Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers and the award-winning inventors of the Connect+ Platform, was recognized by the Security Industry Association (SIA) with a New Product Showcase Award in the Intrusion Detection and Prevention Solutions category for their Slimline Touchpad. The awards are presented in coordination with ISC West — revealed on July 9 as part of a virtual presentation ceremony.

Alula’s Slimline Touchpad was commended by the judges for its ability to instantly modernize old security panels with at-a-glance control of video, security, environmental and automation sensors. The Touchpad creates an encrypted feed to Alula Video Cameras, including the Video Doorbell, so customers can see, hear and speak to people at the doorstep.

Installers have acknowledged the touchpad for its ease of use. The touchscreen looks and drives just like the Alula smartphone app, with a vivid 7” landscape view. That means only one set of controls to teach, with no manual needed, which saves security professionals both time and money.

“We’re honored to be recognized for the innovative Slimline Touchpad,” said Brian McLaughlin, CEO, Alula, “We’ve heard back from partners that the Slimline Touchpad is a system-seller that their customers love. This award from SIA is wonderful recognition of the hard work of our talented engineers.”

SIA’s new product showcase awards strive to recognize innovative physical security products, services and solutions. The technologies showcased provide the most innovative products on the frontline of security. Alula’s 2020 New Product Award win for the Slimline Touchpad follows up a 2019 SIA Award for the Bat-Connect communicator.

The Slimline Touchpad is now available pre-programmed as part of a new Connect+ kit that can be set up by a professional or an end-user with Pro assistance in 30 minutes or less.

“We know that a customer’s satisfaction with their security system will largely depend on their experience with the app and the home touchscreen controls,” says Dave Mayne, Vice President of Product Management at Alula. “That’s why we worked so hard to create a seamless user experience across those screens. Thank you SIA for continuing to recognize and celebrate innovation in our industry.”

About Alula
Alula is the only all-in-one security and home automation platform purpose-built for today’s independent security and installation professionals. From sensors to hub to network, Alula offers a complete, end-to-end solution and one accountable partner. Today, thousands of partners across North America have over 300,000 active locations secured and connected with Alula. Designed for professionals, the Alula platform provides a complete security, automation and video solution for renters, homeowners and commercial installations. Alula is a business-driven platform designed to reduce truck rolls, increase RMR, simplify inventory and put today’s professional providers in control of their business, their customers and their revenue. The Alula platform is available nationwide through distributors that cater to the alarm and integrator industry. For more information about the Slimline Touchpad, visit https://alula.com/slimline-touchpad/ . For more information about Alula, visit https://alula.com.

Providing security systems to commercial clients during the pandemic is vital opportunity to help those businesses stay ahead in uncertain times.

Dave Mayne June 19, 2020

Originally published in CE Pro

Owning and managing a business day-to-day is challenging in normal times. But in a global health emergency like the coronavirus where tens of millions of workers are being told to stay home, customers are keeping their distance and supply chains are in a state of upheaval, the combined challenges can seem overwhelming.

Buildings are empty or operating with a skeleton crew. Assets are being left unattended. The familiar faces who deliver goods on a regular schedule are being replaced by strangers who come and go at different times.

Business owners are concerned not just about the security of their operations, but about keeping business moving along in a world that changes constantly.

Security integrators can help them on both fronts.

In the new business landscape, where face-to-face interactions are not an option, remote control, remote access and full visibility into properties and assets have become critically important. Enterprises that use fully integrated, cloud-based security systems will find the day-to-day challenges less daunting.

With the right technology in place, businesses can worry less and get back to doing what they do best: serving the customer.

 

Integrated Security Helps Overcome Challenges

Social distancing rules during the pandemic mean businesses of all kinds face a fearsome new hurdle: keeping operations going with few or no people on site while serving customers who don’t dare venture outside the house.

But commerce goes on, after a fashion. People still access properties to perform necessary work, although they’re discouraged from interfacing with others. And properties and assets—which are more vulnerable now–still need to be kept secure.

For many businesses, securing the operation means using some combination of intrusion prevention, video surveillance, access control and energy management. Some businesses use four separate systems with four separate interfaces to handle these critical functions.

Four separate systems is complex enough on a normal day, but during an emergency that upends daily life and keeps people home, patchwork systems like these quickly become untenable. And they also don’t offer a complete view.

Access Control, for example, will show who entered a specific segment of the building, but doesn’t see movement inside a property.  Cameras can detect movement, but they can’t determine if they’re seeing an authorized person or not. It is through interactions between systems that a more complete picture is formed.

Additionally, in a fragmented security setup, security and access systems are set up to run according to a certain set routine, which in normal times might be easy to stick to. But if a single routine changes—for example, if a delivery schedule changes—all four of these systems must be updated to account for the change.

And since the pandemic started, constant change has become the norm. Staffing levels and schedules have changed. Access patterns have changed. And because of social distancing protocols, personnel are scattered and working at different times, which means people may need access to places they didn’t use before.

Business today is a fluid situation, and every change four times is not just inefficient and prone to errors. Today, it’s next to impossible.

Combining all of these functions into a single interface is the way businesses can resume some version of normal operations. It’s also the way the security integrator goes far beyond the role of watchdog, and helps business owners manage the day-to-day functioning of their business.

Go Beyond Just Access Control

The way for them to get these features without piling cost and complexity on top of an already difficult situation is to use a solution that unites all of these functions in a cloud-based system, and offers them on a single interface.

Disparate systems are complex even when things are going smoothly, and it may be awhile before things run smoothly again. Marrying the various critical functions of security, access and building management is a necessity now, but will remain immensely valuable long after the pandemic has passed.

Alula’s cloud-based security platform has been giving businesses simple remote control of their operations for years, and we’ve recently extended our platform in a way that’s especially useful in the new business climate we’re only now beginning to see play out. We’ve expanded and tightened the integration on the intrusion side. Beyond just remote control, we now view all sensor and user activity. We provide full remote visibility into a broad range of intrusion systems

Partnering with Brivo, the global leader in cloud-based physical security, means offering a maintenance-free, cloud-to-cloud API integration that makes it easy for integrators to install and configure both systems quickly.

Intrusion detection, access control and interactive features like video and energy management can all be accomplished remotely, and from a single interface.

This is the kind of flexibility and simplicity that businesses need in a fast-changing situation where all of the normal processes have been turned upside-down.

Business owners, for example, can now remotely manage unattended delivery, allowing the delivery person to access a portion of a property without risk of generating a false alarm, and getting verification that the delivery occurred – even including visual verification of the package.

New or temporary employees can now disarm a security system without having to share a code, managing this all through the access badges every employee receives. Video events can now be tagged with details of specific security and access control events, making it easier to sort through weeks of surveillance video.

Business owners and managers need to focus on how to serve a customer who’s needs have dramatically changed – leaving little time to constantly configure and change multiple different security and access systems.

While this type of integration is prompted by the current challenge, early adopters will find it offers benefits long into the future.

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Dave Mayne is Vice President of Product Management at Alula, the leader in smart home security and automation systems for professional installers and the award-winning inventors of the Connect+ Platform. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn.

Alula Marketing VP Brad LaRock is featured in SDM magazine’s new “State of the Market” report for 2020.

LaRock comments on the Interlogix shutdown at the end of 2019 and the opportunities it opened up for innovation.

Brad LaRock, vice president of marketing at Alula, an all-in-one security and home automation platform based in St. Paul, Minn., says 2019 was a year of transition, partially due to big companies such as Interlogix closing their doors.

Alula took advantage of the instability by creating new solutions, such as the Connect-XT, which helped professional installers upgrade Simon panels after the Interlogix shutdown.

“Innovations like this led to over 50 percent growth in activations for Alula Interactive,” LaRock says.

LaRock also discussed how Covid-19 has led to a surge in partner wishing to offer a customer-installed do-it-with-me solution.

Alula has seen increased interest in adoption of its pro-guided, contactless install model since the pandemic started.

“The industry had already started dipping a toe in self-install models to compete with big tech DIY brands, but with the sudden onset of social distancing, we expect this trend to markedly accelerate with every company exploring new ways to reach customers without face-to-face exposure,” LaRock says.

Read the whole article here.

Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers, announced a solution for dealers to stay on track to upgrade smart home security systems to meet the approaching 3G cellular sunset. Connect-XT provides dealers with an easy-to-install product that upgrades an outdated panel while servicing customers in a safe way.

Connect-XT, which can easily upgrade Simon XT, XTi and XTi5 panels to a modern, mobile, interactive security experience, can now be easily installed at home. Alula is the first to offer a 5G-ready cell card that can easily be installed by the end-user. This allows Pro installers to get ahead of their sunset obligations even if they are unable to do an in-person visit due to concerns around Coronavirus.

The new CAT-m1 cellular card interacts with the Simon panel serial automation interface, providing full sensor status, system status and arming controls. Not only will this card save Simon products from the upcoming 3G sunset, but it is also compatible with the 5G standard as well, meaning that Security Pros and their Simon customers need not worry about the next cellular sunset.

Beyond technological upgrades, the Connect-XT offers a solution for customers who are hesitant to have individuals enter their homes in these unprecedented times. The Connect-XT’s easy, one-tool installation allows for any individual with a legacy system and a screwdriver to complete the upgrade.

“At Alula, we are striving to do our part to maintain business operations and safety for our partners and their customers during a time of social distancing and uncertainty,” said Paul Saldin, Vice President of Engineering at Alula. “Providing this first-to-market product for an incredibly easy install gives Security Pros the opportunity to get ahead of the Sunset even if they can’t visit a customer’s house right now.”

During the development of the Connect-XT, the Alula engineering team drew on deep knowledge of the Simon products and harnessed this insight to deliver a solution that’s easy to install and upgrades the functionality.

“No longer must a security dealer choose between maintaining a security system and adhering to appropriate social distance protocol,” Saldin said. “The Connect-XT is a solution designed to keep our partners and their customers safe.”

ABOUT ALULA
Alula is the only all-in-one security and home automation platform purpose-built for today’s independent security and installation professionals. From sensors to hub to network, Alula offers a complete, end-to-end solution and one accountable partner. Today, thousands of partners across North America have over 300,000 active locations secured and connected with Alula. Designed for professionals, the Alula platform provides a complete security, automation and video solution for renters, homeowners and commercial installations. Alula is a business-driven platform designed to reduce truck rolls, increase RMR, simplify inventory and put today’s professional providers in control of their business, their customers and their revenue. The Alula platform is available nationwide through distributors that cater to the alarm and integrator industry. For more information about the Connect-XT, visit https://alula.com/connect-xt/. For more information about Alula, visit https://alula.com.

Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers, has won Security Sales & Integration award for the 2020 Most Valuable Product (MVP) for the Slimline Touchpad, the latest security and automation interface to deliver the integrated app experience powered by Alula Interactive.

This award acknowledges superior products and services for electronic security industry professionals. While the MVP Award is typically announced at ISC West, due to the postponement of the event, Security Sales & Integration has announced the award winners ahead of this year’s conference.

“I don’t envy the panel of independent expert judges who had to evaluate and select winners among so many outstanding solutions,” says Security Sales & Integration Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher Scott Goldfine. “But pick they did, and those entrants should be quite proud of the achievement while dealers and integrators should be paying very close attention so as to integrate these offerings into their portfolios.”

Released March 2020, the updated Slimline Touchpad controls every aspect of a modern security system, delivering control of video cameras, Z-Wave devices and intrusion and environmental sensors. It offers the ability to add audible zone status so that the device announces when a door or window opens and closes, and has a user interface that matches the cell phone app, which is unique in the industry.

“Alula is honored to receive this award for innovation and to offer our partners a modern solution for onsite interactive control,” said Brian McLaughlin, CEO of Alula. “The ability to take a clunky old keypad off the wall and replace it with a modern, interactive security and automation experience is a game changer for our partners and another reason why Pros are flocking to Alula as the fresh new alternative.”

The Slimline Touchpad works with the BAT-Connect Communicator as well as Alula’s award-winning Connect+ panel. Unlike competing products that have limited functionality for additional touchpads away from the hub, the Connect+ allows subscribers to have four fully functional Slimline Touchpads spread throughout the home.

MVP entries were judged on a number of factors, including innovation, functionality, competitive advantages, benefits to the installer or monitoring provider and value to the end user.

ABOUT ALULA
Alula is the only all-in-one security and home automation platform purpose-built for today’s independent security and installation professionals. From sensors to hub to network, Alula offers a complete, end-to-end solution and one accountable partner. Today, thousands of partners across North America have over 300,000 active locations secured and connected with Alula. Designed for professionals, the Alula platform provides a complete security, automation and video solution for renters, homeowners and commercial installations. Alula is a business-driven platform designed to reduce truck rolls, increase RMR, simplify inventory and put today’s professional providers in control of their business, their customers and their revenue. The Alula platform is available nationwide through distributors that cater to the alarm and integrator industry. For more information about the Slimline Touchpad, visit https://alula.com/slimline-touchpad/. For more information about Alula, visit https://alula.com/.

The novel coronavirus is causing a sea change in consumer behavior, but security professionals who stay customer-centric in times like these will find ways to strengthen their position.

Originally published by Security Sales & Integration 

Consumers are craving safety in a world that seems increasingly dangerous. And while they’re eager to use sophisticated technology to secure their families and their homes, they’re not likely to open their doors to the professionals who install and maintain such security systems.

It’s a conundrum the likes of which the professional security installer hasn’t seen before, and it’s sending ripples of anxiety through the industry: Is this the moment I lose my customers to tech giants like Google and Amazon who offer out-of-the-box solutions that will turn millions of consumers into self-reliant, DIYers?

The answer to this question is no. In fact, this is the moment the professional installer becomes more important to consumers than ever, and even grows the business in ways that might not have been impossible just a few months ago.

The spread of COVID-19 is causing a sea change in consumer behavior, and professionals who stay customer-centric in times like these will find ways to strengthen their position, and show that now more than ever the human touch matters — even if it must be done at a distance.

 

The Contactless Install

 

With home visits to customers off the table in many states, the only way forward is to offer a self-install option, which means pre-provisioning many components of a security system on the bench before shipping an out-of-the-box-ready system to customers’ doorsteps.

While some professionals have been offering this option for quite some time, others have resisted, believing that giving the consumer too many “tools” means cutting the installer completely out of the picture.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed that. For the time being, there is no home visit and working side-by-side with the customer in person, so giving consumers the tools they need to install their own systems with remote help from the pro is the only option.

But this doesn’t have to diminish the role of the professional. In fact, it’s the opposite. Consumers need experts now more than ever, especially when it comes to personal safety.

Other industries are moving ahead by replacing in-person meetings with Zoom calls and finding other tech-enabled workarounds. We must do the same, because our customers need us.

 

Beyond Survival: Think Growth

 

Without the burden of having to drive to meet a customer, security pros can expand their horizons. Sending pre-provisioned security systems— and working with the customer over video chat to perform the installs — means customers can now be located anywhere.

But finding those customers may be a different challenge. Going door to door is unlikely to yield the usual results.

That means a shift to digital advertising. Stuck at home, and with the Internet as their guide, consumers are increasingly reaching out to the dealers who are visible and easy to find online. To capitalize on this trend, consider:

• Claiming your position online by strengthening your social media presence
• Leveraging Google Ads for improved visibility
• Refreshing your website content with COVID-19 specific messages

We don’t know how long it will take to go back to normal, but when we get there, you’ll be well-served with the digital presence you establish now.

 

Choose the Right Tech

 

This can be a time of growth for security professionals, not mere survival. But like all adaptations, it requires choosing the right tools for the challenge.

If you’re still pulling wires, unfortunately there’s not going to be much you can do to pivot to customers self-installing. You need reliable wireless security that is professional-grade but still simple enough for an end user to install.

At Alula, we have Connect+, a standalone hub that requires no drilling and receives upgrades and firmware updates remotely. That means you can install and service the panel without ever having to enter the customer’s home.

However, we recommend that you plan to visit the premises once this pandemic lifts. This will be a chance to spot check the install and tackle any projects (such as mounting a touchpad) that may have exceeded the customer’s aptitude.

The follow-up visit is also a great opportunity to upsell: add cameras or additional touchpads, for example. We’ve made our system modular so it’s easy to add onto without having to start over like you would with some systems that hardlock the touchpad into the security hub.

Nobody knows how long this is going to last. You can’t just wait it out and hope it goes back to normal before you go broke. The pro-guided self-install gives our industry a way forward.

There is an old saying in politics: Never let a good crisis go to waste. This might be the biggest crisis our industry has ever faced, but it can also be our greatest opportunity to grow.

Ron Long is VP of Operations and Customer Experience at Alula, a leader in smart home security and automation systems for professional installers. Connect with Ron on LinkedIn.