and improve. Katie Georgeson from 4lite explores the benefits of smart lighting, highlighting its features alongside the key products and selling techniques retailers should employ to help customers incorporate a system into their smart homes.
longside heating, security and entertainment systems, smart lighting is a core component of the modern smart home. More than just a gadget, it can offer home owners significant benefits such as energy and cost savings as well enhancing building design and improving security.
A As the benefits and technology become
more widely recognised, smart lighting systems present retailers with a huge opportunity for enhanced sales and revenue. From selection of the right brands and individual product ranges, to POS and staff training, developing an expert and quality offering is an absolute must. Enabling every single detail of indoor and outdoor home lighting to be programmed and automated, smart lighting allows home owners to create a lighting system completely aligned to their needs. From programmed times of operation, to setting desired output levels and colour temperature, the possibilities are endless. What’s more, a well-designed and operated system is capable of reducing energy
use by up to two thirds, supporting consumers to cut their spiralling energy bills. Something that has often deterred individuals
from installing smart lighting systems in the past is the fear of the technology itself. For something that offers so many benefits, consumers have wrongly assumed that it must be complex to install and operate – when actually the opposite is true. For example, 4lite smart lighting products incorporate WiZ Connected technology, which is incredibly simple to use. Products are fitted like a normal lamp or switch and are controlled and hosted on the cloud so there is no hub or additional wiring requirement. Users can then download the WiZ app, pair lights and set up their desired scenes and schedules via their smartphone or tablet. Education has a key role to play in helping to dispel the myths surrounding smart lighting and retailers should make use of the training sessions, step-by-step setup videos, POS displays and other marketing materials that manufacturers provide. Practical
The demonstration display doesn’t have to be extensive – simply installing a smart lamp in a ceiling pendant and connecting it to an app on a customer’s phone will ensure the message is delivered clearly! When it comes to choosing products to stock, we’d recommend starting with a range of products that can be used in various locations throughout the home. Smart bulbs and LED strips are a great introduction to smart lighting. For a relatively low outlay, consumers will be able to test how the technology works before committing to a fully connected system. Similarly, smart plugs can be used alongside existing floor and table lamps to add connectivity, allowing them to be controlled in the same manner as a fully integrated smart lighting system. We have focussed heavily on R&D in the smart lighting arena and our range of products available with smart lighting technology is extensive. From fire-rated downlights, to wall and ceiling lights, outdoor lights, LED strips and smart lamps, retailers are able to develop a comprehensive offering that suits most spatial and budget requirements. Smart lighting is all about added
convenience and interoperability also a key factor for end users. Retailers should ensure their smart lighting ranges work with a range of eco systems such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri, as customers want their smart devices to work together in their home without having to use a myriad of different apps.
Smart lighting is undoubtedly proving to be
an incredibly popular option within the smart home and its benefits from both an economic and environmental perspective are clear to see. By stocking the latest technologies and providing support and expertise to customers in this area, ongoing growth will undoubtedly be achieved.
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