Trends in the Locksmith Industry for 2017
As with so many other industries, the locksmith and home security industry is going through some huge technological advancements. Driven in part by the technology available, in part for a growing demand for easy connectedness, and in part by growing safety and security concerns, the industry is transforming into something early locksmiths, even early technology experts, could never have imagined.
Let’s take a look and some of what may be on the horizon:
Smart Homes
Just as the smartphone is now a huge industry, so too is the smart home gaining ground. Markets and Markets suggest that by 2022, the smart home market is expected to grow to a $121 billion dollar industry.
Among the smart home trends predicted are greater connectivity. As people rely on smart phones for everything from shopping to directions to banking, and as they demand other connected features, it is likely that control over the home environment will be next. Whether it is monitoring for alarms, tracking who has entered or left a home, controlling heat and lighting – and some of these already do exist in one form or another – the need to be connected will grow.
It isn’t a stretch to suggest that whatever consumers can think of, whatever they decide they need next, developers will work to deliver in order to meet demand.
We have to also consider the increasing reality of artificial intelligence(AI). With companies like Google and Apple getting into AI – not in a scary robots taking over the world kind of way, but rather, in AI designed for specific purposes and to respond to specific scenarios – who knows what comes next? Perhaps a system that can react to temperatures inside and outside the home and adjust accordingly, or one that can open and close upper story windows against wind or rain automatically?
Security Cameras
While the initial nanny cams may have raised eyebrows, today, they are more of a given. Parents have cameras peeking in on sitters, watching kids sleeping; homeowners can easily access doorbell cameras that let them know who is at the door from anywhere in the house… There are indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, cameras that can be positioned in either or. What’s next? Perhaps something that alerts you when you’re away from home that someone is at your door? Or perhaps, as one blogger suggested, sensors with proactive capabilities? There is potential for facial recognition that could tie into this so that the family isn’t tripping an alarm every time they come home but what about Uncle John who drops in after a three year world tour? As I said, the potential is there but there are likely a number of kinks to consider.
New Products
PCMag regularly tests and reviews new technology. They gave Vivint Smart Home System an ‘excellent review’ noting options to control door locks, cameras, thermostats and sensors. Remote access was only available through a monthly subscription but they ranked it as the best video doorbell solution they had tested. Other products they reviewed had functionality but also limited uses in specific areas.
Cnet reviewed the best do it yourself security systems for 2017 and ranked the Adobe Starter Kit as among the top. The base package is relatively affordable and then can be customized to meet user needs, including a live stream camera, which could be especially useful to parents of teens or people very concerned about break-ins. Accessories that are compatible with the system include garage door openers, dimmer switches, appliance controls, water sensors, locks and smoke detectors.
InHomeSafetyGuide.org rated the top five best systems for 2017 and ranked GetSafe as its top choice. It has options that include an entry sensor, motion detector, key fob, cameras, and a smart hub to link it all.
Reviews.com rated Abode as the best truly DIY home security system because it offers free self-monitoring and an online security dashboard. That may actually be the crux of part of the decision-making process. Do you want a system that is monitored or do you want something you can just buy and then watch yourself? Do you want to start with something basic and then have the ability to customize and add to it as budgets and needs change?
Whatever your end goal is, the advice of people who know the industry, who know the products, and who may be able to install and provide such equipment can be the key. Professional advice, at least when it comes to your home’s security, is a shortcut you don’t want to take.
