The role of a building entrance system is to be able to manage access, without making it unduly difficult to enter the building on a day-to-day basis for residents, employees, visitors and property managers. It will depend on the property itself. The needs of a multi-unit apartment building can be quite different from those of a small commercial or residential building with one entry point. Current wiring, door hardware, network infrastructure, number of users and future expansion plans can all have an impact on what is most effective. Sydney property owners looking at intercom installation Sydney should start with these seven features when comparing the latest building entry systems.
Eliminates unwanted background noise and enables bidirectional transmission.
One of the most obvious distinctions between an old audio intercom and a new video entry system is the fact that video is a visual medium.
Unlike solely relying on someone's voice, occupants can be able to see who is asking for access to the toilet, and talk to them via two-way audio.
This is especially helpful at communal entrances where residents might not know all the people who enter the building themselves.
Features to compare:
• Camera resolution
• Viewing angle
• Low-light performance
• Night vision
• Microphone quality
• Speaker clarity
• Video refresh rate
• Door-station positioning
Specifications should not be viewed as stand-alone documents, however.
Even if the camera has high resolution, it is not necessarily useful if it is not properly positioned, or if there is glare or if the visitor cannot be captured clearly in the dark.
The use of a smartphone and remote access.
Among the most helpful innovations of the modern entry system is the linkage of building entrance to cell phones.
The residents or authorized users may be notified, communicate with visitors, and unlock a door remotely, depending on the system and manufacturer.
This is much more convenient for folks who are expecting to give birth while not at home, compared to a typical set handset.
Mobile features can include:
• Visitor notifications
• Smartphone calling
• Live video
• Two-way communication
• Remote door release
• Mobile credentials
• Access notifications
• Cloud-based management
Not all systems will offer all of these functions and their specific capabilities should be verified prior to purchase.
What if there is a failure of the internet?
This is something that people don't think about.
When a system relies on internet connectivity for certain functions, property managers need to grasp what will happen when the internet is down.
Ask the installer:
- Does local access to the door remain?
- Which features need to be connected to the internet?
- Are any residents able to communicate with visitors?
- Is there a backup method of entry?
- What is done in the event of a network outage?
It is important to consider a modern system's performance not only when it operates well, but also when something goes wrong with it.
The ability to integrate with access controls.
Intercom and access-control systems are two distinct systems that can be combined.
An intercom is a sound system that enables a visitor to communicate with someone.
Access control is to control who is allowed to enter.
The door is locked electronically.
The knowledge of this difference helps to evaluate the actual needs of a building.
Some of the common access technologies are:
• RFID cards
• Key fobs
• PIN codes
• Mobile credentials
• Electronic locks
• Electric strikes
• Magnetic locks
• Door controllers
For instance, a resident may use a key fob to open his or her door each day and a guest may call that resident via the intercom before allowing himself or herself to enter.
Visitor Management
Managing visitors becomes more critical as the number of residents, tenants and visitors grows.
If you have a small property, the only visitor communication that is required may be basic.
If you live in an apartment or business building, a more formal solution might be necessary.
Modern systems have the potential to include features like:
• Digital visitor directories
• Visitor notifications
• Temporary credentials
• Guest access
• Delivery access
• Visitor records
• Remote authorization
Security and Privacy Features
There is no need to sacrifice security for convenience.
Conventional connected entry systems may possibly be capable of taking care of sensitive details such as entry credentials, visitor information, video and entry records.
Which is why it's crucial to think about physical security and digital security.
Investigate the following:
• User authentication
• Access permissions
• Encrypted communication
• Audit logs
• Access history
• Tamper detection
• Secure credentials
• Software updates
Another factor to consider for an IP-connected system is network security.
Inquire about who will be allowed to administer the system, who will be in charge of credentials, and how the system will be updated for security.
Avoid assuming that the promises made in marketing materials are true.
Anything labeled “smart”, “secure” and “advanced” doesn't provide enough information about the system's protection capabilities.
Rather, make specific inquiries:
- How is data transmitted?
- In what ways is information accommodated?
- Who can access recordings or logs?
- How do you get rid of old users?
- How are administrator accounts protected?
- How are software updates provided?
- What would occur if a device is unable to connect to the network?
These are the questions that can assist building owners make a better choice.
Scalability for Apartments and Commercial buildings.
The system must be similar in size and complexity to the property.
The needs of a small building with one entrance and a few users differ from a multi-storey apartment complex with a number of entrances, and hundreds of users.
When deciding on a system, take into account:
• Number of users
• Number of apartments
• Number of entrances
• Additional controlled doors
• Visitor volume
• Multiple buildings
• Property management requirements
• Future expansion
Integration with other security systems
A building entry system doesn't have to be standalone.
It can be integrated with the following equipment, depending on the equipment:
• CCTV
• Security alarms
• Electronic locks
• Automatic gates
• Garage doors
• Lift controls
• Access-control software
• Building management systems
Why integration can be useful
Think of a business environment with a separate intercom, CCTV and access control.
These technologies could also be part of a more integrated package that could provide a clearer picture for building managers at controlled entrances.
For instance, a visitor can speak to an employee via the intercom, and the entrance camera feeds information, while the access-control system controls the physical door.
However, integration is not automatic.
Should you upgrade an existing Intercom or replace it?
Changing an old system doesn't necessarily need to be the solution.
Some buildings may have pre-existing wiring that can be used. In some, however, legacy hardware or an incompatible infrastructure can restrict capabilities.
Some indications of the need for an old system to be upgraded are:
- Poor audio quality
- Repeated faults
- Damaged handsets
- No video
- Limited access-control functionality
- No remote access
- Hard to source replacements.
- Compatibility problems
If it might be more convenient to replace.
If it is necessary to replace it altogether then it might make sense to:
- Equipment is obsolete
- Wiring is not suitable for use.
- There are more entrances needed
- The property needs new access technologies
- The current equipment does not meet the systems requirements to be integrated.
- Parts to replace no longer manufactured and available.
Prior to making a recommendation for replacement an installer should at least take a look at the current system for issues.
The latter can save unneeded work, and the other can get a better idea of the project.
What does it mean to be professionally installed?
You must not just simply attach a device to the side of a door to install a modern building entry system.
Installation may include:
- Inspecting the building
- Assessing entry points
- Checking existing cabling
- Reviewing door hardware
- Installing entry stations
- Putting in internal monitors (where necessary)
- Connecting electronic locks
- Configuring network equipment
- Creating and managing users and permissions
- Combine appropriate security systems.
- Testing communication
- Testing door release
- Providing operating instructions
For larger projects, there may be a need to coordinate with property managers, strata representatives, electricians, locksmiths or other contractors.
There are 10 questions that one should ask before hiring an installer.
Before deciding on installing, ask:
1. Can the current wiring be utilized for the new application?
This can impact the scope and overall cost of the project.
2. Can the existing locks be compatible with the new system?
Don't assume compatibility.
3. Does the system need to be connected to the internet?
Identify features that require cloud or network connection.
4. When a network outage occurs, what happens?
Know the characteristics of the critical access functions when it is not possible to connect.
5. Any more users or doors can be added?
This is important if the property is to be enlarged.
6. Does it work with the current CCTV?
Before buying ensure that there is compatibility.
7. What maintenance is needed on an on-going basis?
Inquire about software updates, hardware services and tech support.
8. What is actually quoted in the quotation?
See if wiring, configuration, and door hardware and testing included.
9. What is the warranty?
Explain equipment and workmanship warranties.
10. Who supports following the installation?
A system is a building investment for the long term; post-installation support is important!
Common pitfalls to steer clear of.
Selecting the Lowest Cost System
Price is important, but the investment may result in problems of compatibility, support, and expansion.
Purchasing features that you don't require.
The more functions, the better the system is not necessarily.
Focus on the functionality that addresses real building needs.
Ignoring Existing Infrastructure
Wiring, locks, power and network infrastructure may have a significant impact on the project.
Avoid wasting time on something that hasn't yet happened.
Think about possibilities for further use, such as adding more users, adding another door or building.
Overlooking Privacy
Information about residents and visitors can be gathered by video and access systems. Be familiar with how that information is handled.
Assuming Every Product Is Compatible
Intercom systems, locks, CCTV and access-control systems are not all compatible.
Check compatibility prior to purchase.
Installation is an Afterthought!
The performance of the system depends in part on the correct set up and configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- But is it better to have video intercoms or audio intercoms?
Video intercoms are a system that offers both visual and voice feedback, and can be helpful for identifying visitors. The extra features may or may not be desirable depending on the particular property and their needs.
- Is it possible to get an intercom system to interface with a smartphone?
Modern systems have the feature to allow smartphone applications, notifications and remote access. Specific characteristics will vary by manufacturer, model and network setup.
- Does intercom work with access control?
Yes, some systems can be integrated with access-control devices. Compatibility of intercom and controller with locking hardware should be verified prior to installation.
- Is it possible to upgrade an old intercom?
Sometimes. Old wiring and equipment shall be evaluated to see if it is both technically and economically feasible to upgrade equipment.
- Is it necessary for modern intercom systems to be connected to the internet?
Not necessarily. Depending on the system in question, some functions can be performed at a local level, and some functions, more especially cloud-based remote access, might demand an Internet connection.
- Is it possible to connect a meeting room's intercom to a CCTV system?
Some systems will support CCTV integration; compatibility is dependent on the products and manufacturer.
- What is the time required for installation?
The installation time is not set. A simple single-entry installation is very different from a multi-unit building installation with additional new cabling and multiple entrance and access control integration.
- Which type of entry is best for an apartment building?
There isn't one system that is best for every apartment building. All of the following should be assessed: video communication, visitor management, access control, scalability, existing infrastructure and support.
Conclusion
Choosing a building entry system shouldn't start with the question, "Which product has the most features?"
It should start with the building.
How many people have used it? How many entrances need to be controlled? What are the existing infrastructure and what are their limitations? Are visitors' needs for this property being met? Will mobile access improve residents' benefits? Would it be possible to expand the building in the future?
With the answers to those questions, it becomes a lot easier to determine which technologies are valuable, and which are not.
The seven areas mentioned here, video communication, smartphone access, access-control integration, visitor management, security and privacy, scalability, and wider security-system integration can serve as a guide in assessing modern solutions.
Where there are existing intercom systems, electronic locks, CCTV or other access systems in place, assessment by professionals is especially helpful for Sydney property owners looking to install an intercom system.
Sometimes the old or inexpensive system is the best one. It is the system that meets the property's needs, functions well with the infrastructure, can be effectively managed and is reasonable given the changing needs of the property.
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