KNX is the worldwide standard for home and building control automation, bringing flexibility, security and simplicity to projects of all sizes. As KNX returns as ISE’s Presenting Show Partner for the third year, we spoke to Casto Cañavate, Marketing Manager at KNX Association, about the opportunities on offer for the ever-growing KNX community and what the technology brings to projects.

What are the benefits of using KNX technology in home and building automation projects?

KNX has more than 30 years of experience in the smart homes and buildings sector. You can work with different products from a vast list of 500+ manufacturers. KNX can also integrate with other systems and is independent of any hardware or software technology.

Moreover, our technology can be used in both new and existing projects, in small family houses and in large buildings. This means any KNX installation can be easily extended and adapted to new needs. And, of course, the latest technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), are already part of our current technology and software tools.

What online resources are available for professionals to learn about KNX?

KNX offers a wide range of training possibilities for learning the ins and outs of our technology and the ETS software, the main tool used by professionals to configure their projects. By following our step-by-step education plan you will acquire all the knowledge and skills you need to easily develop automation projects with KNX.

As the very first step, we recommend professionals learn the basics of KNX with the free online ETS eCampus. Our online platform provides you with a great introduction to the basics of ETS so that you can easily start with confidence on your first project.

Is face-to-face training also available?

After getting familiar with the KNX technology, it is time to attend a course in one of our 500+ KNX Training Centres, which you can find all over the world. KNX Training Centres offer many different courses. KNX has set up four models of certified training: KNX Basic Course, KNX Advanced Course, KNX Tutor Course and KNX HVAC Specialist Course. You can subscribe to a certified course via your MyKNX account.

After successfully finishing a course, you will receive a certificate to prove your knowledge and skills. This certificate will help to increase your visibility and boost your professional career not only technically, but commercially as well. As a certified professional you become featured as an official KNX Partner on our website.

Learning is generally reinforced by doing. How can professionals start to use the knowledge that they have acquired?

To start practising your knowledge of KNX, as a newcomer you will not need to buy any products; you can start your virtual smart home thanks to KNX Virtual. This tool helps you to learn the basics and gain more confidence in working with KNX.

KNX Virtual is a Windows-based application simulating a KNX device. The tool does not require any investment in hardware (such as a power supply, USB or IP interface, KNX devices) as you will work with virtual devices for testing with the ETS software.

KNX Virtual allows you to get acquainted with KNX technology and set up a simulated KNX installation for free. You can add different devices in your digital smart home, for example light switches, temperature control, presence and motion sensors, and develop routines.

You can easily download KNX Virtual via your MyKNX account. Simply go to our shop and add ‘KNX Virtual’ to your shopping basket. You will not be charged while finishing the order and will receive an email with a link to download the tool afterwards.

What other resources are available?

In addition to the courses, KNX Association and its members also offer online webinars to gain additional knowledge about dedicated topics. These online and on-demand presentations are about both technical and non-technical matters. Webinars offered are free of charge and are an extremely efficient way to acquire knowledge via short online presentations.

Lastly, a vast selection of brochures and reference books, published by the KNX Association and third parties, can be downloaded from the KNX Association website www.knx.org or on Amazon.

How long does it usually take to reach the various levels of expertise?

That will depend on the professional. For those needing to quickly start their projects, they can be ready in just one day. When they want to add the certified course, this can be done in a week. The best is to start@knx now! https://start.knx.org/

And, if you are in a rush to start with KNX, we offer a 20% discount to purchase the KNX Tools you prefer, ETS6 Professional, ETS6 Home or ETS6 Lite here: https://bit.ly/3ovzJeg

KNX is on Stand 2M400.