Lauritz Knudsen, owned by Schneider Electric Group, aims to invest approx. Rs 850 crore over the next three years to position itself as a significant player in the electrical sector. In 2020, Schneider Electric acquired L&T Switchgear, Larsen & Toubro’s electrical and automation business and as part of a rebranding exercise, L&T Switchgear will now be known as Lauritz Knudsen.

Lauritz Knudsen plans to strengthen its core low and medium voltage business, even as it will build capabilities in the new energy domain encompassing renewable power generation and e-mobility solutions, serving varied segments including infrastructure, industries, buildings, homes, and agriculture. Lauritz Knudsen’s vision prioritises innovation and excellence, offering varied choices to its customers. This will accelerate the brand’s mission to drive innovation, addressing the needs of India and globally.

Lauritz Knudsen, formerly L&T Switchgear, boasts a robust manufacturing footprint spanning 2.1 million sq. ft. of factories and a nationwide presence encompassing over 33 offices across 500 cities. It has trained over 4,00,000 professionals through its six strategically located training centres in Pune, Delhi, Vadodara, Lucknow, Coonoor, and Kolkata.

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Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO of Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd., brings expertise and insights on the transformation of a standard home into a smart secure haven through value-added automation. In this article, he writes about the steps and solutions to elevate your living space into a technologically enhanced sanctuary.

All may agree to one simple fact there is no place like home in the world. ‘Home, Sweet Home’ is not just an old 18th-century opera song, but a common human necessity for shelter, comfort and convenience. Come rain or shine, home is a perennial need for human existence. It is as universal and old as the human civilization. With the advent of home security and automation technologies sweet homes are turning into smart homes.

The growing popularity of the Smart Home concept can be attributed to five segments that define the segment in a complete sense. These five segments are as follows: Security, Automation, Energy Efficiency, Comfort and Prestige.

Smart Technology Trends

The Smart Home phenomenon is driven by key technology trends like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, and many other Wi-Fi technologies. The Smart Home Concept is getting popular due to growing demand for automation, security and energy-efficient systems to realize the smart living experience. The customers are looking for convenience, comfort and prestige to add value to their homes and living experiences.

Attraction for Smart Living

The Indian Smart Home market is driven by the emerging young generations like millennials, generation Z, and Generation Alpha. Gen Z is currently the youngest generation, with millennials before and Generation Alpha after. This generation’s identity is defined by the digital age. These generations are causing a boom in the Smart Home segment by following smart living experiences and trends.

All-in-One Solution

In the Smart Home segment Hikvision has introduced a whole new approach to security with value added convenience, comfort and reliability. Hikvision All-in-one Indoor Station is the device with all the Smart Home Controls. Along with video intercom, it also serves as a home management center featuring visualized interfaces. With the built-in Hik-Connect App, users can control and link various Hikvision devices. The most important thing is that all devices can be managed with a simple tap on the All-in-one Indoor Station, it offers an easy integration option with third-party Android applications, adding new levels of convenience for users.

Smart Home Boom

The Smart Home concept is getting popular in the middle class and upper middle class. The builders are lapping up Smart Home concepts as one of the key USPs of the newly furnished flats on sale. The smart home segment is growing fast with new products and solutions. In Indian society, joint families are breaking away into a cluster of nuclear families, with the need for enhanced home security for elderly parents, women, kids and caretakers, the Smart Home market is growing faster than ever. The growing awareness about smart home products and connected devices has contributed a lot.

The awareness about Smart Home products and solutions is growing in metro cities and Tier-II towns across India. These developments are making the Smart Home a fast-growing trend. Currently, the key drivers of the Smart Home segment are security, convenience, and energy efficiency. As India is poised for a new growth phase in the Smart Home segment, smart security solutions are delivering value. The Smart Home systems, once used to be the favourite choice among the top tier class of society, now the young urban middle class is experiencing the Smart Home and Smart Living experiences. There are no barriers as far as the adoption of the Smart Home system is concerned. Flushed with disposable income, young urban professionals and couples are redefining the Smart Home trends. They are opting for automation, security and energy efficiency as a shared vision for a sustainable future.

For more information, please visit us at www.hikvisionindia.com

About the Author (Ashish P. Dhakan is a first-generation entrepreneur with rare foresight and zeal. He has raised the bar of the security industry in India by setting a new benchmark with Prama Hikvision).

The post Elevate Your Living Space appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

The leading control and automation manufacturer RTI recently announced that the RTI control platform now integrates with Ajax Systems, a Ukraine-based developer and manufacturer of professional security systems sold world-wide. The new RTI driver enables control and automation of Ajax’s Jeweller series wireless security devices within an RTI control system.

“Ajax is an important global provider of wireless home security systems, and we are thrilled to launch the new Ajax driver,” said Neal Ellsworth, Director of Product Management at RTI. “The integration enables custom integrators worldwide to quickly add Ajax security devices to their clients’ RTI control and automation systems, elevating the smart home user experience.”

With the new driver, Ajax security system control can be managed through the RTI system. The integrator can quickly add functionality to the control system that will allow the homeowner to arm or disarm the entire Ajax system or individual groups (zones); provide feedback indicating the status of connected devices, including malfunctions; and support events to trigger driver functions or alerts based on feedback received from Ajax System.

“Ajax was built from the ground up to rethink the traditional approach to security systems by being easily adapted and expanded based on changing security needs,” said Rob Harman, Director of Sales, North America at Ajax Systems. “Now, with this driver, Ajax security can be controlled from within RTI systems for even more assurance and flexibility, adding value to every installation.”

The new driver is available to authorized RTI dealers at the RTI driver store and directly within the RTI Integration Designer 11 control application programming software.

For More Information: www.rticontrol.com

The post RTI Integrates with Ajax Security Systems appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

What inspired the creation of SmartNode, and how has the company evolved over the years?

SmartNode was created with the aim of providing innovative smart home solutions to customers in India. 

Over the years, we have evolved to become a leading player in the home automation industry, with a wide range of retrofit products and a strong network of channel partners across the country. Our commitment to quality, design and customer support has helped us build a loyal customer base and established a strong brand reputation in the market.

SmartNode has a strong network of channel partners across India. How do you ensure that your partners are aligned with your brand values and committed to providing customers with high-quality products and excellent service?

At SmartNode, we understand the importance of having a strong network of channel partners who are aligned with our brand values and committed to delivering high-quality products and excellent service to customers. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to work with our partners that goes beyond simply signing them up and sending them on their way.

We start by building a solid foundation that ensures our partners have the tools and resources they need to be successful. This includes providing training, marketing materials, and ongoing support to help them sell our products with confidence.

We also work closely with our partners to ensure they understand our brand values and the importance of delivering exceptional customer service. But it doesn’t stop there. We also hold ourselves accountable for the success of our partners. We regularly monitor performance and provide feedback to help our partners improve and grow. And if any issues arise, we work together to find solutions that benefit both our partners and our customers.

Our commitment to our partners is unmatched, and we’re confident that our approach will help us continue to build a strong network of partners who are dedicated to delivering the best possible experience to our customers.

With its in-house manufacturing, design, and development team, how does SmartNode ensure that its products are built to meet the specific needs of Indian households?

SmartNode’s in-house manufacturing, design, and development team ensures that our products meet the specific needs of Indian households. Our dedicated research and development team updates our products regularly, keeping up with the latest technologies to offer our customers the most advanced products available. By manufacturing our products in-house, we have the flexibility to customize our products to meet the specific needs of our customers. Our goal is to break the trend of Indian products lagging behind Western products by building high-quality products that exceed our customers’ expectations.

At SmartNode, we are committed to providing our partners and customers with the latest technology products that are specifically designed to meet their needs.

How does SmartNode’s commitment to quality and design set it apart from other smart home providers in India?

SmartNode stands out from other smart home providers in India through our commitment to quality and design. We offer a wide range of products and services that can be customized to meet the specific needs of our customers.

Our products are designed with an emphasis on quality and reliability, ensuring that our customers have the best possible experience. 

We prioritize our channel partners because they are the face of our brand in their respective territories. We provide them with the necessary support to deliver high-quality products and excellent service to our customers.

At SmartNode, we believe that our commitment to quality and design, coupled with our strong support system, sets us apart from other smart home providers in India.

Can you talk about some of the innovative solutions that SmartNode offers for Indian households, and how they enhance the luxurious and smart lifestyle of your customers?

SmartNode offers a variety of innovative solutions that cater to the needs of modern Indian households. Our products are designed to enhance the luxurious and smart lifestyle of our customers, while also making their lives easier and more convenient.

One of our most popular products is the smart device, which is a Wi-Fi controlled that can fit into regular switches. This device allows customers to control their switches through an App or Voice commands providing them with greater control over their lighting and other electrical appliances. 

Our curtain controller is another innovative solution that offers convenience and comfort to our customers. With the help of this device, customers can control the opening and closing of their curtains remotely using an App or Voice Commands. Our IR blaster is designed to control devices that use infrared signals such as air conditioners, televisions, and home theater systems. With this device, customers can control all their infrared devices using an App or Voice Commands, eliminating the need for multiple remote controls.

Our door lock controller is another innovative solution that provides greater security and convenience to customers. With this device, customers can lock and unlock their doors using an App or Voice Commands.

Our RGBW controller provides customers with the ability to control the colour and brightness of their LED lights. This device is perfect for those who want to set a specific mood in their homes, with various colour and brightness options available.

We also offer a scene controller that allows customers to customize their home automation settings for different scenarios such as movie nights, romantic dinners, or parties. With the touch of a button, customers can set the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

Finally, our touch switches come with a range of customization options, including different materials, icons, and colour switches, providing customers with a personalized touch to their homes.

All of these innovative solutions are designed to provide customers with greater control, convenience, and luxury in their homes.

With its experience centers in major cities across India, how does SmartNode provide training and support to its Channel Partners and system integrators to ensure that customers receive the best possible service and support for their SmartNode products?

SmartNode provides training and support to its Channel Partners and system integrators through its channel partner onboarding process. We require our partners to have a dedicated technical support person and a salesperson and we have a separate training team to ensure that our partners are well-trained and equipped to provide the best possible service and support to our customers.

With experience centers in major cities across India, we offer hands-on training and support to our partners and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to deliver customer-centric solutions. Our commitment to training and support ensures that our partners are aligned with our brand values and provide customers with high-quality products and excellent service.

Can you tell us more about SmartNode’s upcoming KNX solution, and how it will provide customers with even more options for integrating their smart home systems?

SmartNode is excited to introduce our upcoming KNX solution, which will provide customers with even more options for integrating their smart home systems.

As a company, we are committed to offering truly made-in-India products that are developed, designed, and manufactured in India. 

Our KNX base actuators and touch panels are currently in development, and we plan to expand our wired base portfolio in the future. Our goal is to become an Indian company that offers a complete range of high-quality home automation products. We are dedicated to developing our KNX solution from scratch and aim to be one of the few companies in India to achieve this level of innovation.

Our vision is to make a global impact with our products and provide our customers with cutting-edge solutions for their smart homes.

SmartNode has built strong relationships with architects who recommend SmartNode to their clients. How does SmartNode work with architects to ensure that their solutions meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients?

We have built strong relationships with architects who recommend SmartNode to their clients.

We work closely with architects to ensure that their solutions meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients.

We recognize that architects are key influencers in this market and are looking for solutions Made in India with a proper training and support ecosystem. Many associate architects praise our after-sales support system. We also have a loyalty program for architects in which we reward them for their SmartNode recommendations. For every sale that comes from an architect, we offer them exciting incentives such as luxury vacations, expensive gadgets, and other high-value gifts to show our appreciation for their support.

Finally, what makes SmartNode Different from others?

As mentioned earlier, one of the key factors that set SmartNode apart from others is our innovation in product design and customization. We strive to meet the unique needs of our customers and provide tailor-made solutions that are specific to their requirements. For example, our tunable lighting solution and two-way switching solution are unique and innovative solutions that are not commonly found in the market.

Another aspect that makes SmartNode stand out is our flexibility with market demands. We are always looking to stay ahead of the curve and are constantly developing new products to meet the changing needs of our customers. For instance, we are currently working on a KNX solution that will be available in the market in a few months.

Furthermore, SmartNode values our channel partner’s dedication toward us. We believe in working closely with our partners to build strong relationships and ensure their success. This, in turn, helps us provide better service to our end customers.

Finally, our after-sales service and support are unparalleled. We understand that product support is crucial to maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty, and we strive to provide the best possible service and support to our customers. Whether it’s technical assistance, trouble shooting, or training, we are committed to helping our customers every step of the way.

How can someone start a business with SmartNode, and what is the process for becoming a channel partner?

At SmartNode we are always interested in partnering with individuals or businesses who want to expand their service offerings by including our products.

To become a SmartNode channel partner, one needs to complete our training program, which provides a comprehensive understanding of their products and services. After completing the training, they can open a SmartNode Experience Center, which serves as a showcase for their products and solutions.

At the SmartNode Experience Center, partners can demonstrate the various Home Automation solutions offered by SmartNode, enabling customers to see and experience how products can benefit them. SmartNode channel partners also receive access to sales and marketing support, as well as ongoing technical support to ensure that they can provide the best service possible to their customers.

Overall, becoming a SmartNode channel partner is a great opportunity to enter the growing Home Automation Industry in India. SmartNode looks forward to welcoming interested individuals or businesses to their team.

The post In Conversation with Parth Shah, Co-Founder and Chief Sales Officer at SmartNode Automations Pvt. Ltd. appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

RTI, a leading control and automation manufacturer, announced that Joshua Litwack has joined the company as Vice President of Global Sales, reporting to CEO Joe Roberts. In this new role, Litwack will oversee all RTI sales activities and work with the RTI leadership team to develop new initiatives that support dealers and grow the RTI and Pro Control brands worldwide, plus the Blustream brand in the US and Latin America.

“We are excited to welcome Josh as our new VP. His strategic vision and industry experience will be key to our ongoing support for dealers and accelerated growth in the commercial, office, and hospitality verticals,” said Roberts. “Josh shares our customer focus and deep commitment to integrators. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to expand our control, automation, and AV distribution footprint worldwide.”

Litwack brings a history of sales leadership in commercial AV, custom integration, and enterprise software. Most recently, he was Senior Director of Specialty Channel Sales at Snap One, leading the sales group in the commercial AV/IT, hospitality, and IT MSO categories. Prior to Snap One, he held sales roles with global IT and network provider Black Box and visual communications company Prezi.

“I am thrilled to work with Joe and the RTI team to create opportunities for integrators and our distributor partners in global markets that build on our strengths in products, software, and support,” said Litwack. “Our combined solutions provide substantial opportunities across all verticals. We look forward to helping our partners win projects and deliver exceptional experiences for their clients.”

For More information www.rticontrol.com.

The post RTI Appoints Josh Litwack as VP, Global Sales appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Can you provide a brief introduction to the companies Digivalet and Casadigi for our professional readers?

Established in 2008, DigiValet has been widely recognized for our ability to enhance the experiences of occupants in luxury hotels, senior living and serviced residences, cruise-liners, and state-of-the-art hospitals through the use of our innovative suite of products and platforms. With over 40,000 satisfied users, we have a reputation for our commitment to empowering and elevating digital experiences at exceptional addresses. Our sister brand, Casadigi, serves the residential market by providing a smart-home solution for private residences and multi-dwelling apartment developments.

Our roster of global clients across geographies includes Armani Hotel & Residences, Bulgari Hotels, Aman Hotel & Residences, Bumrungrad Hospital, Wynn, Raffles Hotel & Residences, The Oberoi and private residences. With the innovation centre in India, the organisation has a presence across USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, Singapore & Australia.

What is the future of automation in India’s residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors?

The real estate industry is currently undergoing a shift towards mixed-use assets, such as hotel-attached residences, residential buildings with co-located social and sports clubs, and developments that include commercial, residential, retail, and recreational spaces. Additionally, there is an increased focus on healthcare, wellness, and spa centres.

As customers live, stay, work, or visit these types of spaces, the need for technology extends beyond traditional automation solutions, which focus solely on controlling lights, temperature, and displays.

At DigiValet and Casadigi, we believe that the future of automation lies in the incorporation of lifestyle services across all sectors. We strive to provide a seamless and convenient experience for our clients and customers. This entails giving guests the convenience of managing various services through a single, integrated application, including registering expected visitors, summoning valet services, ordering food from a co-located restaurant, and accessing the elevator in the building. It’s no more about automation, it’s about lifestyle.

What goes into designing the perfect guest experience solution?

At DigiValet and Casadigi, we understand the importance of designing solutions with the end-user at the centre. While it may seem simple, it is often overlooked in favour of meeting operational needs.

We approach the design process by considering user journeys, rather than focusing on individual screens. Our design discussions begin by identifying the user’s intent and then determining the necessary information and inputs required to fulfil that intent. This approach ensures that the user’s needs are always prioritised and that the final solution is intuitive and user-friendly.

For example, when designing our newest feature in Casadigi, which allows our customers to place food and beverage orders with their in-house chef, we established that the user’s intent was to easily order their everyday tea, coffee, and snacks with just a tap. The user should be able to access their favourites on the first tap, and place the order with another tap. Because this is a frequently occurring interaction, we designed a user interface that allows the user to accomplish everything from a single screen, making the process as simple as possible.

On the other hand, the user experience of our in-room dining feature for hotel guests is more detailed and elaborate, as guests are in an exploratory state of mind and would like to review the menu before making a decision. Our digital experience guides the guests through the menu items carefully before they place an order. Our goal is to ensure that the user experience is intuitive, user-friendly and tailored to the specific needs of the user, in this case, the hotel guests.

We understand that digital solution should satisfy the user, it must not have any broken journeys. When Apps redirect users to external links or ask them to contact the front desk for more information, it leaves the user feeling frustrated and their needs unfulfilled. This diminishes the effectiveness of the solution. Our approach is to consciously design journeys that feel complete to the end-user, ensuring a seamless and satisfactory experience.

Furthermore, we believe in utilising clean and simple designs that incorporate soothing colours, legible fonts, and the appropriate use of images and icons. Our aim is to create an intuitive, user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and pleasant to use.

What are the customised luxury solutions offered by you?

We offer a standard set of features to all of our customers, however, it is our ability to provide customised solutions that sets us apart. We understand that each customer has unique needs and requirements and we strive to tailor our solutions to align with their brand ethos and technology strategy. This approach allows us to create a seamless integration of technology into the larger brand story of our customers, providing a unique and personalised experience.

For example, when working with the W Hotel, we integrated their W Music Service and mood lighting system with DigiValet to provide personalised welcome scenes for guests based on their moods as determined by the front desk. Additionally, guests were able to use an interactive mood pad during their stay to choose different music genres and RGB lighting with a slide of their finger.

For tenants of the world-first global Class A building, Winthrop Center in Boston, we helped create an all-encompassing App that allowed access to and payment for all services and amenities. This included opening doors, booking fitness sessions, scheduling pet walking services, and more, all within one payment system.

In our first healthcare project in Dubai, we were tasked with rethinking patient meal ordering in a hospital. We designed an iPad-based solution that enhanced the dining experience for patients while ensuring adherence to dietary restrictions and patient safety protocols. Our goal is to provide solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each customer, delivering a unique and seamless experience.

At DigiValet, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We like to bring brand promises to life by infusing cutting-edge technology with our creativity.

Give us an overview of the various verticals in which Digivalet is used.

At DigiValet, we have a long history of providing innovative digital solutions to the hospitality industry. In 2008, we powered the world’s first responsive hotel room using an iPod touch, which could control lights, curtains, temperature, and entertainment systems. Since then, we have expanded our offerings to include our flagship iPad-based guest room experience, butler call solution, contactless check-in solution, and more.

In 2012, we launched our first residential product, a smart home solution for phones and iPads, now known as Casadigi. Our residential portfolio expanded in 2020 with the launch of DigiValet for Living, our first cloud-based platform aimed at serviced residences, branded residences, aparthotels, and mixed-use developments.

In 2019, we expanded our expertise to the healthcare sector, with a suite of solutions designed around patient-centric healthcare, including responsive systems, triaging, diet management tools, and call for care. 

Our latest addition is DigiValet for Destinations. As the distinction between serviced apartments and build-to-rent developments begins to blur, and innovative mixed-use developments emerge, we have combined our expertise across all existing verticals to provide a super-App for destinations. This product is designed for developments that seek an integrated digital experience across multiple asset classes, such as hotels, residences, museums, retail, commercial spaces, and health and wellness centres. Our goal is to provide a seamless and integrated digital experience to our clients and their customers.

Take us through the UI of Casadigi and Digivalet.

2023 is a significant year for DigiValet and Casadigi as we are set to launch new versions of both our products, Casadigi 4.0 and DigiValet 6.0, that feature completely redesigned user interfaces.

Our goal was to create modern and easy-to-use interfaces that are both subtle and luxurious. To achieve this, we have employed a new design style known as ‘glassmorphism’, which utilises the properties of glass to enhance the overall look and feel of the interface. Elements such as tab bars, buttons, and cards are designed to resemble frosted glass.

We believe that our Apps should not be perceived as mere technology, and therefore have incorporated a moving gradient in the background that changes colours, giving it a sense of movement and vibrancy, while still being subtle and not intrusive. We strive to provide exceptional user experiences through the design and functionality of our products.

At DigiValet and Casadigi, we understand the importance of providing a personalised experience to our users. As such, the home dashboard in both of our Apps is designed to be dynamic based on user preferences. For example, in Casadigi, it provides quick controls for the user’s favourite rooms across their home, and displays the live status of music being played across the home. Additionally, it prompts actions that the user frequently takes based on the time of day, such as opening curtains in the morning or launching Netflix on a Smart TV in the evening.

In DigiValet, the home dashboard takes the form of small chips that recommend actions to the guest based on certain criteria. For example, if the guest called for dinner an hour ago, the “clear tray” button will appear, or if the guest is checking out the next day, the late checkout option will be suggested.

We have also enhanced the user interface of the panoramic view, which is a favourite among our existing customers. The tactile nature of the panoramic view has made it popular and the enhanced user interface in this version takes it to the next level. Our goal is to provide an intuitive experience that incorporates the habits of the new generation and make it easy for our users to navigate our Apps.

Could you share with us some of the most popular and luxurious projects that DigiValet and Casadigi have worked on, or provide some client stories?

We have had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most iconic names in the hospitality industry, such as Armani, Oberoi, Wynn, and St. Regis. Among the many projects we have undertaken, there are a few that stand out for their unique challenges. I would like to share with you three of these projects and the innovative solutions we were able to provide to our clients.

1. Retro-Fitting Digital Transformations for Aman

Amanpuri, located on a secluded peninsula with one of Phuket’s finest white sand beaches, offers a luxurious and idyllic Thailand escape reminiscent of days gone by. The resort features 40 villas nestled within the natural landscape, world-class restaurants, and a medical-grade Holistic Wellness Centre.

In an effort to appeal to a younger generation of travellers while maintaining its current demographic, the property decided to enhance the entertainment offerings for their guests, who had previously been without televisions or other forms of technology in their guest rooms.

In 2017, DigiValet was brought in as the specialists to design and implement an iPad-based guest room experience for Aman’s flagship property. Since the installation, the property has seen an overall usage rate of 87% for the DigiValet iPad App, property-wide.

The adoption of the DigiValet solution in the newly renovated guest rooms has allowed Amanpuri to successfully increase not only the tech profile of their rooms but also the overall guest experience. Guests have expressed appreciation for the new technology enhancements across the pavilions, as evidenced by usage statistics.

We are proud to be a partner in Aman’s digital transformation journey and are excited to bring our platforms to Aman New York in the near future, with the roll-out of both DigiValet for Hospitality and Living.

2. Old World Charm Meets New World Technology at Raffles

Raffles Singapore is a 115-room luxury hotel located in Singapore. In 2016, the property underwent an extensive renovation and restoration to charm the modern traveller.

During this renovation, Raffles saw an opportunity to enhance its old-school heritage with sleek and discreet 21st century technology. The challenge was to retain the aura of the hotel’s colonial architecture while also providing modern travellers with the technology and comforts they have come to expect in a luxury stay.

To meet this challenge, DigiValet designed the full guest room automation system with a true juxtaposition of innovative technology and colonial architecture. This system includes lighting, thermostat control, and curtains that meet the demanding needs of the ultra-modern luxury traveller, while holding true to the core design element representative of the Bronze Period. This was achieved through the use of brass-clad Porcelain rocker-type switches, which are a true marriage between old-world charm and modern guest technology.

The Raffles Butler service serves as the main interaction between the hotel and the guest. The Raffles Butler feature is integrated into the DigiValet solution in a manner that it is always visible and easily accessible for the guest.

Since the installation of the DigiValet system on property, Raffles Singapore has shown an 86% usage rate in Butler requests coming directly from the iPad.

Following the success in Singapore, we are now rolling out our hospitality and residential solutions at the upcoming Raffles in London at the Old War Office, as we speak.

3. Creating a Multi-Sensory Experience for Honeymooners at Paris J’Adore

Paris j’Adore is a boutique hotel in the heart of the City of Love. Staying staunch to the hotel’s ethos for hedonism, the hotel reached out to DigiValet.

The owner, a passionate hotelier, considered every pain point in the hotel stay and worked to eliminate it with either technology or the ultimate in luxury, which required complex integrations with multiple systems installed in the room.

Transforming the hotel into an ultra-romantic hideaway began with a first-class welcome experience, with a pre-filled bathtub and soothing aromas in the room. Guests control the bathtub temperature on their in-room iPad, along with a wider choice of fragrances throughout their stay. And with fully loaded entertainment on the TV, plus interactive food and drinks menus, there’s no reason to leave.

What are your plans for expansion and growth?

As an organisation, we at DigiValet and Casadigi are committed to expanding our presence globally. We have specific strategies in place for each of our verticals in order to capitalise on the vast opportunities that exist in different markets.

In particular, we see a great potential for our DigiValet for Living product in North America, where there is a significant number of Class A and Class A+ buildings. We also anticipate that markets such as Saudi Arabia and India will follow suit in the near future.

The Middle East, specifically Saudi Arabia, is an exciting region for both our healthcare and smart destination products. Additionally, we are actively expanding Casadigi’s presence in the Indian market, focusing on high-end residential apartment developments and stand-alone homes. We are excited about the possibilities that arise from combining Casadigi’s automation expertise with DigiValet for Living’s services-focused platform for developers in India.

Our ultimate goal as an organisation is to continue to push the boundaries of how technology can elevate people’s lifestyles through creativity and cutting-edge innovations.

The post Elevating Guest Experiences: In Conversation with Muskan Salgia, VP, Residential, DigiValet appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

OOB Smarthome launched an innovative range of products in their Annual Dealer’s Meet.

OOB Smarthome, a leading wireless home automation brand in India, recently launched a new range of products at the Annual Dealer’s Meet. The main aim of the event was to increase awareness and brand visibility. The brand envisions expanding its services and product accessibility in key cities across India, especially in Western and Northern India.

Known for its Out-Of-Box innovative wireless home automation solutions, OOB Smarthome is centered on providing safety, comfort, and convenience-all in “Just One Touch”. Due to its IoT-based solutions, the brand has high reliability and reachability as it ends the inconvenience of installing additional wires. It aims to create hassle-free smarthome one-touch devices that reach as many homes and service sectors as possible by catering to each individual’s needs and desires.

Two Indian entrepreneurs, Bhavin Sodvadiya and Pradip Dakhara founded OOB Smarthome in the year 2015 to provide their clients with affordable and long-lasting smart home solutions. Bhavin and Pradip initiated the journey of their vision in 2011 with just an idea to create world-class smart automation devices and developed the prototype in 2013. In a span of less than a decade, not only did they achieve success in establishing a brand, but also achieve the milestone of connecting with 500+ associates and installing 10000+ smart devices.

OOB Smarthome not only provides safe, secure, comfortable, and convenient home automation solutions but also focuses on providing flexible and reliable automation consulting solutions customized to a specific home or business requirements as its vision is to lead the Indian smart home device industry by fostering a culture of insightful and research-based innovations and services.

Having a vision of leading the smart home devices industry, the brand firmly supports `Make in India’ initiative by creating exclusive and high-tech technologies through its Research and Development Unit. Each and every upscale automation device of this brand are manufactured in-house by highly trained engineers.

With a long-term mission of transforming 100000+ homes across the globe into smart homes by 2025, both Bhavin and Pradip, founders of OOB Smarthome are leaving no stones unturned for extravagant growth of the brand’s visibility and accessibility. Launching a new range of products in its Annual Dealer’s Meet is nothing but their strategy for expansion of the brand’s presence across India.

For More Information Visit: https://www.oobsmarthome.com/

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Lighting is one of the most important elements in architecture and interior design. Professionals use light to not just illuminate a space but also to create the right ambience. As this is the most discussed topic in the fraternity, Smart Home Expo took the initiative along with Ar. Surbhi Jindal, Women in Lighting India Ambassador, to curate a panel discussion on the topic: Lighting and Automation: Need of the Hour or Superfluous? This panel discussion was well appreciated for its in-depth analysis amongst the professionals and industry at large. 

For those few who missed out on the panel discussion at the Smart Home Expo 2022, we offer you a cursory view of the panel discussion.

Moderated by Ar. Maneck Tandon, Partner, ATPL Lighting was joined by other esteemed panelists dignitaries Ms. Nisha JamVwal, Partner, Nisha JamVwal Designs, Ar. Tannvi Gupta, Chief Architect, Reliance Industries Ltd., Zubair Ahmed, Managing Director, Studio Plus and Tripti Sahni, Design Principal, Studio Trace.

Ar. Maneck started with a brief introduction on how the industry has transformed from aqueducts to windmills. And how mankind has always tried to figure out ways to make things easier. Today, automation is ingrained in almost all forms of production and fabrication for the last few years. The automation bug seems to have followed us everywhere from workspaces to home. So now it is for us to figure out `Is automation a way to help us simplify and declutter our lives or drown ourselves by an excess of apps and remote control our existence?

He opened the discussion to a larger audience, as he believed that the discussion should not be restricted to professionals but should also include the end-users of the space making the entire discussion a very interesting and interactive session for the audience. 

Maneck opened the discussion by asking the panelist, What’s your opinion on Building Automation? Do we need it, is it practical or just sounds good on paper and a nightmare to deal with on the practical side of it?

Voicing her opinion Tannvi Gupta said, “Large scale projects should adopt building automation systems for the benefits they provide to the entire project. For example, we have adopted the latest automation systems for the Jio Centre and that has helped us offer flexibility in terms of functioning and smooth operation of this huge space. Plus, it has also helped us saves a lot of money, and also provides comfort. If automation systems are integrated after studying the requirement and usability of a space, Smart Automation can be a boon for any project.” 

Exploring another aspect of Smart Automation systems Maneck asked Nisha JamVwal, “What’s her reaction, when a client comes up to her and says they want everything automated, right from Alexa, Siri, the air conditioning lighting, audio, video security, does that excite you? Or it’s like, oh my God, what have I got into, what’s your reaction?

Nisha very enthusiastically said, “I have a fascination for technology. When a client comes with an open mind to adopt technology, I appreciate that because I think we are born in an age of technology and there is so much to learn. I think we all need to embrace technology. Recently, on my visit to a techie hotel in China. All the activities were handled by a Robo. Right from housekeeping, to lighting all activities were technology-driven.  But I also want to highlight the fact that when the same technology is overused without understanding the function, it can be a major challenge sometimes.” 

Nisha further highlighted the fact that the approach to such technology is different for different age groups. “It is like a double-edged sword, where we have to consider the senior age group while designing a project. We have to create a user-friendly design for the senior citizen, who is still learning how to use a mobile phone. But at the same time, we need to change with time and have to be receptible to new technology. It is all about striking the right balance”

Maneck asked Tripti Sahni: You’re an architect and a lighting designer, how important is automation and the presence or lack of it in your design process? When you visualize a project, do you visualize the light first and then automate it or are they sort of gel together? What’s the process?

Tripti Sahni explained her thought process said, “Automation is definitely a part of the entire process, but for me it’s secondary. I think the first step when I design the lighting for any space is trying to understand the context. What’s the scale of the space, the individual using the space and also the age group using the space. It also depends on the what is the purpose of the space?  Because each individual belonging to a different age group and will have a different requirement.” 

Adding her views on striking the right balance Nisha said, “Automation is equally important, but there has to be a balance. People should be educated to use the technology and the designer has to study the requirement of the client before offering solutions to their client?  

Maneck asked Tannvi: Does the need to automate depends on the scale of the project? How do you as an architect approach the space? 

Tannvi expressed her views and said, “The scale is secondary, the end-user should be the focus when designing.” 

Maneck asked Zubair Ahmed, What is his preference Monolithic platform or a decentralized autonomous system? What do you think is more practical? 

Adding his views on the same Zubair Ahmed said, “Depends on the scale of the project. If you’re doing a very large project, you still would like to have a wired system, which has firewall security, all of that built into it. It’s, pretty much all wired up and it’s controlled through a building management system. For large-scale projects yes, wired systems are preferable but for home, you can opt for Wi-Fi-enabled systems because basically in residential systems you want to be in control of things. But again, keeping the end user’s age group and preference is an important deciding factor in this whole process.  After all, you are building that space for him so his preference should be a priority when deciding.  I personally, would prefer a wired system. But then again, we need to make it more secure so that somebody doesn’t breach it. 

Speaking on maintenance and compatibility Tripti Sahni said, “Maintenance is a major challenge and compatibility is a major issue.  So, if these things are resolved a lot of things can be sorted. For bigger projects, we do need automation systems especially urban plazas which are used by a lot of people from different walks of life. 

Further adding insight on the same Tannvi adds,  We need to have a unified system in place from where you can control everything. It’s very important that though each space is designed individually, there should be a unifying platform so that the end-user can actually control it from a single point. And he’ll be able to take care of all the issues that you are bringing up.

Maneck asked Trupti, If ever she has come across a situation, where she would not recommend automation, and if so, why?
Trupti said, “I think they’re quite a few areas where we don’t need to automate. It’s definitely not necessary for example, in smaller homes. If you design with care and follow a hierarchy of wattages and brightness levels and use old-school zoning and dimmers, you would get the same impact, as the high-end automation systems. However, when you scale it up and you look at projects, you need an automation system. The other areas where automation is definitely required but also has its drawbacks is when you’re designing monuments or when you’re designing public spaces, often the lights malfunction.” 

Further adding his insight Zubair said, “I started using automation 18 years ago. I have used brands like ABB and Schneider, which were wired. You could control everything through these switches. Technology has come a long way and people have embraced it. But now that we have adopted technology, the focus of the brands should be to simplify the use and they should work towards providing a reliable backup service. Today, we have various brands but we need a reliable backup service option. 

Maneck asked the panelist What do they think about the future of automation? 

Zubair: This is a very tricky question. I mean, I think the operating systems like Apple and Google
are going to control the entire world.  

Tripti: I said gradually people will realize its importance and would want automation systems integrated into their homes.   

Maneck concluded the session by saying technology is evolving rapidly. However, end-users will shape the market. We as designers need to stay abreast, not only of the technological developments but also the way people respond to them. Some may choose to restrict automation to lighting and some may decide to adopt the latest automation systems. But I think it’s safe to say the future is `Automated’, but within that, whether `less is more’ is up to an individual. He thanked all the panelist and the audience. 

After a well-deserved round of applause from the audience, each panel member was graciously thanked, and they received a token of appreciation from Surabhi Jindal.  

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1. Work from home is here for good

You’re now aware that going to office every day is a thing of the past! You know you’ll now be working on a hybrid home-office-home environment and thus your home needs to prepare itself. If you’re thinking what preparation your home needs then the list is way too long and but here are some handy tips

1. You stable and high speed wi-fi connection needs a UPS to ensure a power failure doesn’t steal your thunder, during your call
2. You need home automation to ensure you don’t run with your laptop to switch on / off your lights, fans and other appliances, while your calls are on
3. Continue reading and you’ll realize there are much more benefits that home automation will help you with

2. Too many home deliveries disturbing your calls?. Here’s a solution you always wanted.
   1. Yes, from grocery to veggies, electronics to seafood. From same-day delivery to next-day delivery and more. If you get disturbed by delivery agents, maids and other help during your work hours, there is a seamless and secured solution to your rescue – A smart doorbell.
   2. Not only does it tell you who’s outside, but also you can speak to them and tell them to wait or drop the parcel outside. Yes, we love this feature too
3. Security is on top of your mind!  
   1. This smart doorbell ensures you get an alert in case someone is standing in front of your door – Well that’s an intrusion alert via a motion sensor! Yes, you heard it right
   2. And what’s more – there’s a night vision too! We’ve got it all covered you see
4. You’re tired of finding the right remote at the right time – I’m a victim of this search myself.
   1. So, from the fire tv stick remote, to the tv remote and the DTH remote. And that’s not the end, the AC remote too.
   2. Now control all your IR (Infra-red) remotes through your home automation app, and from anywhere.
   3. Imagine moving from the living room to kitchen and then to balcony yet switching on and off every applicance you desire – Yes it’s true.
   4. With IR controller, all your remotes sync into the home automation app and give you complete control

5. You’ve always wanted to know which appliance (s) in your home is the energy guzzler
   1. Experts say, you can only save when you can measure.
   2. Now get monthly reports on your energy consumption, monitor trends and much more, you will have complete control and knowhow of your energy bills.
   3. And you thought this was all about spending. We have got something to save too.

All this and more is possible with Wiser – The smart home solution from Schneider Electric. This solution is for existing homes too and can be deployed in under 4 hours and you can choose what you want! Are you still thinking?

The possibilities are endless. Should you want to speak to our experts or want our experts to connect with you, visit the Wiser page here.

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Mahesh Punjabi Associates is a leading Mumbai-based interior designing firm working with both residential and commercial projects. The team at Mahesh Punjabi Associates has worked on elaborately designed bespoke high-end residences across UAE, Africa and India. The studio is based out of Mumbai and offers a comprehensive range of interior design services. The company is now also operating in Dubai, South Africa and has ambitious plans of expanding its footprint in the Gulf region.

In an exclusive chat with Smart Home World, Mahesh Punjabi, CEO, Mahesh Punjabi Associates talks about how the home automation segment is finding traction in the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, his plans to adopt an environmentally-conscious approach and the need to leverage technology to simplify everyday use products.

What are your observations or learnings from the previous year? 

Because of the circumstances, people spent more time at home. Nobody has enjoyed their homes like last year ever before. A lot more investment went in smart machines, smart equipment, automation, products like Alexa etc. The surge in the amount of work after the ease of lockdown is proof of that. 

Which segment product has more traction now in comparison to the pre-pandemic period?

There is definitely a spike in the AV segment. We can attribute it to the change in the way entertainment moved into the house with OTT platforms gaining popularity and the latest movies and shows being available at the click of a button.

Is there a segment shift in home automation, which was probably limited to the upper class earlier? 

There is a huge segment shift. People who were earlier averse to the idea of automation are now investing only in automation. Change happened because people started admiring the value of life and the quality of life.

Home automation earlier was Tier-1 city-centric. Has the demand moved beyond the geographies of the large cities?

Yes, it has penetrated to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Just like the imported cars that which have lesser value in cities, find a lot of value in the smaller towns. And they opt for the best-in-class. Similarly, home automation is something people have not seen. So there is a surge in demand from these areas. The bigger city clients may have budget restrictions, but the Tier-2 and Tier-3 clients are ready to spend more to get the best product.

What are your expectations from the Indian home automation market this year? 

The expectation is moving towards the kitchen; the kitchen is a segment that is totally unexplored as far as India is concerned. Smart appliances are totally a novelty and the penetration is very low. I don’t think India will have smart appliances like the refrigerator to tell you the broccoli or the milk is over. This is because of the prevalent affordable domestic help segment that caters to everything. So I don’t think anything as such is going to find a market in India anytime soon. 

Can you highlight the key challenges in home automation implementation?  

To my surprise, in the last couple of projects that I worked, unfortunately, I had to remove the automation. The products were not dynamic enough, the vendor could not support them. In fact, after a certain period, the vendor discontinued the distributorship. Then it came to a point that the client was forced to shell out sizeable amounts when calling for tech support. So the client finally got rid of automation and reversed to the Tiktok switches. 

How is 2021 looking for you? 

Things are looking better now. I see people being extremely green-conscious, environmentally conscious. So, the stress is a lot on energy savings.

Do you have any specific plans for the company in the year ahead? 

We are looking at adopting more responsible and more mature approach for tomorrow. There is a growing consciousness among the younger generation, with them opting for products like e-vehicles and smart products that are environment-friendly.   

The concept of green buildings is also fast catching up. What are your views?

The concept can be very good, but we need to have the infrastructure to support it. The timeline to complete a building is set; however, the supply chain doesn’t support that. So there should support infrastructure for green concept to take off the way it should. 

Is there is a shortfall in the smart home solutions segment?

Not at all. Technology is ever-evolving, our imagination is restrictive, but technology’s imagination is far faster. It’s like a mobile phone. There are so many features in it, but you barely use 5-7% of it.

There is a growing popularity in the voice control systems. Compare them with the normal controls. 

Normal control systems are far better for Indian conditions because of the noise pollution levels in our country. Again, we are rarely isolated in a room. So, voice-operated systems are yet to be popular.

What is the next technology in the offing for smart homes?

Offering simplicity to everyday use products should be the next big move. For instance, sensor lights below the bed, sensor lights in the bathroom, locks not opening if operated by an unauthorised person. 

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