While the term ‘Internet of Things’ or IoT may be more familiar to some than others, the reality of increased connectivity through technology within our daily lives is growing fast. The latest episode of The Vaillant Podcast looks at the ways connected technologies are also making waves in the plumbing and heating industry, and how installers can use it to make their working life easier and more efficient. Guests on this episode were Kenny Virdee, Head of IOT Partnerships at Vaillant, and installer partnership, Grant Gundelfinger and Karen Matthews, from The Mayfly Group, based in Yorkshire.

Although IoT is a term often used, it can be difficult one to comprehend. “In simple terms,” Kenny explains, “IoT refers to objects connected to the internet that collect and transfer data over a wireless network and don’t need human intervention. We all use a form of IoT in our everyday lives, but we just might not be familiar with the acronym.

“Examples include voice activated smart home assistants that help you plan and track your day, smart doorbells that have a camera on them, smart lights and locks and the ability to precondition the temperature in your car. The list goes on.

“Now, the more connected devices are available in the market, and as our consumer demands are changing, there are constantly ways that we can look to work smarter not harder.”

IoT in the heating industry

As we all become more familiar with the possibilities, the opportunity to use IoT to improve efficiencies extends not only to end users, who can be in control of their heating whenever and wherever, but also in opening the door for installers to streamline their business processes and generate revenue.

While many installers will recognise the use of smart controls, which communicate with a boiler as a tried and trusted use of IoT, there is also the opportunity for installers to use the IoT side of platforms to manage their jobs. In fact, Grant points out, his mobile phone is his business; from CRM, Gas Safe certificates, boiler registration, scheduling service and repair appointments, in fact, there is not much he does without using internet connectivity.

Connected efficiency

With energy prices hitting a high, customers are inevitably looking for an efficient heating system. But they also expect efficiency in the service that backs it up too, and The Vaillant Podcast highlights how IoT can support both installers and their customers to embrace this technology. For example, using myVAILLANT Pro gives installers easy-to-understand transparency and useful data on how the heating system is operating.

Grant comments: “For us, any additional connectivity which continues to build the relationship with our customers and that product, creates a bond. If there is an issue, we can have a conversation and talk about it, and even where there isn’t, we can help make the system run as efficiently as possible.”

“myVAILLANT Pro gives installers something different to offer their customers and separates them from the competition. Everyone can get an extended warranty but being able to offer a truly connected service that manages the journey to ensure they are always maintaining that level of comfort, has also allowed us to open up new revenue streams too.”

The time savings offered by using this type of connected technology also results in overall cost savings, as Grant explains: “There is also the first-time fix rate and knowing what parts you need. That visit will be the only one you need to do as you go in forearmed. It also increases productivity. myVAILLANT Pro will identify a drop in system pressure that will provide you with an indication of when the fault will arise, allowing you to plan in a visit to address the issue. So, you are being proactive rather than reactive.”

The future

The scope of IoT, and its ability to drive efficient ways of working, is evolving, bringing markets and products together to create more comprehensive, joined up, home energy systems. Kenny adds, “We are working with housing providers to see how they can go out and give a better service to their tenants. So, if a boiler was to develop a fault in a social housing environment, for example, it will raise a job ticket, order the part and have it delivered so the engineer can go to the that job with the part ready and prevents downtime for that tenant and enhances their customer journey.”

Grant summarises: “Once people start to use the Internet of Things, they realise how easy it can be. We have pensioners who are great at Facetime. I even have an internet connected washing machine that tells me when it has finished – so I can get on with my life.

“Sometimes it just needs someone to explain how it can make a difference to their life. There are so many benefits that people don’t realise until they are actually using it.”

For more information or to listen to The Vaillant Podcast, visit: www.buzzsprout.com/840097/episodes