Modern intercom systems for business can be integrated with other security solutions to boost the end user’s security and operations. Installing an intercom system for business, meanwhile, requires various considerations. This article takes a closer look.
Source: William Pao, asmag.com
Intercom systems for business allow visitors to communicate with their host and gain entry once they are approved. That said, intercoms are an integral part of security at business organizations and can be beneficial for a range of end user entities.
“All business types can benefit from an intercom system, whether large or small, because they face many of the same challenges. Communication is always important, and intercoms help to reduce liabilities when it comes to staff safety by monitoring customer interactions and keeping a record of traffic into and out of a location. Large businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and other entities also integrate their intercom solutions with mass notification systems, lock down procedures, or to communicate with occupants in the event of a weather emergency,” said John Hemp, Director of Sales for Mid Atlantic & New England at Aiphone.
“Rather than directing all calls to the reception, a visitor intercom can be set to intercom the relevant departments. This cuts down on hunting down different people or having the receptionist vet on behalf of the entire company. A delivery or guest looking for the HR department can directly communicate with HR and inform them. In addition, IP intercom that uses mobile phone apps ensures that the visitor is always attended to even if the party is not in the office,” said Ler Wee Meng, MD of Securevision. “Therefore, any company that has a door access system in place would benefit from an intercom – large companies with multiple departments or SMEs with just two people. The key is to communicate with visitors and grant access.”
Integrative features
More and more, modern intercom systems for business can integrate with other security solutions such as video surveillance and access control. This has major benefits for the end use entity.
“For example, they can integrate with video surveillance systems, automatically displaying the video feed of the calling location on the control center’s video wall when an IP intercom terminal calls, aiding security personnel in understanding the situation,” said Zhou Liang, CTO of SPON Communications.
“Integrating intercom systems into other security systems can help improve overall security, and operations. For example, if an intercom is integrated into an access control system, an organization can communicate with and grant visitors access to the facility more easily and efficiently. When integrated with video, organizations can gain visual intelligence, for example, confirming that the person visiting really is there to deliver a package,” said Alex Kazerani, CVP for Cloud Video Security and Access Control at Motorola Solutions.
Kazerani cites his company’s own examples. “The cloud-native Avigilon Alta offers the Video Intercom Reader Pro, which is an all-in-one device with integrated intercom, video, and an access control reader. This combines all of your front door security devices into one, with a 5MP built-in camera, AI-powered call routing technology with two-way audio, and reliable touchless access for credentialed users,” he said. “This creates frictionless, yet secure, access for both visitors and users alike. Visitors can simply say the name of who they’re visiting or ask to speak to a reception. Calls are routed to the appropriate people, who can view live video, speak live with visitors, and easily grant them access using a mobile app or via the Avigilon Alta Control Center.”
Installation tips
Installation of an intercom system for business requires considerations from multiple fronts. These include the location of installation and the angle at which the system should be installed, among others.
“The installation locations for IP intercom systems in businesses include parking lot entrances/exits, garages, perimeter areas of campuses, building hallways/public areas, office entrances/exits, and stairwell entrances/exits. During installation, the bottom of IP intercom terminals should be 1.5 meters above the ground to ensure clear capture and transmission of voice and facial images during intercom,” Zhou said. “IP intercom terminals typically require minimal maintenance as the control center can display real-time online/offline/task status. Remote monitoring of the audio and video feed from front-end IP intercom terminals is possible.”
Video quality, meanwhile, is also important.
“Video quality should be considered at various times during the day when the sunlight will be in different positions. Users should also look at the entire field of view and not just the center area where the guest will be. The edges of the view should be clear or a region should be privacy-masked if cameras are pointed at sensitive areas,” Kazerani said. “Most of the maintenance needs will be due to the intercom being accessible to the general public. It will have the expected amount of wear and tear and it may need to be in a ruggedized enclosure if in a high-traffic area. Also, the video feed should be monitored to ensure that nothing is obscuring the camera lens like dirt or oils from people’s fingers.”
There are other points to consider as well. “IP door phones are often rated for outdoor use. And in many cases, the door phones can be installed with rain covers. Vandal-proof rating may not be necessary unless the business is located in a place where there is a threat of vandalism,” Ler said.
Finally, communication with customer is important.
“I would recommend talking with the customer about their normal business practices and communication habits when selecting and installing an intercom solution. The goal is to enhance their communication abilities without adding complexity. Collaborating with IT departments when installing an IP solution is necessary – especially when a system will live on the IT network,” Hemp said.
He added: “Another piece of advice is to plan out wire runs ahead of time and make sure it is physically possible to place devices where the customer wants them. It’s important to test out accessibility, wire paths, and wall or desk placement. Communication with the customer is key and solutions need to work within their existing parameters of doing business. We don’t want to install a solution that’s going to slow them down or make things inconvenient. If the system is not easy to use the customer will stop using it in the long run and ultimately forfeit the security benefits of installing an intercom system.”
