3 Features of Newer Intercom Systems

Intercom systems have been around for many years. Basic intercom systems used to be rather complicated with several stations, wiring throughout the walls, handsets, headsets, a power supply, and more. They were not cheap when intercoms first hit the market and not very advanced, either.

Older systems were not the same as the newer intercom systems. Not only were they wired, but many of the older intercom systems were also rather ugly.

Intercoms have come a long way, and you can get rid of your old system by upgrading to a newer intercom system. Here are three features you will find on a newer intercom system that older systems didn't have.

Wireless Technology

The most significant upgrade to intercom systems was the ability for wireless installation. This has made an intercom system much more accessible for residential and commercial clients.

With a wireless intercom system, walls don't need to be opened, and wires are unnecessary for the system. You can set up the entire system to run without wires, whether it's a gate intercom system, a residential system, or a system for your apartment or condo building in Chicago.

While the main components of a wireless intercom system won't need wires for the installation, it's best to have a wired internet connection for your intercom system. Some systems run on Wi-Fi or a cellular signal, but a wired internet connection is more reliable.

Video Technology

Intercom systems with video technology are prevalent in today's world. You cannot only verify someone by their voice, but you will also be able to see them before granting access.

This technology with newer intercom systems can help in residential buildings, gated communities, and other applications. If you want some of the latest technology in intercom systems, adding video technology is a good idea.

With the right options, you can use your intercom system as a security feature by monitoring the front entrance. The video can be reviewed occasionally to ensure visitors are getting in with full authorization and there isn't a security violation.

Smart Access Control

There isn't much of a reason to install the older, clunky intercom systems anymore. With most people owning a smartphone, you can add an intercom system with smart access control to reduce the equipment you need.

Apartment buildings no longer need a panel in every single apartment. Instead, smart access control can be used to connect the main entrance intercom to every resident's smartphone. This can make it easier for residents to let in guests and even help staff let in vendors when necessary.

Smart access control makes newer intercom systems more accessible for many applications. Instead of spending more money on more equipment, you can cut the cost by letting those providing access use an app on the phone they already own.

Newer intercom systems are a considerable upgrade compared to older, wired systems. While intercom repair of any older or new system is possible, you might want to consider intercom installation with the best new features instead.

The pros & cons of wired & wireless security systems

You may be struggling to decide between a wired security system vs. a wireless security system for your home. These are completely different types of systems that will affect your interaction with your security system on a regular basis.

On one hand, you’ll enjoy many excellent features with a wired system while your wireless system has the benefit of being accessed remotely rather than just in one room. There are many considerations when choosing a system but this guide will help you see the main pros and cons of each system so that you can better make a decision.  

Pros of a wired system

It’s less likely to be hacked

One consideration of a wired security system is that you won’t have to worry as much about it being hacked. Since someone would have to physically connect to a wired system in order to access it, this is something that you won’t really need to worry about. In today’s age of information hacking, it’s a feature that many homeowners may truly appreciate.

Works great for a large space

You’ll also find that a wired system works well in a large space. You can actually span one between multiple buildings on a property. It’s going to be able to handle more sensors than a wireless system could.

Has great features

Finally, you’ll enjoy many features that outperform others when you choose a wired security system. You’ll have control panels in multiple rooms, high-def video surveillance, and much more.

Cons of a wired system

Expensive to install

One of the drawbacks of this system is that you are going to find it’s expensive to install. You will need professional installation due to the complicated installation process. This type of system will require connecting of sensors, drilling holes, and wires inside your walls.

Permanent in the home

Because of the way these are installed, it’s going to be pretty permanent in the home. You can uninstall a wired security system but it’s not recommended since you likely won’t be able to find someone to install old equipment in a new location.

Controlled in only one location

Lastly, you‘ll find that being able to only control it from one room can be a pain. The control panel can only be operated from one location in the home rather than remotely with a wireless unit. You’ll have to arm or disarm from the same spot each time.

Pros of a wireless system

Quick to install

One of the best reasons to get a wireless system is the quick installation process. You won’t have to worry about drilling or complicated wires.  A professional can get this up and running in no time.

Easy to remove or modify

If you plan to move at some point, you’ll love that these systems can be moved to a new space. You’ll also find that it’s incredibly easy to upgrade or modify your system if you need more sensors or more flexibility with your system.

Remote access

You can’t beat the perk of remote access on your wireless unit. You’ll get a remote key fob to arm or disarm your system. Additionally, you can communicate with it using your mobile device making it accessible from anywhere that you and your device are located. You won’t have to worry about the one location control panel.

Cons of a wireless system

Risk of hacking

On the flip side, wireless systems are the most likely to be hacked by a burglar. They can do this by jamming the signals to avoid your alarm going off or hacking your password. Choosing one that enables encryption on your route and creating a strong password can help you overcome these vulnerabilities.

Limited length of range

Another issue with wireless systems is that you’ll be limited in distance for how far your sensors will work. They work best if you have a small or medium-sized home making them less useful for a large space.

Could have interference

Lastly, your wireless system could be vulnerable to interference and your sensor’s radio frequency communication could fail. You could find at times that your Wi-Fi disconnects itself or your cell phone can find a signal. Different things can affect the frequency from a wall to a power line.

Consider all of the pros and cons before choosing your security system!

3 Reasons You Need a Building Management Service

Building manager services allow control and monitoring from a central location. This type of system can be installed to give your security team full control over the utility equipment including the HVAC system, fire alarms, fire hydrant panels, water tank monitoring, CCTV, access control, and more.

There are many good reasons to choose building management services for your building. Whether you're trying to create a safer environment or a more secure building, this type of service offers a good choice. Here are three reasons to implement a building management service for your specific needs.

Safety and Security

With the right BMS, you can monitor the entire building from one central location. This offers the most convenient way to make sure all your systems are working properly and continue to work properly, no matter what's going on.

With the right building management service, you can order maintenance earlier for important systems and avoid the high cost of things breaking down. You'll be able to keep track of what's going on from who enters the building to how well your HVAC system is working.

A closer eye on things offers better security and safety throughout your building. This is one of the main reasons any business decides to add building management services to its security system.

Better Operations

Overall, with the right building management services, you gain more efficient operations for your building. Making your building more automated offers an easier way to watch the security, but also an easier way to monitor important systems, such as the smoke alarms and lighting.

Whether you need to monitor the energy consumption, the generators, the elevators, or any other important system in your building, a BMS will make it possible. Imagine having your finger on the pulse of all the most important systems in your building all from one place.

Better Responsiveness

Another reason to use building management services is the better responsiveness you gain. Whether it's a residential building and you need to field maintenance requests or it's a business building and you need to know what needs to be done, a BMS can help make this possible. With the right smart apps and software built-in to the system, you can easily field all service requests for any reason. It can become automated making things much easier and making your building maintenance seamless.

Along with these three reasons, a building management service can make your operation more cost-effective and help to lower your liability. With the right system in place, you can better run your building without all the headaches and hassles. You'll have an easier way to monitor everything and know what's going on at any time with your building.

If you want a better way to run your billing with incredible security features, a building management service is the right choice. Complete with access control and many other features, this type of system can make your building run smoother without all the normal struggles.

What to consider before duplicating your office keys

When you run a business, you don't want keys to your front door in just anybody's hands. Duplicating office keys is necessary, sometimes, but you want to make sure it's done in the correct manner.

The last thing you need is old employees with a key to your building. What if they decide to use that key to break in? Maybe they will or maybe they won't, but why take the chance?

Before you duplicate your office keys, there are a few things to consider.

The Risk

Duplicating your office keys could put a key into the hands of the wrong person. You might also lose control over who can duplicate your keys. With a duplicate, you might give it to someone that takes it and gets more copies made. This can become risky.

Even if a key says "Do Not Copy" on it, not all locksmiths or key makers will pay attention to this. There are also machines out there where someone could get a key copied, even if it's stamped with this.

You can use a patented keying system to help make it harder for others to duplicate your office keys. With the help of a good commercial locksmith, you can set up a patented keying system that only allows authorized personnel to get copies of the keys.

Do you Need a Master Key System?

In some cases, it makes sense to have a master key system. This key will work on all of the doors in your office. However, you can have other keys created only allowing specific access throughout the building.

If you decide to use this type of system, you will need to be very careful with your grand master key. If it becomes duplicated, someone will be able to use it in any lock in your building.

Those offices with high turnover may want to use interchangeable cores. These cores can be changed in am atter of minutes. They keep lost or stolen keys from working in your locks.

Re-Key Your Office

If you've already had office keys duplicated and you know there are some rogue keys out there, it's time to have your office re-keyed. This will allow you to get a whole new set of keys and start your system over. Often, this is necessary, if you cannot retrieve a key from a former employee.

While it's considered unethical and even unlawful to make a copy of an office key, if you don't own the business, it still happens. Sometimes, it leads to break-ins or other issues you really don't want. Re-keying allows you to reset the system and start from scratch. It makes all the old keys obsolete.

If you're trying to get duplicated keys made for your office, you want to be careful. A duplicate in the wrong hands can be a big issue for your business. It's always important to know who has access to your office. Be careful whenever you duplicate keys and always use a professional locksmith.