SMI, the only uniform standard for sun shading automation, can look back on 20 years of successful history in 2021. Reason enough to take another look at the development.
In the 1990s, building automation took a rapid development. Standardised bus systems bring together previously independently controlled trades into one system. Automation of sun protection was also increasingly integrated here. Various manufacturers developed proprietary solutions for the digital connection of drives to the bus systems. However, it was quickly recognised that the existence of different bus systems threatened to result in a proliferation of drive variants. Manufacturer-specific solutions, on the other hand, which supported the various bus systems, were not accepted by the market, as building owners wanted a standard supported by many manufacturers.
This realisation led to the drive manufacturers holding initial talks on a standardised connection of sun shading drives to the building automation system at the beginning of the 2000s. As a result of the discussions, seven companies founded the "Standardisation Working Group" on 24 October 2001, which was later renamed the "SMI Working Group".
SMI Founding members 2001
The operational management of the working group was entrusted to Otmar Stillhard, who was to have a decisive influence on the development of SMI in the following years. Working groups for technology and marketing began their activities. The first results were not long in coming. The working group presented itself under the SMI logo, registered as a text and picture trademark, with the slogan "Sonnenschutz Einfach. Intelligent. Exactly!" at the R+T 2003 trade fair stands of the member companies.
The first product to be certified in February 2004 is a blind drive from the company J. Stehle + Söhne.
In 2004, the SMI working group took part in Light+Building, the world's largest trade fair for lighting and building automation, in Frankfurt for the first time with its own stand. Every two years since then, visitors can find out about the ever-growing variety of SMI products. The following years were characterised by a large number of initially smaller projects in which SMI technology was able to prove its functionality and performance.
To support decision-makers, planners and installers, the first edition of the SMI planning manual was published in 2011, which has served the target group well in many properties.
With the founding of SMI Standard Motor Interface e.V., an association under German law, on 20 February 2014, SMI was placed on a forward-looking legal footing. Fourteen companies joined the association. That this was the right decision is shown by the development of membership, which has more than doubled since the association was founded.
Foundation of SMI Standard Motor Interface e.V. on 20 February 2014
SMI technology will also be made fit for the future with the adoption of the SMI Standard 3.0 in 2019. With this standard, SMI is equipped for the requirements of digital, internet-based building automation.
Otmar Stillhard will retire in January 2020. His successor as Head of Operations will be Frank Eberhardt. In its anniversary year, SMI is made up of 30 companies. From over 80 products, the right solution can be found for every application in the field of sun protection and window automation. Together with the innovative strength and willingness for constructive cooperation of the member companies, SMI can look forward to the next 20 years with confidence.
