For multi-family communities, apartment or residential video intercom systems are essential. They control access to the building, allow visitors to communicate with residents, and serve as the first line of defense against unwanted visitors. Intercom systems are essential for giving residents a sense of security and comfort in the building.
Over the last few years, there have been several technological advancements in apartment intercom systems. Finding the proper apartment intercom system, whether you're replacing your existing intercom system or shopping for a new one, maybe difficult if you don't have the necessary knowledge to ask the correct questions.
Look for systems that are secure, dependable, and easy when shopping for a building intercom. You should also look for several important features. Features to look for when choosing an apartment intercom system includes:
1. Mobile Apps
Select an apartment intercom with a mobile app for the best resident experience. You can open the door from anywhere in the globe with intercom systems that are linked with a smartphone app. This allows renters to authorize access to delivery persons and service providers, such as house cleaners and dog walkers, even if they aren’t at home. It also allows building managers to offer remote access to the property for maintenance personnel and potential tenants.
You may even look who’s at the door before letting them in via a smartphone call if your apartment intercom also has video capability.
Finally, intercoms that include a mobile app allow you to see who has called or texted you over the intercom. You’ll also have access to a record of all door releases, which you may check at any time.
Check the app’s rating before deciding on a device that includes a mobile app. It might not be the ideal match if users claim that the program is unreliable, unstable, or if there are no reviews. You don’t want your workers, residents, or guests to be shut out because the app isn’t working.
2. Integrations with Other Systems
Property managers, like apartment occupants, demand convenience. So, whether it's your property management software or your access control system, pick an apartment intercom system that can interface with the other systems you're using.
Residents may enjoy a seamless living experience by connecting to other protected features such as smart locks. From the same smartphone app, tenants may access both the building and their apartment doors.
If you are unable to complete all of these improvements, prioritize overall property access above individual unit access. After all, everyone has access to the main entrance of the building, but only a few people require access to the doors of individual apartments. Selecting a multi-tenant intercom with integrations enables you to make future improvements to your property.
The main advantage of choosing an apartment intercom with integrations is that you will have complete control over the equipment installed in your building. For smart locks or access control, you won't be tied to a single provider. If you already have such systems in place, this is even more critical.
3. Delivery Management System
With the rise of e-commerce, apartment occupants and owners are finding it difficult to keep track of package delivery. Apartment complexes must find out how to receive and keep all of those shipments now that we can get everything from a bar of soap to a king-sized bed online.
The worst-case situation is if the delivery person is unable to gain entrance to the premises in order to complete their delivery. They'll either leave a message on the door or leave the package outside, both of which are inconvenient. As a result, an apartment intercom system is required to ensure that you never miss a package delivery.
Look for an intercom that allows you to provide PIN codes to each courier for delivery. This allows couriers to enter the building and make deliveries without having to deal with occupants or building staff. For further protection, the intercom should photograph anybody using a delivery PIN.
The delivery person can either leave the box in the lobby or put it in a package room or package locker once they've entered your building. At your apartment building, package rooms offer a safe and easy method to receive and keep items. You may also use an intercom system to restrict entry to your package room!
4. Multiple Property Access Methods
Intercom systems allow residents and guests to communicate while also providing access to the property. Traditional intercom systems might include only a door-open button on in-unit hardware – assume of an old-school buzzer system where a person presses a button in their apartment to open the door for a visitor. Intercom systems, on the other hand, have evolved through time to provide more than one form of property access.
So seek an apartment intercom that allows you to open the door in a variety of ways. Some examples of property access methods are:
Door PINs: In some intercom systems, residents can set their own door PIN, inputting at the intercom panel to unlock the door. To make package deliveries easier, property managers might issue couriers door PINs.
Mobile Apps: Residents can unlock the door from their cell phones if they use an intercom with a mobile app.
QR codes/Virtual keys: Virtual keys are available on several intercoms. Virtual keys are QR codes that a resident may transmit to visitors to provide them simple entry to their house.
Facial Recognition: Facial recognition is a feature of several intercom systems. Residents may open the door just by gazing at the camera on the intercom.
Voice Controls: Modern intercoms may have Alexa and Siri interfaces, allowing residents to unlock the door with just their voice.
Bluetooth: Residents may unlock the door using a Bluetooth-enabled gadget.
Multiple Entrances Supported
Multiple building entrances can be controlled with the best apartment intercom systems. Consider a vestibule with two doors in a row. If this is the case, you might want both doors to open at times (like when a tenant grants property access to a guest). Sometimes you just want the first door to open (like when a delivery person is dropping off a package). It’s crucial to ask yourself questions about how you want your intercom system to function.
Many intercoms systems can only provide entry to one door at a time. If you wish to unlock many doors, buy an intercom that allows multiple entries. The best intercom systems will also allow you to control several entries via a web-based interface. You can operate each individual door and update your system without having to be on-site this way.
Contactless and Touchless Entrance
Apartment buildings are increasingly relying on touchless and contactless building access alternatives. A guest can gain remote access to a house via contactless entry. This means you may provide delivery personnel, visitors, and maintenance workers remote access to your property without having to be physically there or in close proximity to them. For renters who are always on the go, building intercom systems with contactless access alternatives are essential. They’re also necessary for building employees who work remotely or manage several properties.
Visitors, residents, and building personnel, on the other hand, may use touchless entry to unlock doors without having to touch them. Touchless entry offers convenience and safety to residential complexes. When your hands are full with goods, it’s much easier to resist physically unlocking building doors. It’s also safer because the chance of germs transmitting through touch is reduced. Make sure the apartment intercom system you choose can link to an automated door opener if you want to give a touchless entrance at your building.
Reputed Service Provider With Proven Track Record
If you’ve restricted your selections to only a few intercom systems but still can’t decide, check the reviews for each company. Check out what others have to say about their items. Installing an apartment intercom should be a good investment that will endure for years. So, buy from a reputable organization with a proven track record of dependability and customer service.
Before making a purchase, look up the company’s reviews on the internet. You may also get advice and comments from other real estate specialists.
Finally, it’s a good idea to get an apartment intercom from a company that provides live help whenever you need it. Some intercom companies just do not have the personnel to give continuous live assistance.
If you like this blog, please check out our blog on Maintenance Tips for Your Door Intercom System.
Comments
Post a Comment