ST. PAUL, Minn. – Alula is demonstrating what they’re calling their industry evolving hybrid alarm panel, the Connect-XiP, at ISC West, March 28-31.

Article posted on SSN

The panel combines wireless and wired security as Alula’s offering to the smart commercial security industry. Featuring their point-to-point device communications technology and interactive services, the panel also has a unique programmable power distribution model, multi-battery support, native dual-path communications, dual wireless sensor protocol reception, and more.

“We are excited to showcase Connect-XiP, Alula’s first wired solution, at ISC West,” said Dave Mayne, Chief Revenue Officer at Alula. “Alarm dealers and system integrators have come to recognize and trust our wireless products and for years have asked us to build a wired solution. We are confident this powerful new system will meet their needs and will carry forward the core tenants of Alula – flexibility, innovation and cost-savings for professional security providers.”

“With this versatile new platform, Alula will deliver an ideal solution for both residential and commercial applications. This is a great demonstration of the importance we place on listening to our customers, understanding the market and delivering an innovative, market-focused solution,” said Mayne.

Two models of Connect-XiP are currently planned for launch, and will work with the Alula Security App and Alula Video Platform.

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About Alula
Alula is the only security platform that delivers security simplified for independent security dealers and installers and the customers who rely on their service and expertise. Today, thousands of dealers across North America have over 250,000 active locations secured and connected with Alula. Designed for professional security professionals, the Alula platform provides a complete security, alarm, video and automation solution for renters, homeowners and commercial installations. Alula is a business-driven security platform designed to reduce truck rolls, increase RMR, simplify inventory and put dealers 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. http://www.alula.net

What’s Coming for Residential Dealers?

The way security and automation dealers and their clients interact is changing rapidly as technology advances and do-it-yourself systems proliferate. Continued dealer success hinges on their ability to embrace these changes as part of everyday business.

Traditionally, the dealer was the source of all devices and services required for a connected home. Dealers installed equipment and things remained mostly unchanged until the customer moved, stopped paying, or a cellular sunset required upgrading a system’s communicator. There was little or no need for regular interaction between dealers and their customers.

However, there’s been a significant shift across multiple industries. Consumer-centric business models, pushed by tech giants such as Google and Apple, are aimed at the cost-conscious and younger consumers who are comfortable setting up a DIY smart home system without dealer assistance. While security remains essential, these customers are more interested in automation and convenience and aren’t afraid to install devices purchased online or from big-box stores. To succeed, dealers must provide the services these customers want. Despite what some dealers may think, it’s difficult to grow while only installing security systems. 

Increasingly, dealers must accept the smart lighting, Wi-Fi plugs and other devices customers bring into their homes. Leading smart home manufacturers now design network-enabled, discoverable products that can locate other smart devices. IP-based equipment enables dealers to gain insight into what’s essential to their customers. 

New technologies, providing more benefits and services, offer dealers tremendous growth potential over the next few years. Home systems, built around sensors that detect movement and things opening and closing, are now adding cameras equipped with artificial intelligence. The cameras serve as sensors that go beyond detecting basic motion. A good example is life safety services increasingly powered by AI-equipped cameras. They detect such events as smoke and fire or an older adult who has fallen or is showing a change in gait. Built-in object detection highlights motion by people, vehicles or pets, making it easy to search for things important to end users, such as children arriving home from school. 

This industry was built on users, or their security provider, having to program what they wanted their systems to do. Increasingly, we have AI-based systems observing our actions and automatically suggesting activities. We’ve already seen this with virtual assistants suggesting music based on our previous selections. This type of learned behavior will make its way into the security and home automation industry in a big way. 

Also, look for wireless devices with improved transmission range, providing more choices for product placement. And expect new services enabling communities of family and neighbors to respond to a user’s system alerts and alarms – all through a common smartphone app.

 

SMB

Small to medium businesses represent a sizable percentage of revenue for many alarm dealers. In a post-pandemic world, SMB employees come and go at different times of day, making it essential for managers to control systems remotely. 

Dealer-installed devices can integrate with other building systems, such as access control. AI will enable interactive systems to handle events such as unattended deliveries. With a push of a button on a mobile app, the security system is disarmed. Another button press unlocks the door and the delivery person is given access to leave packages indoors. Once the delivery has been completed the system re-arms itself. And it all happens while a camera monitors the event. 

Some of the automation activities offered by smart home systems will also help small businesses control lighting and other systems, improving security and reducing energy costs. Dealers can help franchise owners unify and collectively manage multiple locations under a single account. 

 

Consolidation

In a very competitive marketplace, including DIY, dealers must become more efficient in their account creation costs. This involves viewing consumer-purchased devices as reducing the amount of time and money needed for a dealer to get an account up and running. 

We’re likely to see increased industry consolidation. Smaller dealers may be at risk if they aren’t building scale, volume or specialized offerings. Technology offers these dealers a chance to redefine their businesses, making themselves known as integrated technology leaders. They need to say to potential and existing customers, “We’re your local technology integrator. We deliver more.” Adopting an integrator mindset is an important path to survival. 

 

Cyber awareness

More IoT devices create added opportunities for a successful cyberattack. Users may have 10, 20 or more “connected” devices on their network. When they buy a device, most people have no idea where it was made or who’s hosting it. Yet, these home networks are where users do their taxes and store health data and other private information. 

Cybersecurity fears will drive some DIY adherents to a professional dealer/installer. Here is an opportunity for dealers to offer managed networks with no need to roll trucks as firmware and software updates are controlled remotely. Managing networks provides dealers with a reliable source of recurring monthly revenue.

Successfully operating a home security and automation business is challenging at any time. For years, dealers built businesses around monitoring intrusion and life safety sensors. Then came the addition of controlling lights, locks and thermostats. That’s all good, but now it’s time to think about providing remote management and proactive monitoring of more devices. Technology offers new ways for dealers to display their professionalism and take control of their customers’ systems – and their businesses. 

 

(Dave Mayne is chief revenue officer for St. Paul, Minn.-based Alula, the leader in smart security and system communications for professional installers)

 

 

 

New camera models, AI-based object detection, Mobile app enhancements and more!

St. Paul, Minn. – April 22, 2022 – Alula, the leader in smart security and system communications for professional installers, today announced the release of its powerful new video platform. Featuring new camera models, AI-based object detection, enhancements to video clip navigation and viewing in the Alula Smart Security App and advanced video capabilities through the new Slimline Touchpad PRO. These new products and capabilities strengthen the role that video plays as a core component of professional security, and further reinforces Alula’s position as a full service solutions provider.

Three new cameras have been added to Alula’s video portfolio. The first is a modern, industrial designed Outdoor Bullet – perfect for viewing porches, alleyways, backyards and more. The second is a smart Doorbell camera with robust and simplified aesthetics, improved motion detection algorithms, and active motion highlighting. The final model is the Indoor 360, featuring responsive pan-tilt operation for broad viewing coverage. All three cameras deliver a high definition viewing experience, motion detection, extended Wi-Fi range and night vision to help users see what’s going bump in the night.

The Outdoor Bullet camera, specially equipped with AI object detection, allows the camera to differentiate between vehicles, people, pets and other objects. System owners will appreciate that they are able to see more while capturing less, as AI object detection filters out “motion noise” and intelligently captures clips of desired activity – such as a child returning home from school or a potential unknown intruder.

With Alula’s Smart Security App, individual camera settings can be adjusted so that system notifications are sent to system users when specific motion activity occurs. App enhancements for navigating stored video clips make it easier for users to find and view clips that were captured at a specific date and time.

Alula’s new video platform can be used in multiple ways. It can be used as part of a more comprehensive smart security system when used in conjunction with the Connect+ control panel. It can be paired with the BAT-Connect alarm panel communicator, on new system installations or on legacy panels that may be in need of a feature refresh. It can also be used as a standalone video surveillance system, which is important for dealers and integrators who are looking for a way to get their foot in the door with consumers and small business owners that may initially only be interested in video services.

“If you need another reason to take a serious look at Alula’s new video platform, consider our newest system control interface – the Slimline Touchpad PRO,” said Corey Plender, Alula’s Vice President, Product Management & Customer Success. “These new cameras and our new touchpad have been purposely integrated to deliver an enhanced customer experience.”

The new touchpad brings these cameras to life by enabling users to monitor live or recorded video on a 7-inch, full color display. The Touchpad PRO plays an audible chime when the doorbell is activated. It also enables two-way conversation with visitors through the new Doorbell camera, or with people in various locations throughout the property with the Indoor 360 camera.

“The advances we’ve achieved with this new video platform are just the beginning,” Plender said. “We are working on intelligent processing that will allow us to combine the AI detection capabilities of these new cameras with our sensor technology. Using the video information and sensor activity together, will allow us to tell a more complete story of what’s going on inside of a home or business. These elements will all be brought together to further evolve the video verification experience.” 

Visit alula.com/cameras to learn more about Alula’s new cameras or alula.com/slimline-touchpad for more information about the Slimline Touchpad PRO.

ABOUT ALULA


Alula’s fire, security and home automation solutions are purpose-built for today’s independent security dealer and integrator professionals. Alula offers end-to-end alarm and interactive services, a mobile app, dealer portal, wireless security/smart home system, universal communicators, translators, cameras, sensors and more. Alula’s mission is to provide differentiated security, automation and smart property solutions that help professional alarm dealers and integrators grow their business more profitably.

 

For more information about Alula, visit https://alula.com/

 

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Alarm Verification Services and Alula Messenger create a collaborative environment to reduce false alarms and increase system use.

St. Paul, Mn. – March 15, 2022 – Alula, a leader in smart security and system communications for professional alarm dealers, today announced two new service enhancements – Alarm Verification Services and Alula Messenger – enabling system owners to create a community for responding to system alerts and alarms in real-time. Maintained by the system owner, the notification and response community may include family members and neighbors.

Community members may act on alerts and alarms resulting from detected intrusion events as well as day-to-day activities based on video clips from integrated cameras. The user’s response team receives real-time notifications and communicates with other members through the Alula Smart Security App. 

Warren Hill, Alula’s Vice President of Marketing, said the service enhancements create a home monitoring and control platform capable of checking on events that might include:

• Inadvertent alarm activations
• Temperature or water leak alerts from inside the home
• Ensuring children arrive home safely from school
• Safety checks on elderly adults living independently

Both Alarm Verification Services and Alula Messenger enable system owners to create an established support community,” he said. “These new tools enable community members to quickly investigate, collaborate and communicate with each other and their monitoring center.”

The new service enhancements reduce false alarms and the related penalties imposed by certain jurisdictions by verifying actual alarms. System users create and maintain their lists, which greatly increases the chances of them remaining up to date. 

Historically, the creation and maintenance of lists have fallen to alarm dealers or monitoring centers. Frequently, regular updates were not made, resulting in monitoring centers struggling to locate the right people and wasting valuable time and money responding to events.

These new features will bundle with other Alula system services and be available exclusively through professional alarm dealers and system integrators and provide them another way to increase their monthly revenue.

“These new features were designed to help dealers reduce account attrition by providing an alarm system that’s more relevant and integral to a customer’s everyday life,” said Hill.

 

ABOUT ALULA
Alula’s fire, security and home automation solutions are purpose-built for today’s independent security dealer and integrator professionals. Alula offers end-to-end alarm and interactive services, mobile app, dealer portal, wireless security/smart home system, universal communicators, translators, cameras, sensors and more. Alula’s mission is to provide differentiated security, automation and smart property solutions that help professional alarm dealers and integrators grow their business more profitably.

 

For more information about Alula, visit https://alula.com/

 

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Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers, today launched the Builder Program, an industry-leading program for professional smart home security integrators who work with residential homebuilders. This program provides the flexibility and cost structure alarm dealers and residential integrators need to grow their business, while delivering the technology new homebuyers demand.

“Throughout the creation of this program we talked to a lot of alarm dealers across the U.S. about their ideal solution for the new construction market,” explained Brian McLaughlin, CEO at Alula. “The number one thing they asked for was the ability to design packages specifically for the homebuilders they work with. Our program does just that. We provide solutions and leave it up to the integrator to customize a unique package that works for their builders. It’s by far the most flexible, cost-effective program available in the industry.”

Unlike other programs that require dealers to work with multiple suppliers for hardware and services, Alula offers an integrated solution that covers the complete experience. Because of this, Alula is able to offer hardware packages at everyday low prices and then add prepaid service plans that fit the needs of each integrator. In addition to providing the complete hardware and service solution, Alula also provides sales and marketing assets to help alarm dealers sell the value of offering a smart home experience to new homebuyers.

“A key differentiator of the Alula Builder Program is how we’re going to market. Alula is launching this program to our professional dealer partners,” McLaughlin added. “We’re remaining true to Alula’s brand by putting our dealer partners first and allowing them to customize smart home packages that work for their builder customers. Other programs in this space bypass the residential integrator and engage directly with the homebuilder.”

Four standard service plans, ranging from 12-months to the lifetime of the original homeowner, are available. Service plans include smart device control and automation (lights, thermostats, door locks, and more), live video viewing and local alarm. Alarm dealers can work with builders and homeowners to add additional services, capabilities and hardware.

Additional core benefits of the Alula Builder Program include:

• Versatility: One panel for automation, video and security
• Customization: Select the kit that works best for the homebuilder’s needs
• Cost-Efficiency: Save with model home discounts, remote service activation and cellular communication on-demand
• Flexibility: Alula’s platform covers wireless and hardwired applications
• A Dynamic App: Alula’s mobile app automatically configures itself based on the services to which a homeowner has subscribed

“Having smart home security technology installed in new construction is no longer considered an upgrade — homebuyers expect these tech features in their new homes,” said Rob Bowlin, President of Quantum Security. “We’re installing smart lights, door locks, cameras and security devices throughout the home. The great thing about the Alula program is that we can use the same equipment for automation as we do for security. Plus, the Alula platform gives us the ability to remotely activate new features, which significantly reduces costs typically incurred on return trips.”

The Alula Builder Program is available to all Alula dealers. To learn more about the Program, visit www.alula.com/builder.

About Alula

Alula is the leading all-in-one security and home automation platform, purpose-built for today’s independent security and installation professionals. From panel to communicators and sensors to the industry’s fastest network, Alula offers a complete, end-to-end solution and one accountable partner. Today, thousands of alarm dealers and integrators across North America have nearly 400,000 active locations connected and secured 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 Builder Program is available to professional installers in the U.S., Canada and Australia. For more information about Alula, visit http://www.alula.com. For information about becoming an Alula partner, visit https://alula.com/advantage/.

The new device adds to an outdoor security products line that includes an outdoor gate sensor, outdoor motion detector, outdoor bullet camera and doorbell camera

Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers and the award-winning inventors of the Connect+ Platform, today announced the latest addition to its line of outdoor security products, the RE636 Wireless Outdoor Siren.

The Wireless Outdoor Siren is an extended perimeter warning device that produces high volume alert sounds and visual strobing. The device provides an early warning to summon help in the event of burglary, smoke or carbon monoxide alarm conditions. The siren’s volume and strobe lights are adjustable through AlulaConnect to accommodate any installation scenario, and the siren can be incorporated into home automation routines through Alula’s Scenes engine.

“In an emergency, there’s no time to waste, and we’ve seen tragic instances where first responders weren’t able to find the right house,” says Dave Mayne, VP of Products for Alula. “With the outdoor siren, there’s a flashing light that tells police and firefighters exactly where help is needed. Eliminating confusion in those crucial moments can save lives.”

The RE636 includes a multi-cadence siren, 2-5 year battery life (batteries included), and IP56 water resistant enclosure. The siren can be installed with AC power by routing the power supply wire through the hole in the back plastic, while wall mounting can be achieved by securing the siren to a surface with the included mounting screws. The Connect+ panel supports up to eight RE636 sirens at one time for especially large properties. 

“There has been a dynamic shift with people spending more time at home this year,” said Alula CEO Brian McLaughlin. “It’s more important than ever to feel secure at home, and the Outdoor Siren offers an early warning that can save lives and provide peace of mind.”