In conversation with Adam Merlino, Senior Director, Asia Pacific & South Africa, Snap One.

“2020 was an interesting year, the world had to adapt to new and unprecedented challenges. The second half of 2020 was good for the industry, we have seen that momentum continues into 2021”, states Adam Merlino, Senior

Adam Merlino, SeniorDirector, Asia Pacific & South Africa, Snap One.

What are the challenges the company faces while operating in India? What suggestions would you give to improve the scenario?

Challenges we see across the globe are new entrants in the IoT sector posing as Smart Home platforms. There are many new entrants (especially in lighting) which over promise and under deliver. To improve things integrators must utilise due diligence when selecting products and vendors utilised to implement their ultimate customerfacing solution

As per reports in Media, Snap One files for an IPO to list on Nasdaq, how do you think it will help Snap one in future?

Currently, we can’t go into too much detail on this point. However, would like to mention that our plan is to continue proceeding. It will enable us to further invest in our solution offerings to deliver products and platforms which will help our partners to be more productive, efficient and deliver end-users more value and satisfaction with their smart home.

What sets Snap One apart from other smart home solutions providers?

Snap One is a one-stop shop for integrators to deliver a smart home experience for consumers, our only route to market is via certified and trained professional integrators. Our two platforms Smart Home OS and OvrC deliver the tools required by our partners and end overall the unified end-user experience to provide the simplicity expected of a smart home. Smart home OS directly supports/ integrates over 14,000+ devices and our manufacturer program “Connects with Control4” has over 2500 members with embedded technology to directly integrate with Control4.

What benefits do the Control4 dealers get across the globe?

a. Follow the sun support b. Exclusive product/solution offerings c. Direct line of communication for product recommendations and enhancements

How would you describe the current global demand for Custom installed smart home solutions? What according to you is the major push factor?

Strong overall, the global pandemic

has seen many people invest in their existing homes. Also, the smart home is now becoming a reality and expected in new builds.

What according to you, the word “sustainability” signifies? How does smart home technology vouch for a sustainable lifestyle?

Sustainability refers to the responsible use of resources. Smart homes can monitor energy usage. However, ultimately it is up to the homeowner to make lifestyle decisions with that information.

What is the strategy that Snap One follows to build and successfully maintain the company’s market presence worldwide?

By providing the exclusive products and solutions required by our partners to deliver, we manage and maintain smart homes.

Can you please elaborate on who do you think to influence the smart home business more, System Integrators or Architects/Int Designers?

Architects and designers play a big role, however, this varies across the globe. System integrators build relationships with homeowners, architects and designers. Specifiers also play a key part in technology direction utilised within homes, multi-res and communities.

According to you, which category of smart installations falls under “Smart Home Essentials”? And why?

a. Network is the foundation and core building block of a smart home or a loosely coupled IoT home.

b. Lighting is the Core infrastructure.

c. Security brings homeowner peace of mind. d. Comfort and control over high energy consumption devices. e. Entertainment is something we all love! f. Smart Home OS unifies the technology in the homemaking devices aware of each other and their state. Also, Smart Home

OS provides an exceptional

“easy to use” experience for homeowners.

Would you like to give us a glimpse of any of the ventures the company is soon going to undertake for the Indian market?

Continued product and solution offerings