TOP 10 Home Automation Systems In 2020 – Forbes India

Real smart home systems are not the wireless gadgets that you often hear about that are available from many companies. Those products only offer part of the solution, like security system, lights, or air conditioning control. Additionally, they can only be used for small projectstypically those that do not exceed 4 to 5 rooms.Culture and climate needs vary from country to country, so system needs and controllers are different. For example, the USA uses ducted-split with 24V thermostats in 80% of projects, while Mexico uses the mini-split more, which is also more popular in Southeast Asia, where 70% of air conditioning systems use this infrared-based system.Moreover, in Europe, floor heating and radiator valve thermostats are widely used, while this technology is rarely used in the USA and or the Middle East.Another difference is that while people in the Middle East love lights and may use tens of channels in each room, people in the USA usually use one light per room.Also, priorities and needs for every customer vary from state to state and from house to house. While Audio Video Automation is of primary importance in California and Texas, security is more important in Africa and energy savings in Europe.Accordingly, each manufacture tries to take the best share of its market. Thus, we found that USA manufacturers make better A/V systems than anyone in the world , while European brands are stronger in heating systems and lighting control.We studied 100 of the best brands in the world of home automation, took into consideration every comparative aspect of the systems, and we assigned points based on each aspect.We searched the oldest to the newest companies, got into every detail of the products, tested the software and checked the apps, read manuals, and tested the functionality of many products.We checked the quality, prices, and software.Finally, we selected the top 10 brands of Home Automation of 2020.How we chose the brands We selected the brands that offered solutions for wired products and retrofits (wireless products) that can cover most project needs and most home automation solutions, including lights, air conditioning, motorization, A/V control, security system, energy saving, metering, software and application, logics and timers, sensors and health, and more.Then, we gave each brand points as per the following details:Solution / Products: 75% of the pointsInstallation, programming, software and apps: 15% of the pointsPrice: 10% of the pointsProducts / SolutionsProducts / SolutionsPointsLighting ControlCentralized Lighting Modules3Wall Panels /Plugs (user interface)3DALI, DMX, X10, UPB, KNX Gateway3Wireless Keypads /Controllers3Air condition ControlWall-wired Thermostat - Low and High Current2Controllers include HVAC, 0-10V1Mini-Split Infrared Control1VRF /VRV Integration Ability1Floor Heating Controller1TRV (thermostat Radiator Valve)1Wireless Wall Thermostat - Low and High Current2Weather Station1Motorization Shutter, Shades and Curtains Motors2Relay Controllers1Integration to 3rd-party System1Sensors and Energy SavingWired Motion Sensors1Wireless Motion Sensors2Light Intensity Sensor1Ultrasonic Sensor1Room Temperature Sensor1Room Partition Sensor1VOC / Co2 Air Quality1Noise Sensor1CO1Humidity1Outdoor Temperature1Dry Inputs1Door Sensor1Smoke1Gas1Water Leak1Audio / VideoAudio Players / Amplifiers2Audio Integration with 3rd-party Systems2Serial Rs232/RS485 port with 3rd-party Integration1Infrared (IR Emitters)1IP A/V Control1TV Streaming1Digital Inputs/Outputs1HDMI Matrix2Speakers1Intercom / Door Phone2Security SystemWired Security System2Wireless Security System2Integration to 3rd-party Security1Locks / Access Control1BMS, Metering and Standard Protocols Integration Electricity Meter1Water Meter1Gas Meter1Timer and Logic1Modbus Gateway1BACnet Gateway1Lonworks Gateway1IP / WiFi Gateway / Server1Zigbee3 Gateway1Z-wave Gateway1Integration to 3rd-party System4Total75System Installation, Programming, Software, Skills and AppsCategoryPointsWiring Topology Simplicity3Installation3Do-It-Yourself Capability3Software Programming Simplicity3User Interface (friendly, ease-of-use)3Total15PricePrice was rated from 1-10 (1 is the most expensive; 10 is the least expensive).Total points 100Full Home Automation Top 10 Brands of 2020BrandLightingACShadeSensorsA/VSecurityBMSInst / ProgPriceTotal PointsLegrand12831284109571TIS Control111031253711870Crestron11339145910367Schneider Electronics1182925109561Gira1172114478660ABB1172825108558Leviton83197688656Philips Hue & Dynalite1241823811655Control47224142810554Jung108274267551Based on our above assessment, we found that Legrand Technology is number one in the world, possibly due to the fact that it has acquired many other brands, such as Vantage and Nuvo. Legrand is followed by TIS Control because of its strengths in lighting, air conditioning control, and energy savings, as well as its simple, DIY programming and price. Creston, one of the oldest companies in home automation, came in third. Although it had more technology points than TIS Control, it is also priced higher. Schneider Electrics, which acquired Mertin and Clipsal, was fourth, followed by GIRA, with very elegant interfaces and a variety of wired and wireless technology. Then, we get to the giant tech companies, such as ABB, followed by Leviton (thanks to their acquisition of HAI, Inc.). Next, we see Philips, the company using Dynalite Australian products and Zigbee Technology, followed by Control4, which makes the top 10 thanks to its strong A/V controllers and integration ability. Finally, Jung is number 10 this year due to its nice panels variety of wired and wireless products and its AC control strength.Disclaimer: The views, suggestions and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. NoForbes Indiajournalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.