Jackson Global has adopted technology innovation to develop value-added products and drive business growth.
Want to get home to cool comfort on a hot day? Simply turn the air conditioning on before reaching home by using an app on your smart phone, developed by interior furnishings company, Jackson Global.
Slated for release in June this year, Jackson Global’s home automation system provides an easy-to-use interface and is more affordable than conventional systems available in the market.
“Conventional home automation systems require expensive set-up boxes and professionals to customise the settings for each home. This is time-consuming and costly. Our system, however, is more cost effective as users can customise the settings by themselves, thanks to its interchangeable modules,” explains Mr Jack Tan, Chairman of Jackson Global.
The app designed by the company, however, has pre-programmed settings which allow users to control the devices in their homes remotely. For example, users can close the curtains or dim the lights with just one touch on their smart
device.
The app was developed with support from SPRING Singapore, which has also enabled Jackson Global to build up its research and development capabilities from scratch. The company now has five engineers who are involved in the development of new products.
Going further with innovation
Moving into product innovation was part of Mr Tan’s goal to reposition the 38-year-old company from an interior furnishings retailer to a developer of smart home technology. He believes that innovation can help create a competitive advantage for the company.
“Businesses cannot survive in today’s competitive market without product innovation. Innovation allows us to stand out and differentiate ourselves from competitors,” says Mr Tan.
Besides the home automation system, SPRING’s support has also enabled the company to purchase equipment to develop a linear motor curtain track system – the world’s first infinity track. Scheduled to be released in June this year as well, this system saves space and does not need bulky curtain motors.
Expansion plans
Looking ahead, Mr Tan plans to focus on marketing and branding. He believes that a new brand identity will enable Jackson Global to have a better chance of success not only in Singapore, but overseas as well. Besides entering new markets in Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea, Mr Tan expects revenue growth of 50 per cent in the next three years. Plans to develop a linear motor track for glass doors are also in the pipeline.
“There is definitely good growth potential for our new products. We will focus on marketing and getting exposure through trade shows,” says Mr Tan.
Key Takeaways
• SMEs can adopt technology innovation to create innovative, value-added products that meet market needs.
• Find out how you can upgrade your company’s innovation capabilities with SPRING’s support at www.spring.gov.sg/CDG