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Benefits of installing an intercom system

Intercom Systems

Our strategy towards perimeter security has always been to take a holistic approach. To look at a business’s needs in a 360 degree way and make suggestions that will address any weakness and vulnerabilities in their operations. One surprising recommendation that we might propose is that of intercom systems.

While intercom systems might make you think of outdated, rusty equipment on industrial buildings, the reality is that intercom systems have come a long way in recent years and now incorporate modern technology – such as control through the use of a mobile phone. Let’s take a look at how intercom systems can benefit your business in the modern-day.

What are Intercom Systems?

No matter the nature of a business, or organisation, there is always a need to protect and safeguard your employees from harm. This is why many businesses are once again turning to access control equipment such as intercom systems.

An intercom system (short for intercommunication device) is a stand-alone tool that can be used at almost any property or building. The two-way device transmits and receives audio/visual communications from one part of the building to another, allowing the person indoors to be able to talk and view the person outdoors.

Protecting employees from harm

Intercom systems remove the need for face-to-face, physical contact with a visitor. The employee can be tucked safely away in another part of the building, or even from the comfort of their own home with mobile access, and can still grant access to the visitor. This removes the risk of an unwanted visitor forcing entry once an employee answers their call, and viewed in the present light of Coronavirus can also limit their risk and exposure to potential illness.

Provide internal access control

Intercom systems are traditionally viewed as an externally fitted piece of equipment, but they can also be used indoors. For instance, in hospitals to prevent unauthorised access to a ward outside of visiting hours. Visitors can be viewed and vetted before being allowed to enter.

Reduce the need for door security

While some businesses will always need manned security for their doors, there are often instances where this can be scaled back or even replaced with intercom systems. This may free up funds to invest in other areas of the business, or other security measures.

Improve communications

With an intercom system, visitors will be able to identify themselves upon arrival and be directed to the appropriate department or zone of your building, which can be particularly useful in large and busy environments. If a visitor is lost, or has a question, and is unable to find a member of staff, they will be able to gain the attention of the employee attending the intercom who can help them. This is perfect for fast-paced, busy environments, or large, expansive sites. Specific bright red ‘Help’ intercoms can be provided for the sole purpose of attending to queries and questions.

Extend your hours of operation

24-hour access to your site becomes far easier and far more efficient with the use of intercom systems. Employing security personnel to control access can be costly, but with the use of an intercom system, you can extend your hours without the need to always have a guard on duty, as other employees may be able to respond to requests, either from another part of the building or remotely.

Track activity and timekeeping

Intercom systems can support your payroll needs, allowing you to log who arrives at your building, and at what time. This can be used from both an HR perspective, and also to aid your security investigations should something go amiss.

Support disabilities and access requirements

Businesses are becoming more and more attuned to the needs of people with specific access requirements. There may be areas in your building where a person may be in need and unable to attract the attention of passers-by. Equally, current legislation requires that commercial buildings of one story or more provide safe areas of refuge where someone who isn’t able to access fire escapes or evacuation lifts can call for assistance.

Our specialist refuge point systems are a form of intercom that provide two-way communication, allowing rescue teams or trained staff to quickly diagnose a situation and act as is appropriate.

A custom fit

Modern intercoms are flexible to your business needs and can be fitted with bespoke enhancements tailored specifically to you. Video surveillance solutions, biometric scanners, and two-way communications are just a few of the numerous options which are available with modern-day systems.
Click here to read more about our intercom systems.

Gateway Automation is a nationwide manufacturer and installer of perimeter security systems and devices. We undertake civil and electrical site preparation and automate existing perimeter security devices and equipment throughout the UK. For a free, no-obligation quotation please contact us on 01522 682 255 or visit our website for further information: http://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk

/ By Gateway Team / access control equipment • audio intercom • care home security • care homes • fingerprinter readers • intercom • key pads • nursing home security • nursing homes • security • swipe cards • video intercom/ 0 Comments

How care homes can benefit from access control equipment

clip_image002Care homes act as a refuge for our nation’s elderly people, offering them respite, round the clock care and a good quality of life. Unfortunately care homes are also considered an easy target for criminals looking to take advantage of their vulnerability and gain access to valuable equipment, possessions and personal records.

Owners and operators of care homes have a duty to safeguard and protect the wellbeing of their residents. However, with the level of ongoing care that is often needed it can be difficult to rise to the challenge, especially when coupled with staffing issues and overcrowding.

Care homes often have a number of different visitors throughout the day, from care providers and health care workers to social workers, friends and family. In order to protect residents it is important that you are able to personally greet each visitor and verify their identity; however this is not always easy – especially if you are at the other side of a large site when the door bell goes.

Intercom systems can allow you to quickly respond to a visitor requesting access even from a distance, verifying their identity and business either by audio or video for extra assurance of their identity.

Care homes also keep sensitive information on file of residents, information which needs to be protected. They may also have expensive equipment, shopping supplies or valuables kept away for which access needs limiting too. Using biometric devices such as fingerprint readers, swipe cards, keypads or smart cards you can make these areas accessible only to your staff.

Gateway Automation provides a range of products to help businesses and individuals secure their sites. We also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers and other perimeter security equipment. To find out more please call us on 01522 682255.

/ By Gateway Team / audio intercom • business security • intercom • intercom security • intercom systems • security • video intercom/ 0 Comments

Why we recommend intercom systems to businesses

clip_image002Intercom security is one of our top recommendations for businesses with lots of visitors who are looking to secure their premises and limit entry to authorised persons only.

We hear cases every day of criminals gaining access to buildings unchallenged. If an unauthorised person takes advantage of your open door policy, or even just happens to go unnoticed by your front of house, then they could quite easily cause trouble.

Unwanted visitors could steal from your property, commit acts of vandalism or even intimidate and attack your employees or guests. Installing intercom systems gives you and your employee’s peace of mind that your building is secure, allowing you to go about your normal working day without the fear of intrusion.

Not only do intercom systems help to protect your property from opportunistic criminals and unwanted visitors but they also help you to communicate at long distances. This means that you can grant access and open doors or gates without having to travel all the way there to physically do it. This can even help you to save money by removing the need for a front of house reception.

Intercom systems have another valuable benefit in that they cut down on the number of keys that need to be distributed to employees. When an employee misplaces a pair of keys, or leaves your business without returning them, you are left with the costly inconvenience of changing locks and having new keys cut.

With intercom systems employees can gain access either by speaking through an audio intercom and you recognising their voice, or through video for visual verification.

Click here for more information on our range of intercom systems and start taking steps to improve your business security today. Gateway Automation can provide free, no obligation quotes and feasibility surveys for your premises to assess your security requirements, contact us here.