For several years now, home alarm systems have slowly advanced beyond providing just security and alarm monitoring.
Manufacturers are constantly adding new features to keep up with the rapidly expanding home automation market. It is not unusual now to see alarm system touch pads that (when not in use) can display digital photos, surveillance cameras, clocks, or even the weather forecast. Beyond those simple features, alarm systems can now be used to control lights and even lock your doors.
Slowly but surely, home security systems are becoming more complex, making alarm monitoring merely a component of a complete home automation solution.
Thermostat industry comparisons
The thermostat industry was once on a similar path to the home alarm industry. With pressure from the home automation market, manufacturers developed overly complicated products with features that only a small fraction of users wanted and even fewer actually used.
The trend was steady until late 2011 when it was suddenly disrupted by Nest, a thermostat that broke all the rules by simplifying the thermostat down to what users really needed, an intelligent device that thinks for its users and makes decisions for them.
It is so simple, in fact, that it only has one button and an easy-to-use dial.
Though Nest keeps sales statistics confidential, it is undoubtedly the most publicised thermostat in over a decade. Customers are praising its simplicity, and Nest is changing the direction of an entire industry. While traditional thermostat manufacturers were heading north, Nest went south.
Without sacrificing features, Nest managed to create a shockingly simple thermostat that anyone could use. Not to mention, it is the most aesthetically pleasing thermostat on the market. It does have an exorbitant price tag, but analysts say it does not matter. They believe the Nest thermostat is so unique, it has no competition.
Competition in the alarm industry, however, is still driving manufacturers to add new and more advanced features that few home owners actually use.
Alarm systems can now control many components of your home and even replace your thermostat. However, with true home automation systems capable of so much more, are alarm manufacturers just competing to become the worst home automation system?
Manufacturers appear to be losing sight of the current trend towards simple, intuitive, smart electronics. Do we really need the weather forecast displayed on a system that is meant to protect our homes?
There is room in the market for a Nest-inspired alarm system. Studies show that up to 41 per cent of alarm system-fitted homes that are broken into have those systems disarmed at the time of burglary.
That 41 per cent is a big problem looking for a smart solution. The users who fail to arm their systems do not need another digital photo frame or touchscreen thermostat — they need a smarter alarm system.
As a ‘Locksmith’ I always worry when I have to attend a broken lock and I suggest that the door should be upgraded to something a little more secure. ‘Oh don’t worry I have this super alarm system’ – ‘Ahhh but do you use it’ – ‘sure when we go on holiday’ Electronics has a great place in the domestic property -working from home I long for a voice activated – ‘TEA NOW’ voice control that doesn’t slap me around the head and retorts ‘Get it yourself’ Home automation worries me how long before I come home find the front door… Read more »
Security systems alone will never be able to deter intruders from entering a private home. However, if you check the video has been a qualitative leap in filtering false alarms.How says Mike, in Spain we are convinced that providing our customers regarding systems and sensors that fit your needs. Besides the recent reform of the private security sector, makes us the market leader in Europe in terms of regulation and the obligations of customers when they install a security system in your home or business.I think what’s really missing is the proactivity of the companies that perform the services. We… Read more »
Fantastic comments Paypa, it really does sound like you’ve been working on some truly useful ideas for alarm systems. What you’re describing sounds really interesting and is part of a big trend in IT information, the Big Data trend. By combining the information from a pool of alarm data to then also take that data and export it in the form of a warning to other homeowners is a fantastic exaple of joined up thinking. It reminds me of an anecdote about the New York Police’s systems whereby when the utilities company get a call saying that a street light… Read more »
Patricio, great suggestions. I know my local police force is always working to improve public awareness. They recently began publishing a crime map on our municipality’s website. We’ve also always had regular updates in the local paper informing us of crime trends and what precautions to take. Integrating those kinds of services into a home alarm system would be a huge leap forward.
Great article again, and full of truth. This is really quite simple, nobody actually wants an alarm system, but they do want other electronic toys to help manage their life. An alarm system should be simple to use, easy to understand and actually smart enough to know when you are home and when you are not. Advances in wireless technology mean that any device can be made intelligent, can operate at low power, and can be installed virtually anywhere. The days of cabling for an alarm system in the traditional ways are over. Most homes have connectivity of one form… Read more »
Yeah they did a similar thing over here at http://www.police.uk where you can see all of the crime within a half mile radius of your home last month. Despite fears from the middle classes that it would bring down their house prices, I think it’s been a huge success. Not sure if it’s reassuring or terrifying though. (Hey, when you live in a built up city like London, the crime’s always going to be higher than elsewhere)
I find it reassuring as long as (like you said) you take into account factors like population density.
What scares me is when I go down to the United States I can see, on a map, every registered sex offender. With two little kids I find it useful to have that kind of information, though at the same time it’s very frightening.
Unfortunately delinquency lives with us. And we have to assume it. We can only protect our families with the best security systems that allow us to anticipate the movements of the “bad”. Manufacturers of safety equipment should understand that security is global, and is a global market. It would be important that the connectivities between panels and equipment, plus the communication protocols to control panels, were the subject of an international agreement, with its consequent investment in R & D to find a standard, as has happened with Bluetooth , X10 and KNX. Manufacturers are allies in a very important… Read more »
Great final thought there Patricio. It amazes me how behind the industry is on establishing standard protocols. In fact Brian’s article today talks about the future of next-generation networks and organisations pushing for standard alarm signalling and an ordered way of informing manufacturers of changes to signals.
As we are moving towards virtual world…our homes would also be controlled with plethora of sophisticated gadgetries. Home automation systems are need of the hour. People are having much reliance on them as the time passes by. The security systems are becoming complex sometimes ever difficult to handle by the owner himself. I think its paramount to keep it user friendly and simple to operate. Infact when the situation arises, its the reaction time which matters especailly in secuirty features. The other devices should also be connected and manufactures on the same lines. Another important aspect is power consumption. The… Read more »