Interview with Product Director Valeri Filianov on the Enforcer V11
The Enforcer V11 has been released and along with it some exciting innovations, could you briefly take us through what customers can expect with the Enforcer V11?
The Enforcer V11 is a major upgrade of the Enforcer control panel range that incorporates a number of new elements.
Firstly, it’s important for installers to know that this is a new hardware platform that integrates the WIFI communicator on board the main Enforcer PCB. As such, this is not only a software upgrade to V11, but also removes the need for the separate DIGI-WIFI that was previously supplied with the Enforcer previously.
As a result of this update, this allows installers to add a second communication path using a LAN or GPRS communicator, for example.
The upgrade has also brought the introduction of the stand-alone touchscreen control station, Pyronix’ brand new 10-inch AndroidTablet product that is available from Pyronix distributor. This combines with the new dedicated HomeControlHUB app, an android app available through the Google Play Store. This solution becomes the new local programming option for the installer, but also the touchscreen hub where the user can control their security system, their Pyronix or Hikvision cameras and also the new SmartPlug automation device that we have recently released.
The 10inch touch screen tablet combined with the HomeControlHUB App gives users a different interface to the alarm system than a typical touch screen keypad would; why did Pyronix go down this route?
It’s important to note that the touchscreen control station is a conventional android tablet. It’s not a dedicated, specially designed touch screen keypad that might be offered by other manufacturers. When used with the new HomeControlHUB app, the touchscreen control station is able to control every aspect of the user’s security system from the alarm to cameras. But the tablet can also be used as a general day to day tablet for the end user; for surfing the web and streaming content, making it an extremely flexible solution.
The control station doesn’t operate via the Cloud, but locally linked to the panel via the local Wi-Fi network, meaning that even if the connection to the internet is temporarily lost, as long as the local WIFI network is still in operation, it will continue to function.
We believe such an approach simplifies the user experience, allowing them to operate their system from a very familiar type of device.
But it also has advantages for the installer, allowing full programming of the panel from the HomeControlHUB app interface, for initial install or maintenance visits as well.
Our intention is that the new interface to the control panel will be the touchscreen control station, which we offer through the AndroidTablet and HomeControlHUB app, providing a really functional and flexible solution and one that gives installers a great upsell opportunity, offering a new dimension to security.
Cameras can also be added to the HomeControlHUB app, what is the benefit to users?
The benefit to the user is clear, allowing them to control their security system, view their cameras and control their home automation devices from one common control station is convergence in action. It brings together the key elements of where the market is heading, and we believe our solution is pioneering in this field, being one of the most flexible and accessible solutions out there in residential and small commercial applications.
It’s important to note, that both Pyronix Wi-Fi cameras and Hikvision cameras can be added to the HomeControlHUB app, and this can be done by logging in using an active Hik-Connect or ProControl+ account, meaning any existing cameras will be pulled through automatically; no additional set up required by the installer.
There’s also the new SmartPlug being released alongside the Enforcer V11, can you tell us something about that?
Our intention is to expand the range of products beyond the traditional security applications that we have historically offered. This will allow our installers more sales opportunities and greater ability to win business based on the solutions and services they can offer.
We anticipate that the SmartPlug will give professional security installers the products to provide value added solutions for their customers, helping them to bolster their business potential and offer an expanded basket of goods.
Do you plan to add more automation devices to the ecosystem in the future?
Of course, we’re always looking to expand our portfolio and bring to market new and exciting products to complement the range. These will further allow installers to offer exciting upsells alongside the core of the professional security system that they provide to end users today.
Will these solutions also be available on the larger commercial systems?
All we can say is stay tuned! We’re planning some exciting developments to our control panel range bringing with it new functionality and some really great developments to the Cloud.
What is Pyronix’ longer term strategy?
Pyronix clearly has a long heritage in the UK and Ireland markets. We’re committed to UK manufacturing and investment, and UK&I focussed product development and R&D, along with the services and support functions that our customers deserve.