Automation vs Integration, Whats the difference?

Here is the answer to one of our top asked question.
These concepts are similar but not the same.
Home automation is individual consumer products that are programmed to do automated events in your house. These events can be based on schedules or routines .
Integration refers to incorporating individual home systems with a centralized controller, creating an ecosystem where all wired and wireless systems work as one.
* In detail:
* Automation refers to systems working automatically such as lighting, heating, cooling, security, and more with the primary goal streamlining everyday tasks and making the home function without thought.
* Examples of home automation include:
* Automatically adjusting thermostat settings and lighting based on your schedule or routine.
* Locking and unlocking doors remotely using a smartphone app.
* Setting up voice-activated commands to control these systems.
On the other hand:
* Integration incorporates individual home systems with a centralized processor that controls smart devices and all systems to work together as a single unit.
* The primary goal of home integration is to ensure that different devices and systems can communicate and coordinate with each other effectively.
* Home integration often involves using or replacing technologies from various manufactures with an integration system like Control 4 or Crestron to connect and control these devices using wireless methods such as: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or wired protocol such as ip, serial or infared.
* Examples of home integration include:
* Connecting smart systems like lighting, H/Vac, entertainment/security cameras to a centralized processor and then distributing control to your personal devices either while at the estate or while traveling.
* You can also create "scenes" that trigger multiple devices to work together. An example would be a "goodnight," scene in which you can turn off lights, lock your doors, and set your thermostat by the single push of a button.
* Integrating voice assistants like Alexa or Siri to control various devices and systems via voice commands.