The following SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity. More about the SMART 100.
This innovation initially came to life when…
I realised I had to dig up my patio and garden just to install some simple lighting and an irrigation system. Instead, I attached the conduit for each service to my wooden fence and although it did the job, it didn’t look good. I then thought, what if the system was built into the fence in the first place? I set about designing how this could be achieved and in the process incorporated the use of recyclable materials as well as designing a unique “no bolts or screws” installation system, while making the system aesthetically attractive.
WHAT & HOW
The purpose of this innovation is to…
Allow the consumer to easily install the fencing system itself and to very easily install almost any electrical, audio, watering or security feature they require anywhere on their property at any stage during the life of the system.
It does this by…
Easily snapping together without the need for nails, screws or bolts. It has two in-built, easy to access, conduit systems: one that pipes water, and the other that can carry any form of electrical, audio or security wiring. We have also designed specialised lighting and other fittings to compliment the design and which are also easily installed to the system.
PURPOSE & BENEFITS
This innovation improves on what came before because…
No other fencing system has the ability to safely carry electrical, audio, security or watering systems within its structure and to easily allow the consumer to add further services as and when they require them. In addition, no other system can be installed without the use of bolts, screws or nails, which can rust and/or weaken the fence.
Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…
The ability to easily install the fence itself and then being able to easily install electrical, audio, security and watering systems whenever they need to without having to dig up gardens and patios. They can also purchase optional accessories.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
In the past, this problem was solved by…
Digging up the garden, patio or concrete to install the required service. Each time a new service was required, the garden patio or concrete needed to be dug up again. In new homes, some of these services were planned at the beginning; even then, when a person needed to install/repair any of these services, it required digging again.
Its predecessors/competitors include…
Not much really, as there is no other system that incorporates these services into a fencing system. If you wanted to install these services, the wiring or piping has traditionally been buried in the ground.
TARGET MARKET
It is made for…
Any household that uses a fencing system to contain their land and wishes to have the ability to easily install most services as and when they require. It will use recycled materials, so this will also appeal to the Eco part of the market and it is easily installed, which will appeal to the DIY segment of the market. It can also have commercial use, which is the next step in design and this will open up a whole new audience for the system, allowing easy installation of security systems, CCTV, and lighting.
DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
It is available for sale through…
Most places where fencing is currently sold, such as hardware stores, garden centres and through contractors such as the Jim’s Fencing franchise and other independent fencing contractors and possibly electrical contractors and landscapers.
Our marketing strategy is to…
Promote the benefits associated with using the system with an in-depth marketing and PR campaign. We shall also use demonstrations as well as the contractors themselves to deliver the option and explain the benefits to the consumer. We shall also seek coverage through garden-related TV and print media demonstrating the unique benefits of the system.
SUPPORTING IMAGES AND/OR VIDEO
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To check out the Anthill SMART 100 Readers’ Choice winner for 2010, click here.