There are a lot of customers, when they see the label “smart” will immediately associate it with “extravagant and expensive”,  or “it is only for showing off and is not practical”, “computer automation”.

These types of thinking, is based on a misunderstanding the true meaning of smart lighting control.

We believe that the purpose of having a smart lighting control system is the following:

1. Increase the quality of life, and yet operation is simplified.
2. Simple to operate and practical to use.
3. To fulfill the need to save energy especially for public buildings, commercial spaces and factories.
4. User control interface can be done through local controls as well as non-local control.
5. The components can be adjusted according to a given budget: since different spaces will have differing requirements and the budget for each budget will also vary, then the choice of user control interface can match the requirement and budget, from simple classic wall switches, digital switches, touch panels, to mobile devices. But regardless of the user control interface used, the backend controller devices and communication backbone remains the same.

From the perspective of DAE, a smart lighting control system is indispensable for any wide open spaces, and is quite different from the simplistic traditional one-to-one approach to control. Through the use of a digital bus, control becomes flexible, convenient and simple. It is not the crude approach taken for implementing a centralized control by aggregating all the wall switches into one location, or by using a dedicated computer; either of these approaches are not true smart lighting control.

All newly constructed buildings should consider adopting a smart lighting control system at the very start to maximize its benefit and minimize costs, as later retrofits are costly, time consuming and disruptive. A lot of new projects can chose not to use any central computer as host nor a touch panel as they are not essential for a more modest project.

This new approach of using a digital bus in conjunction with digital or classic switches can achieve effects that cannot wherefore be achieved using the traditional approach, such as the following:

1. Multiple access control: The same lights can be controlled from different locations and it is not required that the locations are in close proximity to each other nor to the light itself. It is essential for public spaces such as factory floors, open offices, hallways, libraries, conference halls and other places with large open areas.
2. Scene Recall: In order to create the desired mood or atmosphere for a certain room, multiple lighting circuits need to be used. With the traditional approach of having one lighting circuit to one switch, it becomes cumbersome to operate and get right combination of switches to get the right scene. On the other hand, with a smart lighting control system, a single touch of a button actives the entire scene with no fuss.
3. Task Selection: Each activity can be assigned to its own control button, such as when leaving home, good night, office hours, after offices. A single button press activates the lighting pattern appropriate for any given task.
4. Centralized Control: Having a means to aggregate the controls into a single location is especially advantageous for any public space covering vast areas. There are various options for centralizing control such as with a wall of digital switches, touch panel or having a computer host. Any of which will allow the operator to monitor and control the lights for all areas.
5. Automated Controls: Can be achieved through the use of a timer schedule and sensors, both of which enables the lights to work without the need for user intervention.