Trends in Commercial Automation

As technology continues to entwine itself into our lives, we fail to put forward the numerous ways it has made our life better and easier. From the first bulb that ever came into existence to the voice automated Siri, technology has become an indispensable part of our lives and it is safe to say that it has become the crux of human existence.

Recent trends in technology suggest that commercial automation will be the next most sought after aspect in the architecture and design industry. Commercial automation is a technology system usually implemented to control various aspects of a building, such as the lights, temperature, window shades, audio, video, etc. Instead of controlling all of these components individually, automation combines them into one easily managed system. Everything works in unison, which in turn helps your business save on daily operations. Your business becomes more lucrative and simpler when all your technology and systems work in sync with user-friendly control. Imagine clicking on a single button to activate and deactivate the alarm systems, turn lights on, draw curtains, set temperature, and turn on video displays. A boardroom or conference stuck in the old century surely can’t meet the efficiency, productivity, and elegance of a boardroom integrated with the most up-to-date systems modern technology has to offer. By integrating every function and having easy control over your space from a single touch screen, commercial automation has become the need of the hour. The productivity at your workplace will increase, all the important rooms at your office will be governed by smart technology. Conference rooms, boardroom, or executive office can all be controlled from a single tablet. There will be no delays when holding meetings and every visitor will appreciate the easy-going yet effective approach.

Smart technology will set you apart put you a step above in efficiency and the experience of your space. You have the option to only integrate the system in a few areas first and then expand later. It is relatively easy to explore possibilities with commercial automation. Commercial automation also leads to energy conservation, by sensing the presence and absence of a person in the room amongst many other benefits. We can conclude from recent trends in the business that commercial automation will become a necessity at workplaces due to its unmatched benefits and functions.

The piece is written by Alok Hada, Director, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd.

What a futuristic home looks like?

“The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create”- Leonard Sweet, American Theologian

People often envision their future as advanced and to be governed by technology in every sense. They want to buy and build things that lead them to the next generation and do not get obsolete. Similarly, even while designing their homes, home-owners want their residences to be exquisite and fitted with the newest fixtures and fittings in the market.

Our lives have been invaded with technology in recent times. With the inclusion of smartwatches, smartphones, automatic cars, and smart classes, it seems fitting that our homes too, are equipped with the best technology available. The next decade’s biggest trend will surely be home automation—which will help to create spaces, wherein technology will assist people in making their day-to-day living easier. 

Why home automation is the next big thing?

Human beings love technology; they like everything that makes their life easier and better. Why then, would they refrain from residing in a space, where everything is possible with a single click? A home where things are done exigently, keeping in mind their mood and preferences is surely a smart home. From adjusting lighting as per specific requirements to making sure that they don’t need to get out of the bed to draw curtains, home automation ensures that one dwells in the lap of comfort.

Home automation can seem like a costly affair; however, when weighed with the benefits that it offers, it surely comes out as a winner. A fully automatic space also means that it would lead to energy conservation and less labor. Lights adjust with the mood or as per the presence of a person. There can be automated drapes or curtains that would also adjust according to the daylight in the room.

With rapid technological changes, it is quite clear that many contemporary and modish products will be introduced in the future, to enhance the scenario of what a futuristic home would look like. Upcoming products launches would eliminate the work of humans to generate a cozy place, where everything can be customized and will be automatic.

Even today, there are houses that have automated lights, drapes, mirror TVs, etc. which add comfort to human lives. Product brands are ensuring that the products are serviced to the consumers, so that they may lead a life full of luxury or plush.

Today, the world can imagine how a fully automatic house would look like and would work- embracing aesthetics, Luxe and a feeling of being in paradise – a place where no one can resist living in.

The piece is written by Alok Hada, Director, AnushaTechnovision Pvt. Ltd.

Hospitality Automation

Lighting needs in hospitality sector are no longer restricted to illuminating the space and enabling visibility. It, however, has evolved to be something that gives the visitors an experience of the place. Good lighting has the potential to transform the space and give the venue a character, look and feel. Today, we have different lighting control modules, each playing a distinct role to enable energy efficient lighting solutions.

Different areas require different type of lighting according to the function they perform. Lighting in the past decades, used to be a supplementary element to the overall scheme of a space. Now it has become a key element in a design scheme, and sometimes, is even used as a distinct feature in and of itself. The lighting solutions for hotels are chosen depending upon the requirement of the space. The type of lighting used enhances the look of the area and gives the visitors an experience in itself. Dull, dimly lit space often disappoint the visitors unless the space specifically requires such type of lighting. Lighting can play a huge role in the success of your hotel and how others perceive it. 

In the Hospitality sector, the major focus is on achieving the correct ambience with lighting controls. Hotels which are energy conscious stress on reducing energy consumption through controls. Dimmer compatible lights are a new addition to hospitality lighting solutions as they give the guests liberty to adjust the lights as per their needs. Such fixtures with dimmers also add to the overall aesthetics of the room liberating it from ugly looking light bulbs, while also adding an element of automation. This allows the users a higher level of control over his surrounding environment, which also helps them get more comfortable in a space. Hotel industry is continuously experimenting with the type of lighting they use. The innovations and developments are making it easier for the designers to use lights to accentuate the overall look of the space – both from the inside and outside.

Different types of lighting like light installations, façade lighting, controllable chandeliers, accent lights, dimmable LEDs etc are now used in the hotels. The LED industry is also changing at a very fast pace. Everyday there are new innovations and inventions. These changes and developments bring new opportunities along in terms of innovative and energy saving lighting solutions. We at Anusha Technovision (ATPL) strive to provide automation services in many sectors, including hospitality. From customizable guestroom automation to public area lighting controls, there is something for everyone. The products used and augmented in a design scheme by ATPL is versatile and allows designers a lot of flexibility in the way it can be implemented in a space, whether in an installation or the broader lighting scheme, making it an economical choice in terms of energy consumption.

Automation - Comfort and Convenience

Automation is the process where technology does the job for us with minimal or no human intercession. It saves us from the regular annoying job of getting up on a lazy winter morning just to switch on the geyser. A magic wand that can turn the air-conditioning on to just the “right” level for us or turn on the lighting again to the required intensity – depending upon the space and the activity, and the person occupying the space.

Automation is the new era of evolution. Today, machines run the world, economy and societies. Hence, they reduce the human effort manifold. Globally, dependency on machines at all levels and scale of activities has exponentially increased and evolved. Not just big companies or factories, even our everyday household items are fully automated. Washing machines, water heaters, refrigerators, ACs, lighting or dishwashers, automation has left no stone unturned to make the human life comfortable and convenient. Therefore, technology helps us in our everyday life by reducing the workload, and increasing comfort.

Services like HVAC, lighting control systems, occupancy aware control system, integrated security systems that only require an active Wi-Fi connection and have a user-friendly interface, are all automated in function and execution. 

What exactly can Automation do?

In general, control of systems is often mistakenly referred to as Automation. For example, the ability to dim lights, to control A/cs from a smart phone or to change your Tata Sky channel with Alexa voice control is generally referred to as understood as automation today in the residential field. However “automation” ideally should be more than just control, even though the control could be via a touch panel or via a voice control. As long as there is a input given from our side to achieve a certain state from a system, it is control or even more refined control rather than automation. In my view, “Automation Nirvana” would be achieved the day we have lights automatically dimming depending upon the personal preferences of the home owner automatically (sensing time of day or sensing activity such as watching a movie) WITH OUT any input from the homeowner on an “every time” basis. Or say when the air-conditioning follows your pattern of temperature requirement changes through the night and then does exactly that for you next time with out any input. Or say the grocery is ordered from your regular vendor when ever sugar, salt, or wheat or Tissue paper or any of your regular stuff is about to finish for the month. Sounds futuristic? Not really. Amazon offers almost a similar service in the US. Smart refrigerators such as Samsung have unleashed some what similar function devices. Google Nest Thermostats do some of what you want. The ideal thing would of course be when all of this works seamlessly with out having to go to different sub systems and different products for each of the above things.

Then again comes in the question of privacy and how much do you actually want the devices to know about your daily habits and then to run your life, But then you have to either give up this Automation Nirvana Idea, or stop worrying about privacy. You can’t save your cake and eat it too! Or Can you? Time will tell!

Dos and don’ts of designing a Smart Home 

A Smart Home is one wherein all appliances are connected to the internet in order to enable remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems such as air conditioning lighting, security systems and audio-video systems. 

Smart home technology provides homeowners comfort, security and convenience by allowing them to control smart devices by means of a smart home app on their smartphones or on other network connected devices.

Setting up a Smart Home can become an easier task if one takes informed decisions and keeps certain key factors in mind. From seemingly simple lighting systems to complicated entertainment options, one wrong move can end up blowing fuses- your own and the ones in your home. Hence, we have come up with a list of few Dos and Don’ts of designing your Smart Homes.

Do’s

 1. Do your homework: Put in some thoughts as to what you want your smart home to be like and what is the kind of automation you will need. A clear plan with specifics marked out can help get the best results.

2. Check for compatibility: If you want a system on the “Smart” network, the system should allow communication between itself and the Smart controller. For example, not all LED lights can be dimmed or controlled. Similarly, a standalone HVAC system that does not talk to a 3^rd party control system can’t be part of a common user interface that controls all devices in a home.

3. Identify the control systems OEM: Keep in mind that controls are the most important aspect of home automation. The complete process of smart homes is intended to make lives simpler;if one has to open 10 apps just to switch on/off the lights, then the entire process is a waste. Hence, make sure all controls are handy and easy to use, and that it is not a tedious task. More importantly, ask the question -is the control system company having a product portfolio that is reliable and known as “good quality”? Remember- a cheaper system may not always be “value for money”.

4. Choose a Smart Home System Integrator (SI) based on their record of performance in the industry: Always ask for reference of similar work done for other homeowners. An SI who is new to the industry (less than 3-4 years of experience) or one who  has just tied up with a OEM recently is a risk and you do not want to be the “Test case”

5. Pick one major hub: Choose your default user interface for the Smart Home. Is it going to be a smart keypad? Is it going to be your phone? Is it going to be a wired touch panel on wall? Or is it going to be a voice control system (Google or Alexa, etc.) that you prefer? While it doesn’t have to be one or the other (it can be combination of all), choice upfront for every room would help define the board contours of what your smart control system would look like.

6. Factor in the Wi-Fi network: Most of the devices of your Smart Home will make use of the Wi-Fi network, its connectivity and speed will have considerable effect on usage and often clutter your network, unless you have made provisions for enough bandwidth.

7. Spend on a capable Firewall: A Firewall can harden the home network against external threats such as malware and hacks. These days, one can buy a special device, like a dedicated firewall, to enhance effective security for you home Wi-Fi. Smart devices don't come with built-in anti-virus or firewalls; adding an extra device can provide that extra bit of protection.

Don'ts

1. Don’t buy products blindly: In the domain of home automation, the devices are generally connected and communicate with each other. Some devices may use different communication technologies. Hence, always check product features and choose products that are compatible with your home system.

2. Don’t hesitate to call in experts: This is the golden age of DIY philosophy and most consumer-grade home automation products these days come with easy installation techniques. But if you are not well versed in any of the aspects, especially when dealing with networking or electrical circuits, do seek expert help. Look for qualified professionals, as this is a relatively new field and a badly executed automation system is worse than having no automation.

3. Don’t use your default Password: If you want the flexibility of control of your home network from anywhere in the world, you need to observe some basic common sense rules. Making sure your control processor doesn’t have default password. Not using a simple password (such as your/ your wife’s name) could help against mischief makers.

4. Don’t skimp on devices: Cheaper devices and routers may also have weaker security protocols- Known, Trusted brands are much better in this aspect. They may be pricier, but one can get better security and performance with these. Past cyber-attacks have focused heavily on devices manufactured by mid or low-tier brands.

Remember these guidelines and pointers when you plan your home automation upgrades - They may help save you money and a lot of grief.

- Alok Hada, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Commercial Automation

No matter what kind of business one may run, you might find yourself wasting more energy as each month goes by. But how can one reduce their carbon footprint while trying to keep up with the daily needs of the business? You could own a restaurant or a small business or a large corporate office – but either way, a smart and innovative commercial automation system can significantly impact your energy usage for the better. Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd. (ATPL) can provide the space with the smart features necessary to lower your bills and make your business eco-friendly. Keep reading below to learn more about the commercial automation technologies that can make your commercial setup automated!

In US, as per data on the US government website, 38% of the Total energy consumed in a Corporate Building is on account of Lighting. A reduction is the lighting usage can significantly reduce the total energy consumption. That is where Lightingcontrol strategies involving  High End Trim, Day Lighting, Vacancy Sensing, Time Scheduling, Motorised Shades among others would help significantly in Energy Saving.

High End Trim: With the help of dimming we start off with Maximum out put of Lighting Fixtures clipped to 80%. The logic being that Human eye cannot easily differentiate between 10-20% reductions in light from a maximum of 100%.

Day Lighting: The use of Day Light sensors to measure the sunlight available and correspondingly reducing the output of Light Fixtures helps save energy.

Vacancy Sensing: Entering into a conference room and manually turning lights on, but having the facility where in – on exit the vacancy sensor automatically turns lights or even air conditioning off can significantly reduce energy costs and is a commonly used method today for energy saving.

Time Scheduling: Using a Time clock to reduce the over all lighting after normal office hours in public areas is one method of energy saving. The areas could also be places like Parking Lots where the maximum traffic is known to happen at certain times in the day and lighting can be adjusted according to the same.

Motorised shades: Automated shades are the perfect solution to cut down on the number of lights needed. With just a push of a button, you can lower or raise the shades at your command. Any of the employees or workers can operate the tech themselves – before a presentation, a meeting, or if a customer asks to have the natural sunlight come through.But when the sun is at its perfect spot, the shades can let the light in for everyone to enjoy its warm glow. When the shades are up – the lights can dim or turn off completely, effectively eliminating this waste of energy.

IN many places with intelligent software the shades can be made to raise or lower depending upon the path of the sun, automatically. Thus glare can be avoided when sunlight is direct and obstructing the ease of work on a desktop by bring shades down , where as in the same space depending on sun path when natural light is not the cause of glare, shades can be taken up to bring lighting and view for the space user.

Motorized windows are not just great for balancing a room’s lighting but they also provide the ultimate insulation for your business. Shades are able to create insulation, by relying on how they are installed.With a “gap” in between the shade and wall, there is an ideal amount of space created that acts as insulation for the building.In the summer, the HVAC will not have to work overtime to cool down the company space, and in winter, the heating bills won’t be nearly as high. Smart shades can keep one warmer or colder when needed, without even lifting a finger.

Measurement:

All Above strategies can save energy. However in order to measure the actual saving it is important that a big commercial building also invests in a proper Lighting Management System (LMS) that comprises of hard ware and software to measure, control and suggest energy saving methods based upon actual data and usage in the space.

                                                                                   - Alok Hada, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd. 

Eco-Friendly Home Automation

We can’t turn on the television, browse the internet or read a newspaper without seeing a reference to ‘Go Green,’ but sometimes it’s difficult to understand what we are being asked to do. Going green can refer to many different things, but it generally refers to the little things that we choose to do to become more environmentally-friendly.

With all the tasks that one has to do, many wonder why we should make the extra effort to go green- For some, their decision is based on strong personal values,and while others are motivated because of the money they can save. Even though the most obvious reason for going green is to conserve resources for future generations, starting to implement green habits provides benefits we can immediately enjoy, like lowering the month’s energy bill.

Going Green at Home

Going green within our home is a great place to start, and it has the added benefit of lowering our energy costs. Everyone has had months when they dread opening their utility bills. How great would it be to know you are helping the environment, while also paying considerably less in energy costs?

Using Home Automation to Go Green

Since a large part of going green focuses on energy conservation, home automation systems can facilitate efforts of going green within our homes. There are many resources available to help organize your efforts of saving money and making you home a little greener. A home automation system can improve all areas of home energy usage:

1. Air Conditioning and Heating System: With a smart thermostat, you can save money and energy by programming your thermostat to go easy on your home’s heating and air system when you’re not home and remotely change the temperature from any smart phone or other web-enabled device. Adjusting your thermostat just one degree you can save 5% on your energy bill.
2. Lighting: Replacing your light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs is an easy way to go green. When combining this with dimming, you can save as much as 25% of your lighting bills with bulbs last ten times longer than a standard bulb. A home automation system can be used to implement timers and regulate light usage within your home, and you can also turn off/dim lights remotely.
3. Electronics: A homeautomation system can allow you to program your electronics to turn off when not in use. Also, being able to remotely control your home electronics and appliances such as televisions, desktop computers and curling irons allows you to ensure you are not wasting energy. 
4. Motorised Shades- Shades not only reduce glare, protect your upholstery and fabric but also help reduce your air conditioning bills because of insulation. However, the common problem with manual shades is that unless really required, the chances of drawing the shades or parting them is not convenient. Enter motorised shades, lo & behold-touch of a button brings bright sunlight when required and another touch at a different time helps close the same shade. Motorised helps in conveniently using the shades to give user comfort and also at the same time indirectly saving considerable amount of energy

The more we learn about the importance of making green decisions, the easier it becomes to enable the small lifestyle changes that help sustain our environment. Starting with a home automation system can significantly assist in making green decisions easier. Not only does a home automation system lower monthly energy bills, it is also a small step towards the worldwide ‘go green’ initiative.

- Alok Hada, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd.