The Connectivity Ecosystem, a partnership between Schneider Electric, Somfy and Danfoss, welcomed its newest member to the alliance, ASSA ABLOY.

With a combined vision of driving simple, safe and seamless solutions for both residential and commercial applications, the partnership will deliver a superior value proposition to customers, combining expertise in comprehensive solutions bringing connectivity to the next level in this increasingly digital age.  

The interoperability of products and apps offers users and occupants secure, simple and full experiences while balancing operational cost-optimization and energy management systems.

“We are excited to join the Connectivity Ecosystem at a time when people are more than ever looking at ways to ensure their homes are comfortable and safe,” said Christophe Sut, head of ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions and executive VP at ASSA ABLOY Group. “In many cases, our products and apps are the first point of contact for a person going into a home or commercial building, and starting to use a series of services, and the last point of contact as they leave.” 

In the wake of global lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these integrated solutions allow homeowners, real estate and hotel groups to easily adopt new hygiene measures. 

When smart building systems work together, the Connectivity Ecosystem offers minimized touchpoints, improved air quality and renewal, and energy-saving mechanisms.

“COVID-19 certainly did not create our concern for health, safety and comfort at home, but it moved it higher up on everyone’s agenda. People are taking a closer look at their homes and having the right lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling systems, stronger Internet connection, will continue to preoccupy us as we adopt more remote and digital lifestyles in the longer term,” said Philippe Delorme, executive VP, Energy Management member of the Executive Committee of Schneider Electric. “Partnerships like the Connectivity Ecosystem will play an important role as we build more resilient and sustainable spaces for a future in which we can expect to see increased adoption of electrification and investment in technology.”

Adapted Home Solutions

Together, the partners in the Connectivity Ecosystem are putting their expertise and data at the service of solutions to help people feel safer and more comfortable at home, addressing specific touchpoints like door handles, access code panels, door entry systems and how they could evolve:

• Antimicrobial solutions such as using bacteria killing materials on light switches;
• Hands-free solutions using automation, motorized shutters, blinds and doors, gesture-controlled interfaces and sensors;
• Low touch methods where entry and interaction are achieved with personal devices like smartphones rather than shared touchpoints like keypads and panels;
• Smarter systems to control access of guest and visitors - entrance solutions providing counting and real-time control of temperature, or providing temporary access codes and camera-controlled access;
• Smarter systems to improve air quality such as automation for windows.
   

“As always, the philosophy of the Connectivity Ecosystem is to enable the occupant to enjoy superior comfort and convenience experience,” said Jean-Guillaume Despature, chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Somfy Group. “Together, we are developing an open and scalable ecosystem that can be integrated into homes and buildings and guarantee a smarter, full control of living spaces.”

Ensuring safe spaces in hotels

Hospitality solutions adopted by major hotel groups are also evolving to respond to the new safety measures created in response to the pandemic. 

Integrated apps and solutions help empower guests, limit touchpoints and guarantee comfort in hotel rooms and common use spaces like restaurants and lobbies.

The Connectivity Ecosystem allows guests to be in control in their hotel rooms through voice and app controls, access solutions and integration of anti-bacterial and anti-microbial touchpoints like light switches and control panels. In common areas, solutions including ventilation control and motion detectors will allow for new social distancing and room temperature checks.

The Connectivity Ecosystem offers hotel solutions that integrate increased voice or motion control minimizing touchpoints, managing tasks like opening doors, controlling light, heating and cooling and providing comfort like water sanitation and water heating.

Global hotel chains including Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott continue discussions with partners in the Connectivity Ecosystem to integrate tailored solutions across hotel portfolios.

Integrated solutions for energy efficiency

The proportion of energy supplied by renewables is expected to grow by a factor of 2.5 by 2050, becoming the number one source of energy, and increased electrification and digitization can help achieve recovery and sustainability goals.

“We all know that the energy renovation rate has to increase to reach our ambitious climate targets. We need to act now, and we need to do it smartly. We need to address both the energy efficiency renovation and the new build segments to maximize the potential impact of leveraging digital, integrated solutions as enablers in an increasingly electrical world,” said Lars Tveen, president, Danfoss Heating System.