Many families have adapted their lifestyles this year, adjusting daily trips to school, the office, gyms and more to staying in their home offices, living rooms, etc. These changes have implications for home technology professionals. Prior to the pandemic, homeowners sought smart home and security systems for home monitoring while they were away, whether at the office or on vacation. While monitoring has become less of a priority with more at-home time, there’s still a need for home technology. Security integrators can evaluate new emerging opportunities to keep their businesses growing. 

First, the needs for security have changed. Instead of checking that the house is secure from anywhere, homeowners want access to everything at their home to manage their new schedules. Instead of offering sensors to monitor when doors have been opened, homeowners need solutions to monitor new aspects of their lifestyles. For example, a video doorbell camera can allow parents answer the door from their home office, or they can use a smart door lock to let in a babysitter or family member while on a conference call without interruption. Alternatively, families may want sensors, lights and door locks installed at an elderly loved one’s home, so they can stay connected and help care for them, even from a distance.

Many traditional security devices and experiences can be adapted to suit today’s new way of living, and there are also new categories that dealers can take advantage of. Lighting control and entertainment are growing fields of interest driven by this new lifestyle. Lighting controls, for example, can help support a new routine, brightening the office when it’s time for work, and signaling when it’s time for breaks, lunch or recess for kids learning at home. In addition to working and learning from home, entertaining from home has driven families to upgrade their living rooms with new TVs and better audio as they take a break from live sporting events, concerts and movie nights at local cinemas. 

As security integrators take on these and other growing categories, and develop offerings for the new home security needs, they can both expand their client base and grow revenue by going back to former clients. Homeowners who have pre-pandemic systems could get a check-up to see how everything is working, and offer the new devices that may meet their changing needs. Remote monitoring is another area for growth, allowing integrators to check on systems from afar, and keep them online and optimized without truck rolls and in-person contact.

Home technology is designed to support and improve people’s lifestyles. As needs change and technology develops, integrators and dealers must also adapt. The approach to home security has shifted from monitoring from anywhere to in-home control experiences. By adjusting for the emphasis on these categories, security integrators can build momentum for growth.