While the U.S. economy as a whole struggled to make modest gains in 2012, for the home automation industry, it was a good year. Now with a rebound in new home construction and consumers’ insatiable appetite for new ways to use their smart devices to enhance their lives, the industry is exploding, and 2013 is looking even better. The flood of new players and products into this lucrative market brings new challenges, but security integrators will find plenty of opportunity in the year ahead.
Citing a penetration rate for home automation of only 5 percent, Melanie Panetta, executive director network sales, eastern and western region, for AiN Group, based in Chesterfield Township, Mich., sees huge potential for the industry: “It’s just going to take off like wildfire. It’s all about the newest, hottest gadgets.”