Summary: Today’s IP intercom systems are no longer limited to door communication; they have additional functionalities. They provide remote access, video and audio verification, contactless entry, and seamless integration with the existing security networks. These systems cater to all kinds of environments, be it professional, residential, hospitals, or educational institutions. Thus, they not only simplify the operations but also include safety measures and quicker and more intelligent incident response.
The first telephone-based intercom system was created and patented by the Kellogg Switchboard and Supply Company in 1894. Since then, two-way communication systems have rapidly evolved and improved in tandem with technological advancements. Most recently, IP intercoms were designed to transmit audio and video between two parties over the internet. These advanced capabilities have transformed the way security professionals perceive intercom systems and the value they bring to existing security networks.
How Smart Intercom Systems Add Value
IP intercoms have gained popularity due to their enhanced functionality in various market sectors, including private residential properties, small businesses, and enterprise-level security systems.
These smart intercoms can be integrated with existing security networks and increase key business functions, particularly pertaining to remote access. For example, contactless interaction is becoming more and more sought after in the wake of COVID-19. Methods such as QR codes and Bluetooth are allowing users to circumvent physical contact while also simplifying operations. Rather than distributing access cards or physical keys, you can simply email personnel or residents their own QR codes or register their personal devices via Bluetooth.
And even when you apply video or audio analytics to your smart intercom system, you are able to relieve some of the burden on your security team, as these extras have the ability to notice something or cause something to occur. As an example, when a stranger gets into your own premises, the intercom system will alert the homeowner instantly. The other practical situation of business owners would be when there are loud sounds or perceived violence in the vicinity.
Making Security Management Easier
If your business is equipped with an in-person security team, they are often required to monitor numerous entrances to your facility at once. If done manually, this task can be extremely difficult and time-consuming. That’s where IP intercoms come in. They will allow your security team to screen and manage any visitors from a secure and centralized location, not only streamlining operations but also ensuring team safety.
And with the residential properties, the same convenience benefits are also provided. You can instantly tell whether a visitor is familiar and open the door of your home at a distance. In addition, you are also able to get any calls from visitors with a tablet or cell phone and therefore can connect anytime, be it at home or on a working day.
How IP Intercoms Push Beyond Conventional Applications
Intercom systems are commonly associated with door access and visitor monitoring. But other non-traditional IP intercom applications can greatly improve day-to-day operations in other, less commonly considered sectors.
The healthcare field is one great example of this. Every day, nurses and assistants are tasked with monitoring the health of numerous patients at once. Not only is this a difficult feat in terms of staffing, but it is also for safety. With the implementation of intercom systems, medical professionals can reliably monitor and communicate with more patients at any given time. High-resolution imaging and two-way audio capabilities can greatly alleviate the time constraints hospital staff are often put under. Plus, in the event that a patient is at high risk for viruses such as COVID-19 or other illnesses, direct patient contact can be limited.
Similar remote approaches are also extremely valuable in school systems. According to Education Week, 27 school shootings have occurred in 2022 alone, resulting in 27 deaths and 56 people injured. As violence in U.S. schools continues to rise, remote communication can be crucial in the event of a threat– allowing school staff to quickly and privately relay lockdown protocols and threat updates without announcing sensitive information over traditional loudspeakers.
Integrating IP Intercom Systems Will Only Benefit Your Security Network
While security and safety demands continue to change in nearly every sector, one constant remains: people are searching for solutions that are intelligent and convenient. IP intercoms offer a wide range of functionalities and scalability, and can be incorporated with existing security networks. Moreover, they are flexible systems that can adapt to your business’s ever-changing needs. If you are considering adding an IP intercom system to your property, contact your trusted live security monitoring partner today.
Ready to upgrade your security? Connect with Resolute Partners today for a smarter, safer intercom solution.
FAQs
IP intercom Systems are also sophisticated communication systems that are used to convey audio and video using the internet and can also be used to interact in real time. In comparison to traditional intercoms, which use analog signals and are limited in functionality, IP intercoms also have more advanced features such as integration with the existing security networks, remote access options, and the ability to interact with each other without contacts (QR codes or Bluetooth).
A smart intercom system enhances security as visitors are restricted from accessing before they are able to communicate using audio and video due to verification of the visitors. They can be combined with other security measures to give real-time notifications in case of unauthorized access or any unidentified activity. An example is where an unwanted individual is caught in a premise, the system can alert the owner of the house or security guards immediately.
Yes, IP intercom systems are developed to fit well in existing security systems. This integration enables centralized control over security operations and, hence, the ability to have features such as remote access control, screening of visitors, and real-time monitoring at a secure place. This makes such integration easier to deal with and increases the general security management.
In addition to the traditional applications of IP intercom systems in entering doors and monitoring visitors, the systems have also been applied in other industries, including health care and education. They assist in remote monitoring and personal interaction with a patient in the healthcare sector, minimize physical contact, and improve safety. They facilitate a discreet communication process in times of emergency in educational institutions, as the staff is able to pass critical information without panicking the rest.
The IP intercom systems also eliminate the physical presence of personnel in every access point because the security teams are able to control numerous entry points in a single location. This centralization not only facilitates an easier operation but also makes it possible to respond faster to security incidents. Also, features such as mobile device integration enable access to be controlled by the user remotely, which makes the operations even more flexible.
Michael S. Blanco is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Resolute Partners, LLC, where he leads strategic initiatives across various divisions. After owning family entertainment centers in New England, he co-founded Resolute Partners in 1996, launching the first Internet cafés for the U.S. Navy and partnering with AT&T for global deployment. A pioneer in wireless communications, Michael has expanded the company’s focus to include Energy Management/IoT, Cybersecurity, and Managed Video Security. He holds a degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
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