The past few years we have seen a significant increase in the number of smart and connected devices, building features, and technologies used in homes, offices, and commercial buildings. From customized security systems, to smart offices and digital assistants – residential spaces, workplaces, as well as medical and educational campuses, are in search of technology to enhance and secure their facilities. However, upgrading an existing facility, or designing a new one, can be challenging and costly. Intercoms have been a cost-effective communication mainstay for decades, but they have also evolved over the years. Today’s video intercoms offer enhanced features, modern design, and the ability to integrate into many smart building environments.
Managing access with mobile devices
While this is a popular trend in the multi-tenant market, the use of mobile devices to manage access can be particularly valuable to commercial buildings and offices. Pre-pandemic, flexibility and ease-of-use were the focus so tenants could take building access and security into their own hands. However, as the pandemic continues to prove, mobile access is optimal for improving hygiene practices and managing occupancy and access from a safe distance.
For example, mobile access offers the ability to provide a seamless process for delivered packages, grocery drop-offs, or takeout delivery. In office spaces where there might be a separate room for mail deliveries, a tenant can respond directly from their mobile device and grant the mail person entry into the building lobby and then into the mailroom. The same applies to residential facilities, where any grocery, food and dry-cleaning deliveries might be made – adding an extra level of safety in a time where the use of delivery services has increased.
Versatility across a number of vertical markets
While intercoms have been mainstays for educational institutions, medical facilities and multi-tenant residences, they have also evolved with technology. Intercoms now provide value in a number of different vertical markets that are searching for smart, connected, and long-lasting solutions.
The value IP video intercoms offer is the ability to confirm identity both through audio and visual confirmation. This makes them an asset in dormitories for managing student access, in addition to other campus spaces where it’s imperative to confirm a person’s identity. This versatility has become increasingly important, as the pandemic highlighted a greater need for both audio and video confirmation when requesting access. A video intercom doesn’t just add a layer of security to the perimeter, but they are user-friendly enough to manage access in interior rooms. Additionally, through the use of sensors, Aiphone offers a touchless entry option – which can be particularly valuable in high-touch, sensitive areas, such as a medical facility.
Video intercoms reduce onsite hardware
Buildings today are being challenged with reducing energy consumption and investing in sustainable building design and materials. While Aiphone products do carry the reputation of being a long-term security and audio communication tool, they also can be cost-effective for multi-residential facilities. For example, a condo building with an IP video intercom system installed in each unit with a mobile app in lieu of an access control card, can easily be reconfigured for a new tenant. This eliminates having to activate new key cards and discard old ones. Additionally, customers who use the IXG Series mobile app can choose to eliminate the need for an interior station , allowing the building to manage access through the mobile app only. Whether you’re updating an existing facility, or designing a new one, today’s buildings require a more intuitive design and flow, with user-friendly access control and a connected approach. From a visual tool at an entry gate barrier, to building entrances and interior communication tools, an IP video intercom can integrate seamlessly into any facility’s design, as well as security and safety plan.
