International. Globally, 92 percent of intrusion alarm systems sold in 2017 were operated by keypad or keychain; however, this category is expected to drop to 81 percent by 2022.
This was revealed in a recent report published by Anna Sliwon, analyst, IHS Markit, who further indicated that the proportion of voice-operated alarm systems is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 percent from 2017 to 2022.
In 2017, 21 percent of professionally supervised residential intrusion alarm systems had additional connectivity and functionality beyond primary alarm signaling, which will grow at a CAGR of 17 percent to reach 35 percent by 2022.
Our analysis
Home assistants developed by Amazon, Google and others are changing the way consumers interact with connected home devices, including alarms against intruders. Now, more alarm systems offer a voice command option, allowing users to use Alexa and other smart assistants to arm and disarm their alarm systems.
Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have profoundly influenced the way consumers select home security systems, leading to greater connectivity and integration with voice assistants and other smart devices. As consumers become more comfortable with voice functions, the proportion of alarm systems that rely on more traditional methods will decrease.
Smart Revolution
Using voice commands to operate intrusion alarm systems makes the process easier and faster, as it eliminates the need to physically interact with the alarm itself. With voice commands, there's no need to locate a keychain or type a PIN code on a keyboard. Voice functions can also be useful when the keyboard or smartphone is not working well or if the keychain is out of place. Similarly, assembling the system for the night can be done from a user's room, without the need to physically interact with the security system.
The voice is here to stay
The voice functions currently available in intrusion alarms offer a basic level of interaction. The user speaks a default command to disarm the system and the voice assistant asks for a security password or PIN code. The password feature was added, so strangers outside users' homes can't order systems to disarm. This process could be improved with the use of advanced speech recognition technologies, which would eliminate the need for dedicated passwords. Instead, the system would use voice biometrics to verify the user's identity, which could be done automatically, simplifying the process.
Although voice interaction currently occurs while users are physically in their homes, the in-car entertainment systems of the future could also be used to disarm home security systems on the road or when entering the driveway.
Not an easy road
A number of challenges prevent voice functions from becoming a more popular method of operating alarms against intruders. For example, the need to use PIN codes prolongs the process. Some non-tech-savvy users might also have trouble communicating with voice assistants, as they require the use of specific commands for devices to hear. Another drawback is its reliance on home Wi-Fi connections to connect and process commands: if the home network goes down, the wizard stops working.
Should voice recognition become available in home alarm systems, additional privacy issues will arise, including where voice samples are stored, either in the cloud or on local servers operated by alarm companies.
Currently, the voice functionality of home assistants requires users to go directly to their smart home assistants. At a more advanced level, users wouldn't have to head directly to the voice assistant or control panel to disarm the system; instead, once the assistant recognized the voices in the home, it could automatically disarm the system. However, this type of functionality could lead to even more privacy issues, as smart devices actively listen to the activity of household members.
Value added
Improved connectivity and functionality have become important differentiating factors for intrusion alarm systems. As more intrusion alarm manufacturers integrate voice assistants into their offerings, adding a smart device to an intrusion alarm package can create an added incentive to purchase an alarm system.
On the other hand, manufacturers could try to acquire companies specializing in speech recognition software, or partner with suppliers of these products, to accelerate the introduction of advanced voice features.
However, many current users of intrusive alarm systems are still reluctant to test the benefits of voice interaction or connect smart devices to intrusion alarm systems. Installers will need to focus on changing these perceptions, explaining how smart devices can simplify interactions with intrusive alarm systems. One way to overcome this hurdle is to combine products with smart devices, offering all the configuration support needed to facilitate a smooth transition to the connected system.
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