Specifying with Casambi
Smart technology is everywhere, and with it comes many exciting possibilities. We have already seen a substantial societal impact with smartphones and digital assistants, and their emphasis on ease of use. Smart wireless lighting, with energy efficiency and well-being as a key focus, will enable a similar workplace transformation.
Specifying smart technology and smart lighting technology should be simple, and Casambi has proven this to be the case within a short time. By ensuring that the luminaires, relays, sensors, switches, and blinds are Casambi enabled, you can be confident that everything will be interoperable, scalable, and perhaps most importantly, simple.
Why specify with Casambi?
At the heart of the Casambi solution is interoperability, meaning that our technology is compatible with a wide array of modules, drivers, sensors and switches available from our large, and ever-expanding global network of well-known and trusted ecosystem partners. Regardless of a building’s original lighting architecture, our smart lighting solution will seamlessly integrate with it.
At Casambi, we pride ourselves on our ability to pair our products with anything on the market. Any lighting system produced by a reputable supplier can be coordinated to work alongside Casambi smart lighting and we continuously review and update our offering, ensuring that we remain compatible with our peers’ developments in the lighting industry. Casambi promises to support all relevant lighting standards, making it easy to support the chosen technology solution, whether DALI, 1-10V, mains dimming or PWM.
Security and connectivity
The use of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in smart lighting, developed by Casambi founders Timo Pakkala and Elena Lehtimäki (during their time at Nokia), was initially an exercise in cost and energy-saving. Still, BLE has since become the universal standard for connecting wireless mesh networks, with the latest upgrades being ever more secure.
Ease of use
Casambi smart lighting is controlled using a smartphone or tablet app; available as a free download from the iOS or Android app stores. We have designed the Casambi app interface to be as user-friendly and intuitive as possible, enabling a seamless experience. Whether controlling the dimming, a range of color hues, or pre-programmed lighting patterns, it’s all possible with the Casambi app.
Support
Casambi is intuitive to use, but should you ever require technical assistance we have a dedicated team and services available to assist. You only deal with real people when contacting our support email or free helpline, and our online knowledge base provides comprehensive answers to the most common questions. Our world class response speed and issue resolution times guarantee that you have your solution fast. We also provide free online self-study training courses to enable anyone to improve their Casambi knowledge and abilities.
Things to consider
Casambi technology has been designed and built to be as user-friendly and straightforward as possible, but there are still things to consider. The following information will ensure that your building or premises are ready for a smart lighting makeover.
Building status and type
Not all buildings are equal, so proper planning must be done before installation. For example, thick walls might restrict the Bluetooth signal, so this needs to be considered when planning where to place the Casambi modules. Should the requirement be for the asset to remain in the building regardless of future hardware changes, then the Casambi enabled devices should be placed externally.
Functionality
Casambi wireless smart lighting offers a range of flexible options to users and the illumination provided by smart lighting can be tailored to the needs of the individual. Think of the following in advance:
- The layout of the building and access to natural light via windows or skylights
- The profile of the users and their tasks
- The need for spotlights or guided illumination to highlight products or locations
- Any lighting patterns that may be required, based on time, activity or surroundings
Take the time to think about these matters before installing smart lighting to get the most out of your system. However, that being said, Casambi lighting solutions can still be easily reconfigured after installation.
Safety, security and privacy
BLE is equipped with safety protocols for your protection as a user. Casambi has also added even more security levels, ensuring that your wireless light control is entirely safe. You can still make further adjustments if need be.
As Casambi products are not connected to a WiFi network, controlling access can be limited, so ask yourself – Who within your organization requires access to the wireless lighting control? Most businesses will assign one nominated individual to have access to the Casambi app and control the lighting.
Existing and future lighting fixtures
Wireless lighting control still requires fixtures and fittings, so we always recommend speaking to a professional lighting designer.
If you need assistance with planning your wireless lighting control, we recommend involving Casambi or one of our partners. This way, it can be assured that the optimum products for the appropriate use are selected and installed.
The commissioning and installation of the Casambi wireless smart lighting system must also be considered. Look at it from a project management perspective to ensure professionalism and excellence in service and performance.
To keep in mind
Wherever possible, use plastic light fixtures for Casambi products. This material, unlike metal (especially steel), will not limit the range of communication between Casambi enabled devices. Casambi technology can communicate from distances as far as 80 meters in appropriate settings.
Casambi will also provide guidelines for testing the robustness and suitability of fixtures and fittings, and connections. Following these guidelines will ensure the most stable Bluetooth signal and ensure that the smart lighting works to the best possible standard.
If you have any further queries about Casambi’s wireless smart lighting offer, please get in touch.
