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FAQs

Answers for Architects, Designers, Developers and their Clients. Can’t find yours? Book a consultation.

Key Questions

SH-PRO is a unified control platform that runs every system in the property from one interface. Lighting, climate, security, blinds, audio, networking and energy work together instead of as separate apps.
 
Control runs through a 3D Spatial Digital Twin: a live, interactive model of the property showing every system on every floor. It works on smartphone, tablet, computer and smart TV across iOS, Android and web, alongside wall panels, keypads and voice control.
Yes. Working with trade partners is central to how we operate. We join at design stage and coordinate the M&E and automation specification with your team, so containment, cabling and keypad positions are agreed before first fix.
 
You keep control of the design intent. We handle automation, integration and commissioning, then hand over cleanly. Electricians can read our Electrician FAQ.
We keep what works and replace what doesn’t. SH-PRO takes over control of existing lighting, climate, AV and security wherever the equipment allows, so the client isn’t paying to replace hardware that still does its job.
 
The result is one platform and one interface in place of a patchwork of controllers and apps. More on replacing a legacy system.
Where the project allows, yes. New builds and full refurbishments get a wired KNX backbone, the open standard for building automation, built for reliability and scale.
 
On retrofits, or where KNX isn’t specified, we use professional-grade alternatives designed around the existing wiring. SH-PRO sits on top either way, so the client gets the same experience.
No. Every device connects to an on-site server, so control and automations keep working during an internet outage. Footage and automation history stay on site by default.
 
Only remote access and push notifications pause. With Always On, a 4G/5G backup line takes over automatically.
The infrastructure is open. On KNX projects the client receives the ETS project file at handover, the standard file any certified KNX partner can work from, along with the device schedule, network documentation and admin credentials.
 
SH-PRO is our own platform, so we maintain and update it ourselves as part of our Management & Infrastructure Subscription.
Ongoing support runs through our Management & Infrastructure Subscription. It covers remote access to the app from outside the property, maintenance and software updates. It’s optional, but we recommend it for every installation. Without it, everything inside the property keeps running.
 
Most issues are fixed remotely, with no wait for a site visit. Where a visit is needed, we quote it and agree the cost before we attend. Hardware carries the manufacturer’s warranty.
Every project is priced to the property. Three things drive the price: its size, how many systems are integrated, and whether it’s a new build, a retrofit or a full KNX installation.
 
We start with a Free Consultation. Most proposals are prepared from drawings and project details, with a site survey where needed. For typical ranges and per-square-metre benchmarks, see our Cost Guide.
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Platform

Whatever the brief calls for. A few examples:
  • One command on leaving turns off lighting and appliances, arms the alarm, locks the doors and flags anything left open.
  • Climate and lighting respond to occupancy, daylight and time of day instead of fixed schedules.
  • A cinema scene dims the lights, closes the blinds and sets the audio in one press.
 
See more in our Automation Ideas.
SH-PRO replaces the menu-driven, closed-ecosystem model older systems are built on. The Full Comparison page has the detail. In short:
 
  • Interface: a 3D Spatial Digital Twin instead of layered menus. No training needed.
  • Integration: works across brands and standards, including equipment already installed.
  • Automation: AI object recognition from CCTV drives automations, so lighting reacts to a person but not a passing fox.
  • Local-first: runs on site and keeps working without internet.
  • Infrastructure: KNX backbone and enterprise networking, not consumer kit.
The infrastructure, not the experience. New builds and full refurbishments get a wired KNX backbone at first fix, built to last the life of the building. Retrofits use professional-grade alternatives designed around the existing wiring.
 
Either way, SH-PRO runs on top and the client uses the same 3D Spatial Digital Twin.
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Working With Us

Ideally at RIBA Stage 2 or 3, while the design is still developing. That way containment, cabling routes, rack location and keypad positions are agreed before first fix.
 
Joining late usually means compromises on a new build, or a retrofit approach on a property that could have had a full KNX backbone.
Yes. We work with the main contractor’s electrician or bring in our own network of certified electricians. We supply and pre-program the devices, so the on-site work stays straightforward. Electricians can read more in our Electricians FAQ.
Across the UK, with local installers nationwide and a dedicated team for projects in Spain.
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Security and Reliability

Every part of the system works together. Intrusion, water leak and fire sensors send real-time alerts. AI Cameras tell people, vehicles and animals apart, which cuts false alerts. Number-plate recognition can flag an unknown vehicle arriving while the property is empty.
 
Strong encryption and secure network protocols run throughout, on an enterprise-grade network.
With Always On, a UPS keeps the hub, network and cameras running for around 1–2 hours, which covers most outages. It also works alongside existing solar batteries, covering the seconds they take to switch over.
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