D-Tools

D-Tools Podcast #21: ‘What’s the Buzz’ about… Somfy Systems

In the D-Tools Podcast #21, Maryellen Oswald of Somfy Systems clarified that Somfy specializes in supplying motors for motorized shades and blinds—not manufacturing the shades themselves—and highlighted the company's role in connecting integrators with shade fabricators, providing expertise on selecting the appropriate motor size and technology for various applications, and offering training to ensure proper integration within the custom integration channel.

Somfy Systems is a unique supplier in the integration industry. Contrary to common belief, Somfy does not manufacture automatic shades and blinds. Instead, the company is the primary component supplier of motors that control motorized shades and blinds. This distinction is central to their “What’s Inside the Shade Should Matter” campaign, which targets the CI (custom integration) channel.

Maryellen Oswald, Partnerships Business Development Manager at Somfy Systems, appeared on the D-Tools “What’s the Buzz” podcast to explain the company's integral role in connecting dealers with shade fabricators. She also discussed how Somfy helps integrators determine the proper motor necessary for a motorized shade, blind, or drape project.

"It’s about knowing what size motor and what technology needs to go inside the blind to fit the application." — Maryellen Oswald, Somfy

A common misconception in the industry is that Somfy manufactures shades. Oswald clarified that while Somfy is present at trade shows with shades on display, their actual product is the motor that goes inside the shades. The company partners with many customers who manufacture the final shades, referred to as fabricators, and connects integrators directly with these fabricators.

Determining the correct motor size for a specific application is another area where Somfy provides support. Oswald emphasized that understanding what size motor and what technology is needed for each type of blind or shade is crucial. She mentioned that different applications—such as Venetian blinds, roller blinds, cellular shades, and exterior solutions—may require different motor sizes to meet lifting capacity needs. Somfy offers training for integrators to help them assess these requirements.

During the podcast, Oswald also shared her journey into the industry, including her experience working on Connected Design magazine and the brand's successful return. Additionally, she discussed her recent election to the CEDIA Board of Directors and the importance of giving back to the industry.

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