“The Internet of Things is radically transforming the construction industry."

Gilles Schnepp, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

WHY ARE BUILDINGS AT THE HEART OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS REVOLUTION?

Connected objects are a reality in every aspect of our lives, transforming our habits and becoming the norm. Products that are incapable of communicating, a acting on information transmitted to them, or that are unable to be remotely controlled have become the exception. The direct consequence: data streams moving around buildings are increasing and devices must be able to interoperate.

The Internet of Things is radically transforming the building industry.

All the more so since these residential, tertiary or industrial buildings are home to users who are increasingly conscious of their safety, comfort and energy savings - all of which are covered by the potential benefits of the Internet of Things.

What makes Legrand a stakeholder in this revolution?

The fact that it's our business! For more than 100 years we have been innovating to satisfy users' expectations in terms of electrical and digital building infrastructures.

The Internet of Things is very real for Legrand.

We achieved sales of connected devices totalling almost €440 million in 2016, and we are increasing our partnerships and alliances, to further improve the experience for our customers. Evidence of this transformation: Legrand took part in the first Viva Technology conference in Paris, in 2016.

And in 2017 we were present, for the third consecutive year, at the CES in Las Vegas - the must-attend global event for new technologies.

Aren't connected objects just a passing trend?

Many sceptics were saying the same thing about mobile phones a few years ago. Today, the popularisation of smartphones is uncontested.

The buildings of tomorrow will be enhanced by their ability to be connected and, consequently, to deliver services, for all users. As connected objects pave the way for popularisation: everyone’s daily lives will be impacted by connected solutions and the new uses they offer.

NUMEROUS PLAYERS ARE GETTING INTO THE MARKET FOR CONNECTED DEVICES, WHAT MAKES LEGRAND MORE CREDIBLE THAN THE REST ?

Because Legrand has a long history of involvement in the building sector. Because innovation is in our genes. Because we are close to our users and understand their needs and expectations.

Because, at the end of the day, this is what we do: offering simple, intuitive products that make a lasting difference to the daily lives of users, whether they are consumers or professionals, from design firms to installers.

What sets Legrand apart?

It is, first and foremost, our decision to position ourselves on 3 levels: firstly, the development of connected solutions, secondly, the creation of suitable infrastructures and, finally, the openness that we wish to see thanks to the interoperability of our products.

What also sets us apart is the fact that we offer the opportunity for third parties to interface with our products, in order to generate services. Always with the same goal of improving the user experience.

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF ELIOT

By improving the customer experience, Eliot represents a significant growth opportunity for Legrand.

The Group’s connected product range, which generated sales totalling almost €440 million in 2016, aims at recording double-digit to record double-digit average annual growth between now and 2020.