{"id":16170,"date":"2016-11-17T17:48:34","date_gmt":"2016-11-17T22:48:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital.hbs.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/adts-digital-transformation-140-years-in-the-making\/"},"modified":"2016-11-17T17:48:34","modified_gmt":"2016-11-17T22:48:34","slug":"adts-digital-transformation-140-years-in-the-making","status":"publish","type":"hck-submission","link":"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/adts-digital-transformation-140-years-in-the-making\/","title":{"rendered":"ADT\u2019s Digital Transformation \u2013 140 Years in the Making"},"content":{"rendered":"

History of Home Security<\/em><\/p>\n

In the wake of World War 1, the crime rate within the United States began to rise and brought both, personal and property, safety and security to the forefront of concerns for the American people.1<\/sup> No company was better prepared to suit the needs of the young country than The American District Telegraph Company (ADT). Although founded as a telegraph company in 1874, ADT welcomed change with open arms as the technological advancement of the call box came to the scene. Through the use of the call box, an ADT watchman, on behalf of a customer, could transmit a specific signal to a district office alerting ADT of a particular need of the customer. These early recipients included police, fire departments, doctors, and coach drivers. With 24-hour alarm monitoring services ADT provided the peace of mind that in emergency situations the proper authorities would be promptly notified. ADT continued to innovate its technology through the 1940s with the development of the Teletherm Automatic Fire Detection System, Telewave Automatic Intrusion System, and Ultrasonic Burglar Alarm.2 <\/sup><\/p>\n

\"adt-history-1890-call-box\"<\/a>Rise of the Smart Home<\/em><\/p>\n

ADT continued to stay at the leading edge of security and innovation of technology through the turn of the century. Over time, the concern of home safety and security have not faded. In fact, according to the FBI, the United States leads the world in the number of burglaries with one burglary occurring every 15 seconds.3<\/sup> This continued concern has led to further advancements of technology and connectivity within the household. Ultimately, leading to the formation of the new \u201cSmart Home\u201d Industry and expansion of technology for home automation as solutions for security and sustainability.4<\/sup> ADT saw an opportunity to pivot into the Smart Home market given their long history as a security provider. With the release of the ADT Safewatch iCenter in 2001, ADT became the first security company to offer a web-enabled home security system and established its presence as the first mover in the digital transformation. Again innovation struck with the release of ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions in 2010. ADT Pulse provided customers with any compatible smartphone or laptop real time remote access and control of their home security system and other applications within the ADT catalogue.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

ADT Today<\/em><\/p>\n

Today, ADT views themselves as a large player in the new and fast growing Smart Home industry with many new competitors entering the market.5<\/sup> The following is a list of features from the ADT portfolio offered to customers via the ADT Pulse mobile app:6<\/sup><\/p>\n