The Difference Between ‘Automation’ and ‘Motorization’

Here at Budget Blinds of Scottsdale you’re likely to come across the terms ‘motorized’ and ‘automated’ a bunch and in different contexts. To those not in the know those terms might seem to mean identical things at first blush. We don’t blame you, both seem to have something to do with mechanics and motors and computers that they get conflated together – the truth is these are distinctly different terms that mean two different things. This time on the Budget Blinds of Scottsdale blog we’re explaining the difference between automation and motorization!

First, the Definitions

Motorized

/ˈmōdəˌrīz/

verb

past tense: motorized; past participle: motorized

equip (a vehicle or device) with a motor to operate or propel it.

"the modern car evolved from initial attempts to motorize a horse-drawn carriage"

Automated

/ˈôdəˌmādəd/

adjective

operated by largely automatic equipment.

"a fully automated process"

Still with us so far? Good. Now we can put that into a bit of context.

Motorized is actually quite simple. It means that your blinds or shades have been connected to a motor. Whether that motor is battery-powered, rechargeable or even hardwired. This motor allows the window to be operated using a remote, wand, or switch. The action of lowering or raising the blings is still started by you as you press a button or flick a switch – then the motor takes over.

Automation is a different beast entirely! Automation still has motors yes, but they are also programmed using smart technology. The automated window coverings link up to a smart hub in your home that controls all of the smart devices. That hub can be accessed by your computer, tablet, or phone. This allows the hub and the window coverings to be programmed to raise and lower at any of a number of different points, whether it’s a set time in the day, at certain temperatures, or more.

Past that, the differences are negligible, honestly. They might work in very specific and different ways but for the consumer those are the big differences, whether they can be set up to work on their own without further input from you or if they still require a button or switch. From there the choice is up to you! If you want a simple system that raises and lowers window covers without much hassle, equipping your shades with a motor might be all you need. If you prefer to have your home fitted with the smartest in tech and appliances, automation is available right now too!

Budget Blinds Scottsdale offers our entire Smart Home Collection – a set of the best tech and tools and manufacturers in the smart home industry to create our private label. Then to top it off we partner with brands such as Somfy®, and SONOS to offer the best in motorization and automation solutions for our customers.

The best part? You can start with just a single smart shade and control and upgrade your home from there as you like! And Budget Blinds will take care of everything. Like automation and motorization, Budget Blinds is here to make everything as easy, convenient, and enjoyable as possible. 

Ready to upgrade your home? Call Budget Blinds Scottsdale and get a free consultation today! The Linnemeyers will be on their way in no time to get you set up with the best window covering solution for you!