5.1. Home automation

In English-speaking countries in particular, the term “home automation” is often used. We prefer not to use this term, however, when it comes to integrated home systems. The first reason is that the term refers too strongly to automation. And as you know, we have to be careful about overdoing automation in the home. The residents must not feel that they have to adapt their lives to certain controllers imposed by the system. The roll-down shutters must be lowered or raised when the residents so wish, and not because the sun rises or sets each day.

A second reason why we prefer not to use the term “home automation” is the fact that it is also used for small standalone systems. For example, on the internet we find sites that use the term “home automation”, while they are only selling home cinema systems. As the aim of integrated home systems is integration, the term “home automation” can in certain cases conflict with the definition of integrated home systems. The two terms refer to different things.