Page 38 - Security Today, September 2017

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DIY SECURITY
key messaging focus of some successful entrants into the DIY space. DIY systems hold the potential to expand the market share well be- yond where it is today. Not only could these systems be ideal for home- owners of traditional single family homes, but due to the wireless na- ture and ease-of-install that wireless sensors offer, these systems could be installed and uninstalled and moved again and again. That would open-up the opportunity of security to be sold to customers who live in
multi-dwelling units (MDUs) such as duplexes or apartments.
The National Multifamily Housing Council estimates that over 35 percent of Americans live in MDU homes, which is over 111 million people. This has been a market largely ignored by security dealers, but could be ideal for new DIY solutions. Systems that are designed to be installed and then are easy to be removed and re-installed in the next apartment would be more valuable to both the renters and the dealers as the security service relationship continues from address to address. This model has been successfully employed by satellite and
cable TV providers for years now.
Targeting these customers also has the added benefit of creating
relationships with security providers and customers much earlier in their lives. These systems could be expanded over time to protect more people and assets as their lives grow and include other services like home automation equipment.
Another great target for DIY systems is existing security customers that also have a vacation home. DIY systems could allow families that share vacation homes to verify who is using the property, or give dis- arm codes to friends for temporary use. Also, systems can be made to be flexible enough to accommodate temporary use by renters through property management companies or new marketplaces like Airbnb.
The owners of the property could create “temporary” user codes that can easily be changed when that renter leaves. DIY systems can also give added protection to locked owners’ cabinets where the permanent owners store items that they want to keep secure from renters.
Making Installation Easier
Wireless sensors and back-end service providers offering system con- trol apps have made security much easier for dealers to install and for homeowners to use. DIY systems will need to take another leap forward in ease of install to make these systems more user friendly for less experienced installers.
One method will be through easy step-by-step instructions videos. The app that runs the system is the best place to provide the content that will walk the customer through the installation of their DIY sys- tem. Videos created to show the best practices of “how to install” a particular sensor on a particular installation point, such as installing a wireless door sensor on a sliding glass patio door, can show the user what to do and most importantly, what not to do, making the instal- lation easier and more secure. Video satisfies most of the styles people naturally use to learn by enabling them to see, hear and have almost a tactile example of what a successful installation looks like, making the installation experience better and much less intimidating.
The burden is on the manufacturers of these systems to make them much more intuitive to program than even the best systems of today, which have industry jargon like “entry-exit with delay” for door/window sensors, or “interior follower with delay” for motion detectors. DIY systems must employ common terms and eliminate industry jargon to avoid confusion.
Go to sp.hotims.com and enter 23 for product information. See us at ASIS Booth 4440.
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