Digital Themes

Smart Home

What is a Smart Home?

A Smart Home refers to a network of devices and systems that communicate with each other to automate tasks previously performed manually. Smart home devices range from Wi-Fi-enabled doorbell cameras to smart locks to home security systems. Many of these devices have embedded voice control, allowing users to simply ask their smart thermostat to increase the interior temperature or ask their smart speakers to play louder. Smart displays go further than smart speakers with a screen and the user’s ability to see photos of searched products and services or video from your security cameras.

Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as a Nest thermostat or a Google Home device, provide peace of mind to consumers, knowing that, for example, their home security cameras are connected to the smart plug that controls the yard lights. Many smart home product solutions include security camera functionality. Consumers appreciate the ability to adjust various temperatures and lightbulbs with a simple voice command, and without having to leave the couch, but the added security that comes from a connected system of cameras and alert features is what draws many consumers to the idea of a smart home.

Another use of smart technology that is often seen in smart homes is via lighting solutions. One example is Philips Hue, a lightbulb that can be turned on or off through a smart home device or a mobile application. Further, the user can adjust the color, brightness level, usage times, and light temperature all with a phone or a voice-controlled speaker.

Smart technology is being embraced across the consumer space, but industrial and other industries are taking notice and beginning to welcome the idea of smart technology.

What are the advantages of Smart Home technologies for your business?

  • Conserving Energy - Smart thermostats can save energy and subsequent energy costs by automating heating, electric, and cooling systems. Connected lights and devices or machinery can also use less energy when they are powered down automatically or remotely between uses.

  • Employee Comfort - Easily adjustable heating, cooling, and temperature settings based on schedules or sensor detection can ensure that your employees are comfortable when they're on-site or in the office. Automated lights that turn on when someone enters the building provide employees with a safer work environment.

  • Security - Connecting an alarm system to door sensors, lights, other smart displays provides additional layers of security. This smart, networked security can be seen and managed on-site or remotely, and can be programmed to adjust for time of day, or normal user access.

  • Remedial Tasks - The technology used in smart home appliances, like the smart fridge or a robotic vacuum, can be translated to industrial and office settings as well. Examples include weighted shelves that send notifications or even reorder supplies when inventory is low or robotic cleaning machines that activate once everyone has left the shop floor.
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