INDUSTRY FOCUS

Security behind the Front Door

My nature is being skeptical about securing the home. Maybe because a home is a small target or I figure that deadbolt is enough. I have started taking home security and smart home technology more serious.

Data offered by Trading Platforms says Smart Home technology has become more accessible in recent years. Usage rates are rising significantly in the United States. Apparently, the number of Smart Home users in the United States will surpass 50 million this year. More than $28.9 billion will flow throughout the United States.

How did I miss this news?

The Smart Home market is loaded with incredible technology, and I had to learn this the hard way. While doing a little DIY work outside and around the house, I thought of a plan to change the doorbell. It did not work, and it stayed that way for quite a while. In trying to figure out how to run those nasty wires, the thought came to mind, “why not wireless?”

Almost as if it was supposed to be this way, I made the change, and my home was starting to get smarter. So, make that 50 million and one end users.

What else might I upgrade to make my home smarter? First, I had better connect with a security integrator associate, who knows a lot more than I could ever imagine.

My garage door has been giving me fits. Come to find out, my friend, Alexa knows a little something about smart garage door controllers, among other things. These devices are improving in both simplicity and capability. Maybe the garage door is not on your to do list right now or the foreseeable future, a smart garage door controller has some advantages. This advantage catches my eye. Not only can you open and shut the door from anywhere so that you can let guests, family or delivery people in, you will also know whether the door is open or closed in real time.

Smart Home revenues in the United States should increase at a steady pace over the same period, growing at a CAGR of 12.82% and reaching $46.8 billion by 2025. The smart appliance segment will generate the largest share of revenue in 2021 at $8 billion. Security follows close behind at $5 billion. By 2025, security is likely to account for more than $8 billion of all U.S. Smart Home revenues.

There is a lot to protect in a home, more than just the front door bell. The United States currently has the highest penetration rate, (40.1%) in smart home technology, followed the UK at 37.4%. By 2024, the penetration rate in the United States should surpass 50%. Maybe the front doorbell is a good place to start.

This article originally appeared in the July / August 2021 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.