DWC Home | Magazine | Back Issues | October 2006 | Product Report

We do so much these days with a sim- ple push of a button, and that extends to controlling our interior environments from temperature to lights, sound, video and window treatments.

What benefits do customers get from motorized window treatments? What is the best approach to selling this luxury upgrade? D&WC asked industry suppliers for their thoughts. Here are their replies.

G rowth of the market for motorization of window coverings systems started to accelerate significantly after the turn of the century. Key drivers are the increasing demand for luxury and comfort as well as the sheer size of the homes and the windows. Whole home networks are still very expensive. They can easily run into the six digits.
Therefore, there is a rapidly growing demand on a broader level for a less costly approach to automate these shading systems by means of automating single units, small groups or subsystems.

In the residential markets, automation of window coverings will usually be restricted to one or more specific rooms or areas. It is more economical for end-users to operate these by independent control equipment that is available from BTX in various degrees of sophistication instead of installing elaborate control networks.

For window coverings dealers, the independent approach is important because control network suppliers often use their own distribution channels, thus keeping the window coverings dealer out of the loop. BTX positions itself to serve the market through window coverings dealers. Dealers who monitor the market developments are taking advantage of the wide range of BTX motorized systems and their ability to integrate easily with other control systems when needed. BTX technical support staff helps dealers to grow along with this fast growing segment of the window coverings industry.e.

The most sought after consumer benefit of window treatment motorization, from our research, is “greater control of the home environment.” Consumers want to be able to have precise control of light, heating, cooling, entertainment and window coverings for greater convenience, ease and, increasingly, energy efficiency. Hard-to-reach windows are ideal candidates for motorization.

Also, tying motorized window treatments into home automation systems affords the homeowner the benefit of remotely controlling window coverings in all parts of the home. These systems can quickly bring a home theater environment to the proper lighting level, or time window coverings to “wake up” and rise when they do, or help control the temperature in a home by raising or lowering in conjunction with the sun’s path during the day.

The potential market for motors is increasing rapidly and is growing at two to three times the rate of alternative window covering sales.
Making alliances with home automation professionals can be an important step to selling more motorized treatments. These professionals have the expertise to tie window coverings into home automation systems and install wiring for hard-wired motorized window treatments. They usually don’t have the expertise the window coverings dealer has in choosing the proper style, color and type of window covering for each installation. A partnership can build on each of their strengths.

Motors are used in many devices and appliances that are part of our everyday lives. Motorized window treatments have never been so popular as this before.

When talking about motorized window treatments, we cannot forget roller shades. It is easy to experience the beauty and functionality of motorized roller shades. The motors are compact, wireless and hidden inside the window covering to maintain the attractive style of roller shades. With a touch of a button shades will raise or lower providing the perfect solution for operating shades in hard-to-reach places, such as high and large windows. ZMC has responded with new innovation to our shade program: easy-to-install motorized roller shade brackets for Somfy motors. These brackets are specially designed and developed by ZMC for Somfy motors.

With ease of operation and precise control, you still can enjoy all the benefits of roller shades with fascia and cassette, classic good looks, simple to clean, no special skills required to install and, above all, the fascia and cassette options give shades an elegant and cleaner look by concealing the roller tube.

Customers not only will appreciate the complete ease of opening and closing roller shades, but realize its total benefits to both you and the end-users by the motorized roller shade with motorized roller shade brackets for Somfy motors.