Somfy Systems is one of the most unique suppliers in the integration industry. The company does not manufacture the automatic shades and blinds, though many might think so. In fact, Somfy is the primary component supplier of motors that control motorized shades and blinds. That important distinction is why the company has a “What’s Inside the Shade Should Matter” campaign targeting the CI channel.
Maryellen Oswald, Partnerships Business Development Manager at Somfy Systems, appeared on the D-Tools “What’s the Buzz” podcast to explain how the company plays an integral role in connecting dealers with shade fabricators, and how Somfy helps integrators gauge the proper motor necessary for a motorized shade, blind or drape project.
"It’s about knowing what size motor and what technology needs to go inside the blind to fit the application." - Maryellen Oswald, Somfy
“The big misconception in the industry is that people assume we make shades because when you go to trade shows and you see Somfy, we have shades,” Oswald explains. “But really we are making the motors that go inside the shades. We needed to spin the message that we don’t make the final product, but we have lots of customers that we partner with where you can get your final shades.”
Somfy calls those shade manufacturers fabricators, and the company connects integrators directly with those various fabricators. But how do you know what size motor is necessary for a particular application? Well, Somfy has that covered too.
“When we say, ‘What’s Inside Really Matters’, it’s about knowing what size motor and what technology needs to go inside the blind to fit the application,” she says. She cited Venetian blinds, roller blinds, cellular shades and exterior solutions as just a few of the different applications that each might require a different size motor for the lifting capacity. The company offers training for integrators on lifting capacity needs.
Also, during the podcast Oswald discussed how she got into the industry including her years working on Connected Design magazine, and how the brand has made a triumphant return. Lastly, Oswald was recently elected to the CEDIA Board of Directors and she discusses how important it is to give back to the industry.
