What are Intercoms & Access Control Systems
To help you sort through all the different options available on the market today, MajorPlan LTD has put together this overview of the features and benefits of each type of intercom and access control system. This blog is focused predominantly on intercoms for houses, apartment buildings and office intercom systems.
Intercom Systems: Are stand-alone electronic communications devices for use within a building or small collection of buildings that enables two-way communication via audio/video transmission. Intercoms are used on a wide variety of properties, from houses that only require one connection between a resident and the property’s entrance to multi-unit apartments that require intercom hardware to be installed in every individual apartment.
Access Control Solutions: Are electronic security systems that they typically use an identifier such as PIN Passwords, access cards and RFID tags to authorise people to enter certain areas while they are also capable of logging who accessed where and when, they can provide valuable data to help you track how your buildings and sites are being used.
What Type of Intercom/Access Control would suit Me?
Traditional Audio and/or Video Intercoms (Analog) :
Traditional intercoms are a good solution for those who just need basic intercom capabilities without many features, or who aren’t as tech savvy and would prefer not to worry about apps and notifications. They are also suitable for when there is someone at home most of the time, so receiving a mobile notification when someone is at the door is not as necessary. These traditional systems enable 2-way communication from the gate to the monitor if someone is at home. These intercoms are available in different configurations; audio only, or a combination audio/video system.
Access Control Only:
It is possible to have a simple access control system installed in your home without intercom functionality. This involves a keypad or RFID reader which is used to unlock a gate or door, but will not have any of the video or audio features discussed above.
IP Intercoms :
IP Intercoms are connected to the internet and have a whole range of extra features that traditional intercom systems do not have. In many cases, IP intercoms are not even that much more expensive than good quality traditional intercoms! The internet capabilities of IP intercoms allow the system to send a notification to your mobile phone when someone rings the bell at your gate or door. You’ll be able to view a real-time video on your mobile phone of whoever pressed the bell so that you can verify their identity before you take any further action.
With some systems you can even link your IP intercom camera with your CCTV system to provide additional viewpoints. MajorPlan LTD installs quality products such as the Dahua IP Intercom system, which can integrate with Dahua CCTV systems.
Intercoms with Access Control:
If you’re looking for a higher level of control over who has access to your home, you should consider an intercom with integrated access control. When an access control electronic latch is connected to a gate or door, you can unlock the door through the intercom system.
To integrate access control with a traditional intercom system, you can add an RFID reader, keypad or access button at the gate that connects to the video/audio monitor station inside. IP intercom systems allow the same integrations, but you can also control access through an app on your mobile phone that will let you unlock the door even when you’re away from home.