If you are looking to learn more about the benefits of video intercom systems, read this short guide today!
Choosing the right access control system for your business can be a minefield. As a result, we have published this guide to the key features and benefits that video intercom systems provide businesses and schools across the UK.
In summary, this expert resource gives you the right information to make the best choices for your security needs.
Table of contents
TL;DR
Video intercom systems provide secure and controlled admission to those visiting your business premises. Furthermore, they offer peace of mind and protection for reception and concierge staff.
Related reading
Let’s get started with today’s article.
What are the benefits of video intercom systems?
Video intercoms are brimming with features and benefits.
To summarise, these include:
- Enabling secure access to a site
- Offering reception staff peace of mind
- Creating a good first impression
- Managing visitor access and deliveries
In the following sections of the guide to the benefits of video intercoms for businesses, we summarise why these access control systems play an important part in managing site entry and all-around safety.
Peace of mind and managing access
Reception and concierge staff are often tasked with granting visitors and delivery drivers with access to a site or building.
Video intercoms allow operators to ‘see who is at the front door before letting them in’. This enables them to grant access to known visitors.
Contrastingly, this helps them prevent unauthorised access, as no one can enter a site without their approval.
Therefore, this makes video intercoms a highly effective means to manage site entry, and keeping the business, its staff, and physical access secure.
Case study: Video intercom and door access control system for a car dealership
Customisation & integration
Video intercom systems can be customised to work with electronic key fobs and can be integrated with security alarm systems.
For example, instead of having separate access control systems for staff using keycards and visitors requiring entry, one solution can be implemented to cover both requirements.
As a result, this can often provide a cost-saving to the business and efficiency in monitoring and analysing visitor data.
Furthermore, should a potential intruder try and force the door, the video intercom system triggers an alert via the security alarm system. Two security systems working in harmony.
Tracking & analysing data
A well-designed system can provide businesses with a range of valuable data. Depending on the size of the operation, a business may have dozens if not hundreds of visitors each day.
By logging all access events, a business can build up a picture of visitor flow. Additionally, from a health and safety point of view, the business will know exactly who is in the building at any one time.
When integrated with other access control systems, a business can keep track of employee activity helping to manage time, attendance and productivity.
When it comes to tackling crime, by having an accurate log of timestamps, a video intercom system plays a role in helping solve any attempted break-ins.
Related reading: Ten advantages of Paxton access control
First impressions
When it comes to creating a solid first impression, video intercom systems fit the bill perfectly. Those visiting a business can include suppliers, contractors, delivery people, and clients.
For visitors, a quality video intercom system will help form an initial impression of the business.
However, it’s imperative the system design not only looks the part but is user-friendly and intuitive, too.
There’s nothing more embarrassing than a new client getting frustrated because no one’s answering the door when they are pressing the wrong button!
Or worse, if the system isn’t working properly.
Remote access control and door entry
Where small businesses are concerned, remote access control and door release systems play a big role in managing the flow of visitors and deliveries to a site.
Video intercom & video door entry systems can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
This is perfect for out-of-hours deliveries and for when your premises are temporarily unguarded.
Furthermore, where there is no static reception team in place, no problem.
These entry systems enable whoever is in charge of managing access to do so, with a push of a button on a smart device, from anywhere in the building.
The advantages of video intercom systems
Video intercom systems give you a clearer and safer way to manage who enters your building.
Instead of relying on voices alone, your team can check faces, behaviour and surroundings before granting access.
All in all, this makes day to day control simpler and lowers the risks associated with busy entrances and unknown visitors.
Here are the main advantages you can expect.
You can verify visitors with complete confidence
Seeing who is at the door gives you far more certainty than relying on audio. Your team can quickly check a visitor’s appearance, confirm they match the details provided and make the right decision in a few seconds.
This reduces impersonation attempts and gives your staff greater confidence when managing entry.
Reducing the chances of unauthorised access
Video verification makes it much harder for someone to slip through the cracks. When you can see the person, their clothing and the area behind them, you cut the risk of letting in people who have no reason to be there.
This point alone is a major advantage for any site that deals with regular deliveries, contractors or walk ins.
Preventing tailgating and distraction tactics
Tailgating often happens when entrances are busy or the staff member feels pressured. A video intercom gives them a moment to pause, check the surroundings and control the pace of entry.
In short, this improves overall site security and takes pressure off reception or gatehouse teams.
Creating a safer environment for lone workers
Teams working out of hours, reception staff or individuals responsible for building access gain a safer working environment.
They don’t have to open a door blindly or rely on voices through a speaker. A clear video feed gives them certainty and time to make a safe choice.
You gain stronger evidence for incident reviews
The footage captured at your entry points can support an investigation, confirm who entered and help resolve disputes.
Having this level of detail available gives your organisation better control when dealing with incidents or queries.
These advantages highlight why so many organisations move from audio to video based intercom systems.
A small change at the entrance creates a much stronger layer of protection and improves daily operations for the whole site.
Security advantages for a range of sites and settings
Different buildings deal with different pressures at their entrances. A video door entry system adapts well to each setting and supports the way your organisation works.
The points below show how the technology delivers value in the environments where you install these systems.
Offices and commercial buildings
Busy entrances, regular deliveries and frequent visitors mean reception teams have to make decisions quickly. A video door entry system helps them check each visitor clearly, manage flow during busy periods and prevent the wrong people getting inside.
It also helps smaller teams manage entry without stopping their main work.
Schools and education sites
Safeguarding pressures make visual verification essential. Schools gain the advantage of being able to check unfamiliar faces, confirm a parent or contractor identity and prevent unauthorised access during lesson time.
This protects pupils, teachers and support staff throughout the day.
Care homes and healthcare settings
These sites need full control of who enters at any time. A video door entry system allows staff to check visitors carefully and ensure residents remain safe.
Furthermore, it also supports controlled access to medication stores, staff areas and treatment rooms.
Industrial sites and warehouses
Industrial entrances often sit away from main buildings. A video door entry system gives supervisors a clear line of sight, even when they are not physically present at the gate.
As a result, this helps them manage contractor arrivals, secure deliveries and prevent unauthorised access to plant areas or storage spaces.
Apartment blocks and HMOs
Residents gain peace of mind by being able to see who is calling before they answer. Managing deliveries becomes easier and the system helps reduce nuisance callers and unauthorised visitors.
For building managers, it adds a reliable layer of access control that protects communal areas.
Public sector buildings
Buildings such as council offices, libraries and community centres need safe and controlled entry throughout the day.
Video door entry systems allow staff to confirm each visitor and reduce risks without causing delays or making the environment feel unwelcoming.
These examples show how the advantages change slightly depending on the setting, but the core outcome remains the same. A video door entry system gives you clearer control, more certainty and a safer way of managing visitors in any environment.
Comparing the pros and cons of video intercom systems
Most organisations want a balanced view before they upgrade their entry control. A clear comparison helps you understand where video intercom systems add the most value and what to consider when planning an installation.
The pros of video intercom systems
Here are the pros. These points show the main reasons organisations choose video technology over audio only systems.
- You gain visual verification for every visitor
- Your team can identify potential risks before granting access
- The system reduces impersonation attempts
- Staff feel safer when managing entry alone
- You can integrate it with access control or gate automation
- Clear footage supports incident reviews
These advantages explain why video based systems are now the preferred choice in many sectors. Being able to see the person at the door brings a higher level of control and confidence.
Are there any disadvantages?
There are also a few considerations. These do not outweigh the benefits, but they help you plan effectively.
- Older buildings may require cabling work
- Cameras need to be placed correctly to avoid blind spots
- You may need to train staff on the new process
- Video systems cost slightly more than audio only options
When you compare the two sides, the pros far outweigh the cons for most environments.
The added clarity, improved security and smoother daily operation are all advantages that make video intercom systems a reliable investment for any organisation looking to tighten control at its entrances.
Looking to invest in a new video intercom installation?
The team at Safeguard Systems is on hand to discuss your video intercom system requirements. We currently partner with a select group of global, market-leading access control system manufacturers.
Get in touch with the team today by calling 0800 689 1835 to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us via our contact page.
