Value of Wi-Fi Security Keeps Flying Higher
While some potential pitfalls remain, Wi-Fi is emerging as a reliable communications protocol for electronic security systems.
Security installers can take advantage of products like Honeywell's LYNX Touch 7000 to upsell customers on additional cameras, thermostats and other devices that communicate via Wi-Fi as part of a connected-home install.
Factoring the average time is takes to run a wire and the costs typically associated with the job, it’s safe to say Wi-Fi saved AFA a substantial amount on the entire project. Add the increased RMR gained from installing devices such as IP cameras and thermostats, plus the monthly monitoring fees, and you’re even closer to the ideal dealer business model.
“My opinion is that the future of all alarm panels and systems and even the devices will ultimately be Wi-Fi,” Abrams says. “The infrastructure is already there.”
An Opportunity for Easier Upsells
One of the first significant uses of Wi-Fi in intrusion systems came in 2012 when Honeywell introduced the first self-contained system (LYNX Touch 5100) to use Wi-Fi alarm communications. At the time, the primary benefit of this feature was for the installer who didn’t need to run a separate wire to the home’s router to offer remote services. Instead, using Wi-Fi to connect to the modem represented a true time-saving feature.
Today, Wi-Fi alarm communications remains an important time-saver and point of differentiation for the dealer; systems now, for example, offer features such as two-way voice over Wi-Fi. Signal reliability has improved to the point where customers are increasingly comfortable using Wi-Fi as a primary alarm communications path with cellular as a backup. This is helping to further open doors for security dealers to become “connected home” professionals.
Aside from alarm communications, Wi-Fi also has greater potential to have significant business benefits in the form of easier upsell opportunities. It’s a more visible feature for the end user and not solely a time saver for the installer. The newest LYNX Touch (Model 7000), for instance, features the ability to stream four live video feeds directly on the system’s touchscreen interface – reading between those lines, four live video feeds means each system immediately offers the chance and support to sell four Wi-Fi-enabled IP cameras with every installation.
This is particularly notable because being able to view video from areas of the home such as the front door continues to rank high on the list of homeowners’ desired features of a connected-home system. Video outranked thermostat control on a recent homeowner survey conducted by Honeywell. But video isn’t exactly something new in residential security – so what’s the reason for the increased interest?
John Kelly, a 25-year security industry veteran and co-owner of Portland, Ore.-based AVS Systems, cites an important reason: people today are actually comfortable using it. This is because it’s become more affordable and much more user-friendly thanks to trends such as mobile device technology.
“Video has always been there, but historically it’s really only been in the high-end homes,” says Kelly. “Nowadays, the price of the cameras has come down, and the homeowner doesn’t have to mess around with a DVR anymore. He can get the video right on his cellphone or just push a button on the alarm panel to see it. It’s not just at Madonna’s home anymore.”
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