It’s almost 15 years since the first home automation systems were introduced into the European market and so far they have failed to become a regular business. Their raison d’ ƒÂªtre was to reduce energy consumption and add a touch of excitement to our lifestyle. They applied the same technology that had successfully built up a new business in the commercial public and industrial building sector under the title Building Energy Management System or Building Automation System. In the UK alone in 1985 we identified 23 suppliers and of these 65% were new start companies. Today 5 companies supply 85% of the world market and none of the new starts are now around as most were acquired during the consolidation process. The brand names of some are still used because they introduced digital systems well before the majors but sadly they could not grow fast enough to retain their independence. It was not a lack […]