Alula Launches New Enhanced Video Platform

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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Ready for ISC West?

Viva ISC West 2022

It’s an understatement to say conferences and tradeshows have changed during the pandemic. Still, we’re packing up our masks and hand sanitizer and heading to Las Vegas later this month (March 23-25) for one of our favorite events – ISC West. And we are looking forward to seeing you there.

If you don’t have your expo pass, here’s a free one on us. It’s a $150 value and it will give you access to the show floor and all the exhibits. You can find us in stand #8109. 

We’ve put together what we think is a great combo of new products, demos, giveaways and surprises. Here’s why you’ll want to visit with us.

  • If you sign up now for a demo (here) you’ll be entered to win a new BAT-Fire communicator or a Connect+ Premium Security Kit. We’ll be giving one of each away to two lucky attendees.
  • Register for a meeting, visit us and you’ll walk away with a $5 Starbucks card to purchase your favorite beverage, muffin or bagel.
  • You’ll be one of the first people to get a look at our sleek new Slimline Touchpad PRO and our new high-definition cameras. 
  • We’ll also show our recently launched universal fire communicator, the BAT-Fire.

In addition to all of this, you’ll get the chance to meet the Alula team, ask questions and provide us with feedback. We’re looking forward to seeing everybody face-to-face, or mask-to-mask as the case may be.

Alula Services Create a Community for Alarm System Response

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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Marketing 101 – Start with the basics

Marketing offers dealers powerful tools to gain new customers and expand services to existing clientele. It doesn’t have to cost much (if anything), except for some planning and time.

In this multi-part blog, I’ll look at different ways to make a positive impression on homeowners and renters throughout your service area. I know some of our dealers are already running successful multi-media marketing programs. Others are a little more hesitant, but there are opportunities for everyone.

 

Educate Existing Customers

Don’t overlook your existing customer base. These people are already on your radar. Make sure they know all the services you can provide and outline the benefits of those services. Each contact is an opportunity to educate them about home security and evolving smart home services. This takes a little finesse. There is a fine line between providing valuable information and overselling.

One way to walk that line is to develop a virtual flyer that can be emailed with an invoice or the more traditional approach of leaving behind a one-page handout. This lets customers look over the offered products and services and reach out with questions.

Also, remember we can help you customize the Alula app and Slimline Touchpad with your own logo. It means every time your customer uses the app, they will associate it with you and your business.

 

Word-of-Mouth

Looking for new customers? One of the first places to find them is through your existing customers. Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools available. And there are ways you can make it easier for your current customers to spread the word.

One of the best ways to get recommendations from your customer base is by providing excellent service. That seems obvious, but sometimes it’s easy to take your eye off the ball. Apple, Trader Joe’s, Nordstrom and Rackspace have made their reputations off superior customer service. Make sure great customer service is baked into your process. Emphasize it in your trainings and make it a key part of your job evaluations. Customer service should be top of mind for everyone in your workplace – from the person answering the phone to the sales team and the owner or general manager. Look at each customer as a walking advertisement for your business. Building a quality reputation is like money in the bank.

 

Incentives   

Make it even easier for your customers to recommend you by offering a cash reward or discount on monthly services for each referral. 

And while we’re talking about incentives don’t forget your employees. Offer a bonus for anyone bringing in new business. That means the sales team and anyone from installers to office support staff. Recognize team members who are helping you grow.

 

Up Your Community Profile

Take a higher profile in the community you serve. People like to support their local businesses. Let them know who you are by working in their neighborhoods. Ask your team to pick a good community cause and donate time. Work with schools, youth organizations, houses of worship or charities in the area. 

Food drives, park/beach clean-ups and school repair events can up your profile in the community, and they’re also great team-building and feel-good activities for your employees. Put on your company logo shirts and remember to take lots of photos. They can be used for office decorations, newsletters, social media, and even the local newspaper. We’ll talk about this more in the second blog of our marketing series. 

Sponsorships & donations are another way to become more well known in the community. Youth sports teams and school fundraisers are inexpensive ways to get your name in front of more people in the area. 

These are just a few ideas just to get you started. I’m sure you’ll think of many more projects appropriate for your community. 

Next up, we’ll look at websites and social media.

Service Status Page Adds Transparency To Alula Services And Relationships

When you’re troubleshooting operational problems with one or more customer systems, the immediate need is systematically eliminating the variables.  Is there trouble with the device you’re working with, the customers’ internet connections or with Alula‘s service platform?

Ron Long, Alula’s Chief Experience Officer, understands the need for quick problem resolutions. That’s why Alula recently developed a Service Status page, enabling dealers to immediately ensure all Alula services are fully operational and eliminate a variable from the troubleshooting equation. 

“We want to provide visibility and transparency of our operations,” he said. “Now, when dealers encounter a problem, they can go to our website and immediately see if there is an incident in progress, planned maintenance or software updates that might impact service.”

Dealers have access to the new site 24/7, and once subscribed, they choose to receive notifications via text message or email when interruptions occur. Any member of a dealer’s team may subscribe. 

Long said, “Planned, impactful maintenance events are posted in advance. If unexpected events occur, we will post planned corrective steps and provide an anticipated time for when services are expected to resume.”

The Alula Service Status is broken down into functional component groups that span all dealers, including signal relay, video and cellular services, notifications, AlulaConnect, and mobile applications. API services are shown for dealers using them for custom integrations and enterprise services, such as email and voice services, to interact with customers. Service history and availability figures are shown for each component.

“We have redundant systems, so when we have a service platform event, over 99.9% of the time it’s completely invisible to end-users and the dealers,” said Long. “We’ll use this site only for events impacting operations. Unfortunately, they do happen on very rare occasions.”

Rather than being added to the AlulaConnect platform, the Service Status page is an external site. If the AlulaConnect portal is unavailable, the status page will still help dealers locate potential causes and let them know Alula is aware of a problem and working to resolve it. 

Long indicated that dealers were enthusiastic after previewing the site. 

“Our customers expect a high level of transparency from Alula,” he said. “We see the Alula Service Status page as another way to maintain and increase the level of trust we’ve developed by working closely with our dealer community.”

Visit the Alula Service Status page for more information about subscribing or visit AlulaConnect.

 

The Upside of the 3G Sunset

As a dealer/integrator there are two ways to look at the 3G Sunset. The first is to view it as the arduous task of contacting each customer, convincing them the absolute necessity of upgrading and spending precious time and resources completing equipment swaps.

The other way of looking at it is to see it as an opportunity. And yes, that word is way overused in today’s buzzword ladened marketing talk, but in this case it’s true. First, it gives you a solid reason to talk with your customers. That’s not something to be taken for granted. Every time you talk with a customer you get the chance to learn more about them, what they need and how you can help them. In other words, it’s a chance to sell your products and services.

Many of your customers don’t know what the jump from 3G to 4G/5G can do for them. You need to make sure they understand it gives them a faster, more flexible and secure network, capable of handling additional data. It makes their home smarter and a smart home is safer, more convenient and efficient. 

The pandemic has people looking to upgrade their homes

The pandemic and lockdowns kept a lot of people at home and in their houses. That has prompted many to look at making their surroundings more comfortable and appealing. Several surveys show more people in the U.S. are spending money on home improvements and that spending is expected to continue through the next year.

So, here are some smart home features you can offer you customers as they upgrade to 4G/5G with the Alula BAT-Connect:

  • Video doorbells
  • Security cameras
  • Door lock control
  • Lighting control
  • Air-conditioning and thermostat control
  • Garage door status and control

Tips for upselling 

The next question is how to sell these additional services and we have some tips from our own marketing team at Alula and some of our dealer/integrators leading the way. 

Offer discounts and deals – Some of our dealer/integrator partners have found this to be very successful. Your team is going to be in the customer’s home for the 4G/5G upgrade, so discounting certain equipment add-ons saves money and increases your RMR. Alula is also helping with a $99 service credit on all our panels and communicators.

Free consultation – Offer a free consultation with each 4G/5G upgrade. That way a sales rep can walk the customer through the options available explaining the benefits of added services.

Make everyone a salesperson – Incentivize your entire team. Your field technicians are often your best salespeople. Set up a bonus plan for anyone in the organization who makes a sale. 

Extend contracts – Some dealer/integrators have found this to be a great time to not only sell new services, but also to extend existing contracts.

Upgrading all 3G communicators by the end of February is a big hill to climb, but it can also be a way to boost business and increase RMR. Keep an eye out for more tips from us.

BAT-Fire: A Versatile, Universal Fire Communicator

Meet BAT-Fire, Alula’s new dual-path fire alarm control panel communicator. Designed to reduce an integrators’ service times, while presenting new RMR opportunities. 

BAT-Fire wasn’t rushed to market. We spent time designing BAT-Fire to meet the needs of a proven, mature and established market. Because of this input, BAT-Fire offers features that help reduce the total cost of ownership and the complexity of fire communicator installations.

Easy configuration and installation

BAT-Fire offers easy configuration and support of all fire alarm control panels (FACPs) using dial-capture to report Contact ID signals or flexible inputs for interfacing with dialer-less FACPs. Simply connect the communicator via its dual Tip & Ring Dial Capture, configure the panel and the system is ready to go. 

Skip the next cellular sunset

Seasoned integrators know about the time and expense required to upgrade a communicator for each new generation of cellular service. The new UL-approved communicator’s CAT-M1 technology is 5G-ready, meaning you can skip the inevitable 4G sunset. 

Designed with RMR in mind

BAT-Fire was built with RMR in mind. The device’s four programmable inputs/outputs enable monitoring of auxiliary building systems like HVAC and sprinkler flow control –  possible sources of additional RMR.

A fire alarm communicator is critical for any building’s life safety systems and the new BAT-Fire is ready for the long haul. It builds on Alula’s history of award-winning products and services and comes with an industry-best five-year warranty. 

You’ll find BAT-Fire available now through security and electrical distributors that carry Alula products. 

Learn more at alula.com/bat-fire

SSI Magazine names Alula Security App a Top Security Innovation

Security Sales & Integration has named the Alula Security App one of the “Top 30 Security Technology Innovations of 2021.” Alula’s app was selected under the “Smartphone App” category.

According to the magazine, the annual list selects products and services intended to help dealers and integrators provide superior security and safety, optimize installations, heighten profitability and grow customer bases.

Warren Hill, Vice President, Marketing, Alula, said the award was both an honor and a reflection of the time and attention Alula has placed on designing a feature rich, end-user friendly, mobile app.

“This award is a tribute to our design teams which create intuitive and highly functional system components that are easy for dealers to install and for their customers to use,” he said. “The award also means a lot to us coming from one of the industry’s leading publications.”

When paired with a compatible Alula panel or communicator, the app provides the same functionality as a 7” touch screen on the wall (The Slimline Touchpad). The Alula Mobile App enables users to arm and disarm their systems, receive notifications, monitor cameras, answer a video doorbell, control Z-Wave connected devices, perform tasks as scheduled or on demand and much more.

Download the latest version of the Alula Mobile App from the app store. There’s a demo mode that makes it super easy to navigate through a simulation of a system. Take a virtual tour through arming and disarming a system; navigate through options available with various sensors, check out live-view and recorded clip selection on the cameras tab and peruse through the simple operation of smart devices (thermostats, lights, locks and more). Check out the Alula Mobile App today!

Security Sales & Integration’s “Top 30 Security Products” are selected by two of the magazine’s regular contributors and columnists, Paul Boucherie and Bob Dolph.

Alula Launches BAT-Fire Universal 5G-ready Fire Communicator.

Versatile new communicator offers reliability, easy installation and universal FACP support

St. Paul, Minn. – December 7, 2021 – Alula, the leader in smart security and system communications for professional installers, today introduced BAT-Fire, an innovative universal 5G-ready fire communicator for system integrators requiring an all-purpose, full-featured device. BAT-Fire builds on Alula’s long history of developing award-winning products and services. 

BAT-Fire offers easy configuration and support of all fire alarm control panels using dial-capture to report Contact ID signals, or flexible inputs for interfacing with dialer-less FACPs. Simply connect the communicator via its dual Tip & Ring Dial Capture, configure the panel and the system is ready to go. The new communicator provides sole path cellular (LTE-M) and IP or dual path communications. 

“Previously, you may have needed one communicator for cellular communications and another for ethernet,” said Dave Mayne, Alula’s senior vice president, product and marketing. “Both are always available on BAT-Fire, and you can turn the cellular radio on or off if desired, something other communicators can’t do.”

BAT-Fire’s four programmable inputs or outputs allow monitoring of auxiliary building systems, such as the HVAC and sprinkler flow control, for increased RMR opportunities. There’s no need to redo battery calculations, as the new communicator is powered off the panel, using less current and eliminating the need for a different power supply or a bigger or secondary battery. 

BAT-Fire features remote troubleshooting and diagnostics. It also comes with Alula’s industry best Five-Year Warranty, so you can feel confident that your investment is well protected.

“We took our time designing BAT-Fire to meet the needs of a proven, mature and established market,” Mayne said. “BAT-Fire offers features that help reduce the total cost of ownership and reduce the complexity of fire communicator  installations. Plus, with 5G capability, it eliminates typical hassles associated with cellular sunsets.” 

The BAT-Fire is now available through security and electrical distributors that carry Alula products.

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. The BAT-Fire communicator is available nationwide through distributors catering to the fire alarm and integrator industry. Click here for more information about BAT-Fire. For more information about Alula, visit https://alula.com/

Alula’s Customer Solutions Team Is Ready for Your Call

Any successful product-based company understands the value of customer service before and after a sale. The way a customer service team handles assistance calls, delivering timely, attentive and thorough advice, reflects the entire company. Quality service builds a loyal following willing to share their experiences, often becoming a significant sales asset. 

Ron Long, Alula’s vice president of operations and customer experience, and his 20-member team recognize the importance of their work. And they’ve set a high bar for themselves, aiming to settle all requests for service with a single contact.

“We’re pretty proud of the service we provide in the marketplace,” says Ron. “We take every piece of feedback and use it to coach our teams to make the overall service experience better and better for our customers,” says Ron. “Our target for resolving issues in one customer contact is 95% and we’ve surpassed that target every quarter going back to 2019’s Q2.”

He said Alula’s technical support team members handle about 170 calls a day in their Customer Solutions Center. At any given moment, there may be as many as 40 active product and service calls underway. A typical call has the team on the phone assisting a service professional with an on location with a homeowner.

“We have a lot of support material available across our website and Partner Training Portal that is always available,” says Ron. “But we’re still there to lend a hand if and when a problem arises during an installation.”

Although virtually all calls received at the Customer Solutions Center come from dealer partners, Ron remembers one standout call from an end user of an Alula system. The person had trouble getting the Alula mobile app to arm and disarm the home’s system successfully. It took a while to figure out why it wasn’t working.

“It turns out they had somehow managed to launch the app in our demo mode and it’s very realistic,” he says. “It will show you all the capabilities and features of the app, but in that mode, it will never interact with a home system.”

Ron joined the company 5 ½ years ago as part of the original leadership team that merged two companies to form Alula. He credits much of his success to his team, including Emilio Estevez, who leads the Customer Solutions Team; the Order Management and Regional Account Management team headed by Eric Finkler; and Customer Success Managers Keli Falls, Ryan Matznick, Kyle Fosburgh and Chris Bartholomew.