An Integrator’s Take on the New Alula Builder Program

Alula recently launched its Builder Program to help meet the increasing demands of homeowners for the comfort, convenience and security of a professionally installed integrated solution when they buy a new home. We recently spoke to Brian Motheral, general manager of Republic Elite Integration, a leading Northern California dealer and advisor on the formation of the Alula Builder Program, to gain his insights on how the program benefits dealers and integrators.

Homeowners expect functionality and control

He said consumer expectations have changed with the average price of a new home topping $800,000 in his area. 

“For that price, the average buyer expects some basic functionality and control over their home,” he said. “I always use the analogy of a car. You wouldn’t buy one today without Bluetooth and a navigation system. It took time for some builders to understand the concept, but they have come around. These systems changed builders’ marketing. Now, they’re quick to say their new projects are smart-home ready.”

When Motheral talks to builders, he reminds them they’re already putting locks, thermostats and garage door openers in their new homes.  The cost of turning these into smart devices is relatively inexpensive. Motheral estimates a basic home automation package costs about $500 – maybe adding a couple of dollars per month over a typical 30-year loan.

He said installing home automation systems into new homes still isn’t a large portion of Republic Elite’s revenue – most new home business still involves pulling wire and related activities. But he sees that changing as he works with larger and more nationwide homebuilders.

“We want any builder, especially a national developer, to make home automation systems a standard in every single home,” Motheral said. “We want to install as many of these as we can. We never lose money on an install – the builder is paying for it.”

How Alula helps

The Alula Builder program also presents opportunities for Motheral’s team to boost RMR. Republic Elite dispatches service techs to set up the Alula app and power up the system as the homebuyers move in. 

“The builders love the extra white-glove attention we provide,” he said. “That visit also gives us a chance to ask homeowners if they want a camera in the backyard, extra contacts on all doors and windows and monitoring.”

Motheral said monitoring home security and interactive services represent potential RMR. To hook new homeowners on the value of these offerings, he works with Alula to provide a free year of interactive services. 

“This is an area where Alula stepped up for us,” he said. “The Builder Program gives me the flexibility to determine what I want that trial period to be. At the end of the year, I’d guess up to 80% of the homeowners say, ‘Hey, wait a second. I still want to be able to control my home.’ We tell them we can make it happen, but there’s a monthly fee for that.”

Sleek design provides excellent aesthetics 

Motheral also gives Alula credit for designing a modular system that easily enables the addition of video doorbells, cameras and additional sensors. He said he adds as much as homeowners want to the Alula platform.  It’s more customizable and cost-effective than other platforms on the market, and he praised Alula for building sophisticated devices not resembling a child’s toy, like some other manufacturers’ offerings.

Among its many other benefits, the Alula Builder Program offers model home discounts, remote service activation and an optional Asset Protection Plan for during-construction coverage. The program is open to all Alula dealers. For more information, visit https://alula.com/builder/.

Tips for a Smooth 3G Transition

Yes, it looks like the sun is going to set on AT&T’s 3G network. Despite last-ditch efforts by the alarm community for an extension, the telecom behemoth looks ready to drop support for 3G and embrace 4G/5G as of the end of February 2022. Some in the security community are hopeful for a last-minute reprieve, but we advise our dealer/installer partners to take steps to do the necessary upgrades now. Remember, the Verizon 3G sunset is also just around the corner at the end of next year.

We are in the business of providing homes and businesses with life/safety products to protect people and property. If systems are not updated before the sunset, it could mean many services will shut down, leaving people vulnerable.

The good news is that we can help make the upgrade process easier for you and your customers. Our BAT-Connect universal communicator works with virtually any home/small business security panel – that means only one communicator for every upgrade. It is compatible with panels from Honeywell, DCS, Interlogix and NAPCO.

Benefits to your customers

The key to making it through any transition like an equipment sunset is communication. Getting the word out is the most important thing you can do right now. If you haven’t already started letting your customers know the change is coming, begin now. 

For many customers, the 3G transition to 4G LTE sounds like a jumble of acronyms. They may need you to explain it in simple terms. Make sure they understand why this change is happening and focus on the benefits to them. The 4G network is 20 times faster than 3G and 5G is even faster. For your customer, that means:

  • Increased bandwidth and speed — more information, more quickly
  • More reliable — fewer service interruptions
  • Greater flexibility — more devices such as video cameras can be added to the system without slowing down the network
  • Cost savings — our BAT-Connect upgrade will take the customer from 3G to 5G without an additional upgrade. And online service will be quicker and less costly.

Essentially it can give your customer a smarter, safer and more efficient home.

Getting the word out

Reaching out to your customers is a big job, but here are some tools at your disposal.

  • Use your website — Put up a page on the site fully explaining the 3G sunset and next steps. (This page will be a landing page you can link back to on any other correspondence.)
  • Send emails — Use your mailing list to send consistent emails to customers and link back to your website landing page.
  • Billing — When sending out billing information, be sure to add a paragraph on the 3G sunset. Again, link to your webpage.
  •  Use social media — Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are great tools for communicating. Develop posts with links aimed at educating your customers.
  • Newsletters — If you have a customer newsletter, add information on the transition.
  • Leave behinds — Develop a one-pager with information about the sunset. Anytime your team goes on a service call, they should leave this with the customer. Make sure to add an email, phone number or website for more information.

Good news is, our marketing team has developed many of these resources for you, they are white labeled and ready for your branding. Use the Partner Resource Center to download your curated content.

Remember, we’re here to help you through this transition. Stay tuned for more tips and advice over the next few months.

Alula Launches A Builder Program Offering Unequaled Flexibility To Alarm System Integrators

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/.

Alula Wins 2021 ESX Innovation Award For Giving Smart Home Security Installers New, Optimized Tools That Drive Profitable Business Growth

Electronic Security Association Recognizes IoT and Security Pioneer Alula for Third Consecutive Year

Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers, was recognized by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) at the 2021 Electronic Security Expo (ESX), winning the ESX Innovation Award in the Installation & Service Tools category. Alula’s latest win for their Platform Service Enhancements marks the third consecutive year Alula has received an Innovation Award at ESX.

Alula enjoys a rich history of award winning innovation for their products and services. In 2020, Alula won an Innovation Award, and was recognized as Best in Show runner up for the Slimline Touchpad in the Smart Home – Electronics/Control Systems category. In 2019, Alula’s BAT-Connect universal 5G-ready communicator took home the Innovation Award in the Intrusion Systems Category.

“This award reinforces Alula’s commitment to constantly innovate on behalf of professional dealer-partners. We’re honored to be recognized by the leaders of the security industry for providing alarm dealers with tools that will save them time and money and help strengthen their own brand in the eyes of their customers,” said Warren Hill, Vice President, Marketing and Partner Development at Alula. “Alula is focused on delivering value to professional security dealers and integrators with a comprehensive suite of services that improve overall customer engagement, satisfaction and retention.”

The three key elements to Alula’s latest service enhancement include:

Auto-configuration of Alula InteractiveTM: The Alula mobile app will automatically optimize the user interface based on the services that the customer has purchased, so the end-user only sees icons they can use. The app will automatically remove any unnecessary service options to streamline and simplify the customer experience.

Remote communication path enablement: The AlulaConnectTM platform has been enhanced to enable remote management of the communication path. From the beginning, Alula has allowed for triple-path connectivity utilizing Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and/or Cellular connections. This platform enhancement now allows professional dealers to remotely manage and toggle these paths, on and off, without rolling a truck.

Custom branding on app and touchpad: Alula Partners may now incorporate their logo, branding, and color scheme on both the mobile app and on the Slimline Touchpad. This customization is ideal for any professional installer looking to enhance brand recognition with their customers.

“Professional dealers are the lifeblood of this industry and consumers increasingly want them to serve as trusted partners to install, service and secure their smart home. These new service capabilities will empower our partners to do just that,” said Brian McLaughlin, CEO at Alula. “Alula’s continued focus is on delivering services and solutions that will help alarm professionals win in an increasingly competitive environment.”

$99 Service Credits on All Alula Panels and Communicators

Loyalty has its rewards. That’s why we are happy to announce we’re providing dealers with a $99 service credit on our panels and communicators, including all Connect+ panels and kits, BAT-Connect and BAT-Fire.

“We appreciate the tremendous loyalty we receive from our dealer partners and this credit is another way we can say ‘thank you,’” said Dave Mayne. Alula’s Chief Revenue Officer. “This credit applies to both new installs as well as system upgrades which really gives our customers an opportunity to save with every single project.”

What does this savings translate to? With an MSDP of $119, the award-winning BAT-Connect communicator’s net price after this service credit is only $20. Our recently launched FACP communicator, BAT-Fire, is $75.50* and our Connect+ Premium Kit – with three door/windows, a motion and the 7” Slimline touchpad control interface – is only $250.*

“Especially in the last year of the 3G/CDMA cellular sunset, we hope our partners view this as a great opportunity to put additional money towards the bottom line with each and every installation” Mayne said.

Visit the Service Credit page to register for the  program. To make it even easier for you, if you previously enrolled in our Sunset Program you will be automatically registered for the $99 Service Credit with no further action required. 

After registration, to take advantage of this savings, be sure to select the $99 Service Credit billing plan when registering devices on the AlulaConnect dealer portal.

“We recognize the contributions of our dealer partners and encourage all to enroll in the Alula $99 Service Credit program” said Mayne. 

 

*Connect+ Premium savings based on MSDP of $349. BAT-Fire MSDP $174.50.

Alula VP Paul Saldin featured in Security Today

Alula VP of Engineering Paul Saldin contributes a column to this month’s issue of Security Today.

Called “Cutting the Cord,” the column explores how the introduction of reliable wireless communication has changed the security industry for the better and created the “Internet of Things.”

Saldin writes:

The self-contained panel–with its user interface on the front and battery and electronics on the inside–was an architectural innovation that proved to be a game-changer for the security industry. For the first time, security panels did not need to be installed in basements and utility closets. They could be placed on a wall near the front door, or on a kitchen counter — a more convenient location for homeowners and installers alike.

This was also the dawn of a fundamental change to the industry: the gradual move by installers away from charging for a full day’s labor pulling cables and instead shifting to the recurring revenue model.

Read the full column here.

Alula Pro Roundtable: Insights on the ADT/Google Partnership

Alula recently hosted an interactive panel discussion with insiders from various segments of the security industry to discuss a number of changes and developments impacting the security industry, from Google’s partnership with ADT to the effects of COVID-19 and social unrest. Below are some key takeaways from this wide-ranging and informative discussion:

Tech Giants Entering the Market

The recent partnership between Google and ADT highlighted a number of factors, the first of which is the value of the professional channel, specifically the “feet on the street” and technical leadership necessary to bring value to the connected home/connected business experience. That Google would partner with ADT to launch security offerings demonstrates how much value there is in the professional channel.

This deal also underscores the point that security is the lead technology that ties a lot of automation solutions together in the home or business. Security, life safety and protection services becomes the lead element and drives the adoption of other connected devices. Big tech hasn’t quite figured out how to monetize the connected home yet, but the security industry has. The value of the professional channel and the dealers who will participate in this deal are now highlighted in Google’s investment and their partnership with ADT. 

Security is in a great position, with Google coming onto the professional installer’s turf, and if installers continue to innovate and differentiate themselves in the marketplace, everyone is going to have a bigger piece of pie. 

More than Technology

Google has been making bets on devices with Nest and Dropcam. This latest development demonstrates Google’s desire to monetize those investments and its recognition that it takes more than technology to be a success in security. 

This may be the first of many dominoes to fall because based on how this partnership works out, it’s safe to assume that we’ll see more movement into security from other tech giants like Amazon (which has already entered the market with its acquisition of Ring).

Like Google, Amazon hasn’t had a ton of success monetizing their devices, so you can be sure they’re watching the Google-ADT partnership to see what works and what doesn’t. And they’ll likely be looking for their own “feet on the street” partner – or straight-up acquisition – in the not-so-distant future.

Where the large tech companies have missed the boat is in the services aspect that goes along with the technology. Devices themselves are one-off sales, but the professional security market has long realized that the real money is made in the recurring revenue component from service offerings. Traditionally, that may have been monitored security intrusion going into a central station, but those services have become more all-encompassing in recent years. So while Google and others may have been entering security from a technology standpoint, a more accurate measure of their penetration going forward will have to include some consideration of recurring revenue elements around those companies’ devices. 

Security in an Uncertain World

Security has long been an event-driven purchase, and pandemics and social unrest are certainly events. Uncertainly, anxiety and change seem to be the new normal in day-to-day life, and as a result there is a greater desire to settle in and protect. As a result, we’re seeing an uptick on security devices going into homes, and people turn to people they trust, and in security and life safety, that tends to be a company with a local presence. This is where an ADT comes into play from Google’s perspective. While we don’t know what the world is going to look like in the next 18 to 24 months, the good news is that recent events haven’t negatively impacted the security industry. It’s just forced people to rethink how they go to market and how they do business.

What’s Next?

Between the global pandemic, social unrest, new players entering the market and other changes and uncertainty, the security industry needs to be flexible and creative. This opens up opportunities to bring a heightened level of service to emphasize the customer experience, support and professionalism. At the same time, we need to be mindful of the relationship we have with our customers, which, as Google recognized, is as much a factor in business success as the technology itself.

Alula Launches Wireless Outdoor Siren to Protect the Yard

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.”