Today’s internet of things (loT) could best be described as a fluid, ever-expanding mix of technology connecting people, places and things. In physical security, it’s expanding the reach of traditional intrusion detection, integrating new capabilities and conveniences in a total smart solution.

Some security dealers and systems integrators have been at this for years — adding connections and devices — but the loT widens the possibilities to new scenarios and use-cases, some we can’t even imagine today.

Security, intrusion detection and the loT are closely tied, with new integrations emerging as devices develop greater reliability and technology matures. SDM tapped two leading manufacturers, Alarm.com and Resideo, to get their take on the direction of the loT and intrusion detection.

SDM: How is the continued emergence of the loT affecting intrusion detection and alarm systems?

Abe Kinney: Alarm system integrations have grown with the proliferation of connected devices and become a focal point of activity in the home. Bridging and making other connections is a great way for security systems to drive additional activities and synergies. There are lots of new sensing technologies and interfaces available. Wi-Fi Sensing is one capability that enables greater whole-home occupancy control while providing a lighter lift from an installation standpoint. Video is also worth mentioning, with analytics turning cameras into more capable sensing devices directly related to intrusion detection.

Ryan Park: There is a growing expectation of smart home technology to provide more intelligent interactions, often curated on behalf of the end user. App-based interaction is now essential for improving engagement. Historically, control panels were mounted on walls, but today the user experience revolves around app-based notifications and control. Video integration enhances proactive deterrence, adding an extra layer of security. With alarm systems, scene creation is becoming more advanced, with future innovations expected to enable learned scene creation, making it even easier and more intuitive for end users.

SDM: What are some of the advantages of ongoing connectivity and open systems for intrusion detection?

Kinney: Due to the critical nature of intrusion security services and the life safety implications, providers in this space need to carefully vet and test any new applications to ensure they meet a high standard for reliability, data security and privacy. That’s why we don’t imagine the intrusion market is in a rush to be totally open from a control and information-sharing perspective. But there are ways for security to be the starting line, the initiation point for key events in your day — when you wake up, leave for work, come home, go to sleep. Those are times you interact with your security system; and when it interacts with other systems in your home, it opens new connection possibilities.

For our network of service providers, the professionally installed and monitored intrusion solution is central to what we see happening in loT: a leaning to convenience. We lead with the intrusion value proposition but convenience will come along as well, making it easier and more flexible for new scenarios and use cases to come to market.

Park: Consumers now have more choices regarding where to buy and who to work with, making open systems appealing. While open systems may have some perceived drawbacks, when components work seamlessly together, they create more use cases and enhance security solutions. In our Total Connect app, for example, our new indoor camera seamlessly integrates with our alarm panels, and by integrating with the security panel, the privacy shield opens effortlessly when the system is armed and closes when system is disarmed. The privacy shield prevents the camera from recording video and audio when initiated.

SDM: Will new capabilities and connections be possible and what are some examples?

Kinney: There are a lot of tools within the loT ecosystem already. It’s more about flexibility in the solutions that will emerge and novel use cases. Think about all the screens in people’s homes. If you can create greater awareness through video and the screens in the home, that’s an opportunity for new connections.

Park: At Resideo, we’re constantly fueled by customer feedback. Our security customers are at the center of our daily decisions — we make our products easier to install and program so we can help make their roles easier to execute.

The professionally installed and monitored intrusion solution is central to what we see happening in loT: a leaning to convenience. We lead with the intrusion value proposition but convenience will come along as well, making it easier and more flexible for new scenarios and use cases to come to market.

SDM: How do you think the loT is impacting or will have an impact on sales for dealers? How might they need to adjust their sales pitch/focus?

Kinney: The loT presents an enhancement to the sales pitch, maybe even a way to simplify it. Security integrators can focus on intrusion and the core convenience or automation devices that are complementary. They can lean into the message of the security system being a great way to orchestrate the home for occupancy and activity, and how it makes other convenience devices smart.

Park: This is an extension to our wireless ProSeries Platform ecosystem, which now extends to a hybrid format (wired and wireless), enabling dealers to reach more installation types in the residential and small-to-medium business markets with an already familiar platform. Because of the platform modularity, dealers benefit with inventory management of interchangeable products. In addition, because of the modularity and common software tools across the product family, technicians benefit through a faster installation and enrollment process.

SDM: What are some of the disadvantages (possible takeover, cybersecurity) and how can this be remedied or what is inherent in products to make systems more secure?

Kinney: There are cybersecurity risks when a system isn’t fully managed. At Alarm.com we’ve managed to keep a clear line between what is fully managed by the dealer, again, that core security system. And to the extent that they want to use communication protocols like Z-Wave, we have an independent certification process in addition to Z-Wave certification. Our promise and proposition to dealers is that we provide a rich, curated ecosystem that can be trusted.

We’re being extremely sensitive to how we interface with critical security events and we’ll want to see how open standards evolve around those use cases before we jump in.If standards can help increase trust of our products or other IoT products, that's a good direction for things to go in.

Park: It’s important for installers and end users to consider the trust and legacy of IoT brands, and ensure the products are built with cybersecurity concerns in mind. For example, we work with our cybersecurity team to ensure that our products are thoroughly reviewed with cybersecurity threats in mind.

SDM: How are manufacturers addressing the growth of loT products brought to market?

Kinney: We’re keeping our eyes open for potential synergies and ways to create better experiences. The growth in IoT today is centered on reliability and connectivity. Security has moved from one-way to two-way communications with devices that have greater range and reliability and result in a more robust solution that strengthens the value proposition.

We’re watching evolving standards, like Matter, which has the backing of major loT players like Amazon, Google, Apple, Samsung and others. The idea behind Matter is to create a Wi-Fi IP-based standard for smart home devices.

We maintain rigorous in-house testing and certification of devices and we won’t bring something to dealers that isn’t ready or isn’t capable of integration with our security intrusion systems. It’s always an exciting time when we are uncovering new ways to do things. So, bring on more loT!

Park: One aspect that is critical for growth is curated partnerships and integrations that allow for seamless functionality within apps. Another element is enhanced connectivity that helps ensure compatibility with the latest communication standards, including Wi-Fi, Matter, cellular and cybersecurity protocols.