One of the key trends is the emergence of smart lighting and home automation.

Sumit Joshi

CEO and Managing Director, Signify (South Asia)

What is the current scenario in lighting and switches sector?

The lighting industry has seen multiple transitions in the last 10-15 years. The first was from conventional, incandescent bulbs to LEDs and then from LEDs to connected lighting. The next will be to data-enabled services.

LEDs have significantly brought down the energy consumption for lighting. If consumption of energy in an incandescent bulb is 100, in LED, it's six. Our energy efficient range takes it down to three and with our connected lights, you can go to one-and-a-half, even one. There is no other industry that has reduced energy consumption of its products from 100 to 1. The technological disruption has been massive in the lighting sector, from incandescent to connected lighting. An incandescent bulb needs to be changed every one-two years, while LEDs can last 10-20 years.

Connected technologies generate additional savings. Lights switch off on their own when you leave the room. On streets, when there is no movement, vehicular or pedestrian, lights dim automatically. Connectivity is also important as we take data to go to the next transformation that is supposed to take place: data-enabled services.

What is trending in lights and switches? What are the demand drivers?

In the lights and switches industry, several trends have been shaping customer preferences and driving market demand. One of the key trends is the emergence of smart lighting and home automation as customers are seeking lighting solutions that can be controlled remotely through smartphones, voice assistants, or smart home platforms. These also offer installation flexibility and improved convenience of use. Personalisation and customisation are in demand, with customers seeking adjustable colour temperatures, dimming options, and the ability to create customised lighting scenes which can be easily achieved with smart lighting. In switches, we now see a growing demand for smart plugs that can help you upgrade your ordinary appliances into smart devices effortlessly. These can also be operated through smartphones and voice assistants.

Energy efficiency also remains a top priority, with LED lighting technology dominating the market due to its low energy consumption and longer lifespan. Additionally, sustainability is also driving customers to opt for eco-friendly lighting solutions that reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs. In offices, human-centric lighting has gained traction, as people become more aware of the impact of lighting on health and well-being. These lights mimic natural lighting conditions, thereby supporting our circadian rhythm.

Enhanced aesthetics and design are also sought after, as customers look for lighting fixtures and switches that complement their interior spaces. We now offer a wide variety of colour and finish options in switches, to suit varied customer tastes. The combination of technological advancements, environmental awareness, improved connectivity, health considerations, and cost savings plays a pivotal role in shaping the trends and demand drivers in the lighting and switches industry.

How are the customer needs changing in the current scenario? How are you meeting the changing customer expectations?

Post pandemic, customers have been increasingly seeking energy-efficient lighting solutions to reduce electricity consumption and lower their carbon footprint. The demand for smart lighting solutions has grown significantly as customers seek greater control, convenience, and automation in their lighting systems.

The go-to-market strategy in the lighting sector required a significant mindset shift over time. In the past, the industry primarily functioned as a replacement market, where customers purchased lighting products as replacements for their existing ones. However, with technological advancements and the emergence of connected systems, the approach had to change.

One of the fundamental changes in this new strategy is selling connected systems, which requires a different approach when engaging with customers, as these products last for an extended period and often offer additional value to customers. Instead of merely promoting individual products, companies must now focus on showcasing the long-term benefits and return on investment (RoI) that come with these connected solutions. Customers now understand that these systems not only provide efficient and effective lighting but also offer tangible advantages in terms of cost savings, energy efficiency, and improve overall operations.

What are the latest products and solutions offered in lights and switches?

The lights & switches industry has been witnessing exciting innovations and product offerings to meet the growing demand for smart and efficient lighting solutions. Here are some of the latest products and solutions that Signify has launched:

Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED range: These products make it easy to dim, tune and change the colour of light using the WiZ app, voice assistants or a remote control. It allows users to set schedules, timers and scenes of their choice in every room.

Philips Smart Wi-Fi plug: It allows users to easily transform ordinary appliances into smart devices. By using the WiZ app on smartphones or voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, users can remotely control their appliances. This smart plug seamlessly integrates into a smart home ecosystem, making everyday life simpler and more convenient. With remote control capabilities, users can manage their devices from anywhere in the world, ensuring they don't have to worry about leaving home and forgetting to turn off appliances like air conditioners or geysers.

Philips SceneSwitch bulb: It offers users the ability to transform their living spaces with a simple flick of a switch. This versatile bulb features three distinct colour modes - Cool White (CW), Warm White (WW), and Natural White (NW) - all within the same lamp. Whether users need bright, focused light for work, a warm and cozy glow for relaxation, or a natural tone for a balanced ambiance, the Philips SceneSwitch bulb delivers. With the ability to toggle between the three-colour modes, users can effortlessly create the perfect mood for any occasion.

Philips multi wattage lamp: It is designed to cater to varying brightness needs. With this lamp, users can easily switch between three different wattage levels: 15W, 8W, and 0.5W in one lamp. This functionality allows them to adjust the brightness of the bulb according to specific lighting requirements. Whether it's reading a book, preparing for bedtime, or needing extra illumination in the kitchen, the Philips multi wattage lamp delivers the perfect amount of light. This energy-saving and user-friendly design provide bright, high-quality illumination tailored to individual preferences.

Signify's latest products and solutions showcase the company’s focus on smart technology, energy efficiency, and convenience. With the advancement of smart home ecosystems and the demand for sustainable lighting options, these innovative offerings cater to the diverse needs of consumers and bring enhanced control and efficiency to lighting and appliance management.

What will drive the growth of lighting and switches market in future?

The definition of comfort and luxury has undergone a transformative shift, thanks to the influence of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT. These cutting-edge technologies have reshaped our daily lives, enabling us to experience a level of convenience and sophistication like never before.  Connected lighting is a technology that can offer these benefits to both consumers and professional users. The incorporation of advanced technologies in smart lighting will lead to an era of unprecedented comfort, security, and energy efficiency. As India seeks to embrace sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint, connected lighting can emerge as a pivotal solution.

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