As the Partnerships Business Development Manager, Somfy, Maryellen Oswald has done a considerable amount of work for the motorization brand in her short two-year tenure at the company. She’s no newbie to the CI industry, however, as prior to her work at Somfy, Oswald led roles in rep firms and magazines catered specifically to integrators.
In fact, much of her 20 year work experience has been spent in service to the custom electronics industry, so, in retrospect, her relatively new role at Somfy just represents her latest push to help connect integrators with the latest and greatest technology categories in the industry (which shading definitely qualifies at this point).
With the tradeshow rush winding down, CE Pro had an opportunity to sit down with Oswald to talk more about her role at Somfy, how dealers can better position shading in a smart home system, and what it is that makes Somfy stand out over others in the category.
CE Pro: For those who might not know, can you briefly explain what Somfy offers the market and dealers specifically?
Oswald: At Somfy, we believe that “what’s inside matters most” when it comes to motorized shading solutions. That is why we offer a wide range of high-quality motors and technologies designed for seamless integration with multiple types of blinds, shades, curtains, and other window coverings. We partner with preferred third-party control systems for direct integration.
As a leader in motorization and control, Somfy connects integrators with direct access to a vast network of fabricators, giving them the flexibility and power to choose their perfect shading solutions.
CE Pro: Besides the obvious method of pressing a button to operate shades, how can dealers present motorized shades to clients as part of an entire smart home ecosystem?
Oswald: Somfy motors can benefit homeowners in many ways. Our smart shading systems are designed to make life easier by enhancing and automating privacy and home security, protecting furniture from harmful UV rays, providing sun control and helping reduce energy consumption while increasing energy savings.
It’s important to note that a motorized shading powered by Somfy can easily be integrated into third-party systems using the Somfy Synergy API, which allows for direct integration with leading third companies like Control4, Crestron, Crestron Home, Savant, URC, RTI, and Nice.
CE Pro: What are some outdoor usage scenarios that dealers could present for motorized awnings?
Oswald: The outdoor living category continues to grow. Homeowners want to extend the comforts of their indoor experience to the outdoors and Somfy provides a variety of motorization solutions to maximize comfort and convenience for outdoor living spaces. Our goal is to make these solutions easy to install, and easy to operate.
We offer motorized control for retractable awnings as well as sun and insect screens for pergolas. We can also help motorize exterior hurricane shutters to protect homes during severe weather events.
CE Pro: What makes Somfy motor products stand out in a category that is expanding with more interest and competition?
Oswald: At Somfy, we aim to optimize our products in order to help integrators from their initial planning stage and through the installation and commissioning process. This also makes the consumer experience as simple as possible.
Somfy is unique in that we make the motors and give our customers the power to choose from the many different fabricators available. In addition to interior window coverings, you can also find Somfy motors in projection screens, roller hurricane shutters, awnings, and pergolas.
CE Pro: How does Somfy see the motorized shade and smart home industry evolving over the next few years and how its products and dealers fit into this changing marketplace?
Oswald: Home automation is a standard now, and Somfy’s motorization products are designed and built to work and play well with others. We continuously strive to improve our products and enhance the user experience while keeping sustainability in mind.
We have partnered with many of the leading names in smart home technology and integration, including consumer platforms and brands as well as third-party professional brands to bring innovation to the marketplace. As a member of the Connectivity Standards Alliance board, Somfy is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of emerging smart home technologies for years to come.
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Or check out Chandrima Deuri Sikka’s journey through the CI Channel
