MIDDY`S AND SMART WIRING CLICK

Middendorp Electric, commonly known as Middy's Data and Electrical, not only have 76 trade outlets right around the country, but are now a Smart WiringTM partner as well. And it's a relationship that makes a lot of sense.

While Middy's has made it's name as Australia's largest, independent wholesale supplier of electrical, cabling and data equipment, the company is also increasingly leading the market on home automation.

Over the last nine years they have set up a number of interactive showrooms under the name "ElecVision" to showcase the emerging connected and intelligent home. 

The display suites provide both a hands-on introduction to automation at home, and a place where contractors and builders can see smart home technology at work.

In fact when it comes to smart home solutions it's all here. Everything from security and entertainment technology, C-Bus home automation, touch screens, Smart WiringTM, multi-room audio, CCTV, intercoms, access control, biometrics and motorised curtains and blinds.

The showrooms have home theatres, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices set up to demonstrate how they can be enhanced by automation and Smart WiringTM.

"Installers and electrical contractors are our main focus, but we get all types of visitors to the showrooms including builders, home owners and even TAFE groups," Anton Middendorp, the company's Sales and Marketing Manager, said.

"We want to demystify the whole process for installers through practical examples and the displays suites do it perfectly."

Given that around 80 percent of visitors to the showrooms have decided to take up some, or all, of the smart home options on offer, it seems to be working.

The high emphasis on customer service could be one reason why. Once a contractor or installer contacts ElecVision they get a guided tour through the showroom to get a detailed understanding of what's possible.

"We walk them through the showroom to see the sheer variety of products and appliances available, as well as an insight into the technical issues behind it all," Anton said. "The next step is to bring in their customer so that we can give them a non-technical tour focusing on the benefits and features."

"Nothing beats the ability to play with this technology in a real environment."

Elecvision's work doesn?t stop there though. They also help the installer with system design and a materials list, while issues related to installation, cabling, programming and commissioning can also be part of the overall service.

Once designed, ElecVision's staff do a take-off from the basic electrical plan to determine the appropriate components required and then quote the system to electricians through their local Middy's branch.

ElecVision's involvement can be as much or as little as the contractor requires - from designing a system from scratch, to liaising with related services like security and AV installers, to programming, commissioning and supplying the completed project documentation.

And as a certified Clipsal Point One Systems Integrator, ElecVision have the skills to provide an end to end solution for the contractor all handled through the convenience of their Middy's account.

ElecVision also runs training and information sessions for contractors, including a C-Bus introduction course certified by Clipsal. Information nights on topics such as home automation, multi-room audio, touch screens, CCTV and 'smart cabling' are just an added benefit.

"We want contractors to use us as their home automation marketing arm," says Anton. "Once they start using our display suites and advice, they find that the smart home doors just keep opening for them."

If you like more information on Elec Vision, please visit their website: http://www.elecvision.com.au