Z-Wave Alliance to include integrators

FREMONT, Calif.—Mitchell Klein, the new executive director for the Z-Wave Alliance, said the alliance is broadening its scope to include integrators and installers.

Klein told Security Systems News he wants to “complete and launch the installer-level certification for Z-Wave, and—at the same time—get a new category of membership, which we're going to be calling the 'Integrator Member.'”

These initiatives were “in the works” before his appointment, he said, and he will see them through. Klein's appointment as Z-Wave Alliance's new executive director was announced today, on his second official day in the role.

The term 'Integrator Member' can apply to an entire company, whereas the installer certification is for individuals within those companies, Klein said. End users will be able to find certified installers online through the alliance.

“The installers really thrive on technical expertise and technical knowledge, and we want to make sure they know where to go and get that,” he said.

Klein said the Z-Wave Alliance is currently seeking input from integrators to finalize the certification and membership process. He expects to launch the programs Q4 of this year.

Klein is a founding member of CEDIA and served as the organization's president from 1997 to 1999. He was founder and CEO of Media Systems, a Boston-based integration firm between 1990 and 2014. Klein was also an executive at Universal Remote Control for the past eight years.

What does the executive director role entail? “At its simplest level, being a spokesperson for the alliance and the members, [as well as] assisting the board in developing a strategic plan and then being responsible for its implementation. Those are really the two key items,” he said.

The alliance represents more than 325 members. Klein said Z-Wave has 90 percent penetration among smart home products.