3 minute read
Intercoms can cut costs
ACCESS CONTROL
Intercoms drive down costs
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A look at how you can drive down installation costs with the latest access control technology
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The trend for property technology, or ‘proptech’ as it is becoming known as, is fast gaining ground in the housing sector due to rising tenant demands for a better user experience across residences. Access control is an important part of the proptech revolution, with digital devices making property access easier to manage and more user-friendly for residents.
While updating access systems may be seen as an unnecessary expense by some, maintaining outdated technology could in fact be costing housing managers more money in the long-term. Digital methods are more adept at handling growing workloads and meeting tenants’ changing needs, but why else should you advise housing providers to make the switch?
Updating residences with the latest wireless intercom technology is a cost-effective option that could benefit housing managers for years to come. Here we explain why it should be a key component of any installer’s portfolio, and the long-term benefits it can bring to installers, housing managers and tenants alike.
Wired access control systems can be expensive and time-consuming to install. The high cost of setting up traditional intercoms, by recabling entire buildings, means that many housing managers choose to continuously repair rather than replace them – patching over issues and adding to their operating bill. These outdated devices can be complex to manage day-to-day too, often needing frequent site visits to make tenant adjustments such as updating flat numbers, let alone having complex key management processes.
However, replacing intercoms before they break is much more beneficial. The latest wireless access control systems use GSM, or the Global System for Mobile Communications, which is the same technology that powers mobile phones. GSM connects residents across an unlimited network, allowing them to answer the door via a landline or preferred digital device. As it’s a wireless technology, there is no extensive recabling required or handsets to install, reducing set-up time and time on-site too, with the entire process taking just a few hours. Plus, with no need to enter individual flats to connect receivers to wires and handsets, residents are not disturbed.
Beyond the initial install, GSM-based wireless access control devices connected to secure online property management systems provide additional value-added services for housing managers. For instance, these systems enable housing professionals to oversee all access to their buildings without needing to visit the site. This helps streamline day-to-day administration tasks, such as making changes to key fobs, flat numbers and tenant information, which can be done in a few clicks, from anywhere. Housing providers can also edit residents’ details and grant access to external contractors quickly and easily. This significantly cuts down on travel and admin time, which can result in further cost savings in the long-term.
Going digital – in practice
When choosing a GSM-based wireless access system, it’s important to remember that not every intercom is created equally. Take Intratone’s new SC-03 scrolling intercom, which is connected to a secure, online remote management system. Unlike many other residential intercom models, it has a full colour screen and animations, for a more engaging tenant experience. With a pinhole video camera, integrated hands-free proximity reader and coded keypad, the SC-03 is a userfriendly option that helps reinforce tenants’ security too. What’s more, its durable design with vandal-resistant screen ensures minimal ongoing maintenance and repair expenses.
Plus, when it comes to installation costs, modern intercoms won’t break the bank. The wireless SC-03 is a small initial investment and housing professionals can benefit from flexible monthly service fees to cover entry communication between residents and their visitors, with Intratone’s classic service package. Alternatively, Intratone’s all-inclusive service package includes hardwire and a 15 years’ communication subscription, as well as access to the remote online management portal and apps. Free telephone technical support and equipment updates are also available as standard for the benefit of housing providers, providing them with a comprehensive property access solution that can be adapted to their specific needs.
Although installing new proptech may not be an immediate priority for some housing managers, the latest access control solutions can help to change this mindset. Now with new wireless intercoms like the SC-03, it is a feasible, cost-effective option to replace rather than constantly repair tired and outdated wired infrastructure. Not only do these devices ensure quick, hassle-free installations, but the online remote management system reduces potential maintenance and site visits long-term too. For installers, it has never been a better time to review their portfolio.
