Johnson Controls has been growing its security offerings every year by acquiring other companies such as Tyco and Qolsys, enabling it to offer tailored solutions for its clients’ needs.
We interviewed Jeremy McLerran, Director of Global Marketing for Johnson Controls Security Products, who walked us through the company’s growth strategies, and plans.
Johnson Controls is offering smart building solutions to the European residential market.. In this sector, a star brand from the Johnson Controls family is Qolsys. After having had the majority shares on Qolsys since 2014, Johnson Controls fully acquired the residential and commercial security and smart-home manufacturer in 2020.
Jeremy, who was previously working at Qolsys, tells us that one of the main hurdles when merging companies is that they come with their own cultures. The other challenge is when products that once competed need to start working together.
“When it comes to people, one of the things we are very proud of,” says Jeremy “, is that we have a very diverse and accepting company culture.”
“Amalgamating products can be taxing, but we rise to the challenge. All parts of the business, from the technical team, marketing, and sales to the products team, collaborate to put everything into one platform. We take these technologies and the best practices from these technologies and put them together into one solution to help solve our client’s needs.”
Some companies within the JCI group, such as Tyco or Qolsys, still conserve their brand names. Jeremy explains that the link between the established brand and Johnson Controls happens gradually to avoid confusing end-users and customers.
The Open Blue cloud
Johnson Controls Open Blue cloud platform is the umbrella brand for all cloud-based products and solutions.
“We believe the future is cloud-based and software-based,” Said Jeremy, “Users will increasingly connect through their mobile devices and computers. No matter what it is, everything will become connected, and this can happen in a single platform, Open Blue.”
“Our experience in North America has shown us that people find it very exciting to have visibility to all aspects of their home at the touch of a button. They can also keep control locks, heating, etc., giving clients a great experience even when away. Control and visibility of homes and smart business is our future.”
“Johnson Controls continues its mission to deliver smarter, safer, intelligent and more connected buildings by deploying emerging technologies such as embedded IP, artificial intelligence and machine learning through best-in-class solutions and partnerships. Johnson Controls is leading a fundamental transformation of how spaces and places are perceived and enjoyed by balancing and responding to the flow of information, services and people that occupy buildings. By applying data from inside and outside buildings, Johnson Controls OpenBlue digital platforms empower customers to manage operations while delivering safety and security in dynamic and agile environments.”
Close to the company’s core value is to provide its clients with solutions that will make their lives more sustainable. Automation allows to switch off anything that doesn’t need to be on if the dwelling is empty.
“At Johnson Controls, we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. We drive the outcomes that matter most, from optimising building performance to improving safety and enhancing comfort. We’ve been making buildings smarter since 1885, and our capabilities, depth of innovation experience, and global reach have been growing ever since. Today, we offer the world’s largest portfolio of building products, technologies, software, and services; we put that portfolio to work to transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play.”
Qolsys’ mission is to improve the quality of life through innovation and technology. From smartphones to computers, having access to information – powered by Alarm.com – when and where we need it makes us smarter, more efficient, and more connected.
“We provide advanced security technologies to protect what you value most—offering the most reliable security technologies to provide peace of mind for you and your family. Qolsys capitalises on PowerG, the industry’s leading-edge wireless intrusion technology, to offer robust features that decrease operational costs while providing ultimate reliability in a security system.
“Qolsys redefines security by providing a powerful yet user-friendly and low maintenance security system that integrates wired and wireless devices to expand the system based on your needs. With a wide range of smart home and commercial security solutions, the power of simpler, quicker, and more convenient management is right in your hand. Next-generation security management is with the most important person – the client – placed at the centre.”
The flagship product in the security and smart home lineup is the IQ Panel, a 7″ touchscreen control panel that combines a mobile operating platform with an all-in-one security and life safety panel. The Qolsys IQ Panel connects to devices installed in a home or business using seven different wireless radios, like PowerG, a proprietary long range wireless security frequency for door sensors, motion sensors, glass break detectors, smith detectors, flood detectors and more. Z-wave Plus connects home automation devices such as lights, smart locks, and intelligent thermostats. Wi-Fi and LTE Dual Path Connectivity simultaneous keep everything connected to the cloud. Whether you use an iOS device, Android, Windows or even Blackberry, there’s an app to keep you connected from your tablet, watch, smartphone, or computer. This is security management that goes wherever you go.
When it comes to Johnson Controls route to market, Jeremy says that the way the company works in North America is the same as it would like to work in Europe.
“Some people might have like to add smart solutions to their homes by themselves. But technology is challenging, and having a professional installer means that the end-user gets an optimal installation. Still, they can also consult with the experts on the best products for their needs,” pointed out Jeremy.
Something to look forward to in Summer 2022 is the next generation IQ Panel—IQ Panel 4. The IQ Panel 4 is the next leap in security and smart building technology.
The new IQ Panel 4 is the most customisable, easiest to install system yet with all the features that clients have come to know and love such as Bluetooth Touchless Disarming, Live View, Live Answer, and Built-in Glass Break. .
Building on the IQ Panel 2, the IQ Panel 4 will support PowerG’s advanced sensor technology with an industry-leading wireless range and extensive life safety and security devices portfolio. IQ Panel 4 will give installers the flexibility to connect over Wi-Fi or Ethernet while simultaneously communicating via LTE. The IQ Panel 4 is a EN50131 Grade 2 certified product.
Its Dual-Path connectivity improves redundancy and reliability and integrates with the Alarm.com services platform, delivering best in class remote connectivity, management, and access.
Jeremy concludes, “This is next-generation security management with the most important person – the user – placed at the center. You need never sacrifice your confidence in your security setup ever again. Our innovative technology supports the hectic, on-the-move lifestyle of the modern day, saving you time on security tasks that can be redirected to more productive, value-add activities like spending time with the ones you love most.”
All in one, always connected, always innovating – that’s Qolsys by Johnson Controls.