Entering the home automation market is becoming almost unavoidable. Global giants, such as Samsung, Sony and Apple, have all been developing new smart devices and consumer awareness is increasing rapidly.

As a result, merchants should begin to think about stocking the latest technology to remain competitive as well as generating new, lucrative revenue stream.

Smart energy, security, entertainment, convenience and health are all elements that make up the smart home, however, research by Yale, GFK and iControl reveal security as the key driver with 90% of Brits agreeing that security is the most important factor for smart home adoption*.

Merchants need to utilise these findings and start stocking connected security products for their customers, in preparation for demand from homeowners adopting smart home technology.

Smart security systems will be popular as they appeal to modern lifestyles. As technology evolves, computing devices are getting smaller, wireless technology is becoming universal and companies understand that simplicity and ease of use trumps technological innovation. This makes smart security a more realistic option for the average homeowner and merchants should capitalise on the demand.

A recent survey into the state of the Smart Home**, discovered the top two features homeowners expect is the ability to remotely lock doors and windows and to view CCTV footage via a smartphone from anywhere in the world. Additionally, the sophistication and innovation of new technology has allowed various methods of control including voice recognition, smartphone app control and even fingerprint technology.

In the same survey by Yale, research has shown that homeowners prefer to have smart products installed professionally. This gives merchants the opportunity to encourage trade professionals to buy these products and meet customer demand.

Smart security is coming, and in 2016 merchants should invest in the new technology to increase margins and position themselves as a leader within the smart home market.

*iControl

**Yale commissioned survey

Hannah Adkins is marketing executive for Yale.