Security Sales & Integration October 2021 - 54

Access
Who's There? Intercom
Opportunities
Intercoms have
evolved to become
a vital tool for
environments
that need to
provide more
comprehensive
and robust
monitoring.
limited occupancy is allowed, a video intercom
provides a safe way to confirm there are not too
many people entering at once.
This is also critical in other campus scenarios,
public spaces, or government buildings, where
visitor access might be limited, or not allowed
at all. Through a video intercom, staff will be
able to confirm the identity of an individual, as
well as confirm their access rights. They can also
determine how many visitors might be accompanying
them. This eliminates the chance that
another individual could be requesting access
with a key card that is not their own.
For communal areas where employees and
visitors might gather, such as lobbies, gyms and
other recreational facilities, additional social
distancing and occupancy management might
be necessary - enabling staff to further leverage
the capabilities of an IP intercom system.
Changing Perceptions
Intercoms have evolved to become a vital tool
for environments that need to provide more
comprehensive and robust monitoring. Yes,
your customer's security infrastructure might
have an access control system, as well as video
surveillance, but an intercom is different as it
provides a two-way communication path. A
camera only takes a picture and sends it to a
video management system. An intercom allows
for a conversation between the caller and an individual
who is centrally located to answer calls.
With an increase in mass shootings, pandemic-related
risks and general crime, many
Apps from firms like Aiphone connect with a
user's video doorbell while they're on the go.
Missed calls can be also be seen via the app.
industries have been challenged to adapt to
growing security concerns with more integrated
systems. Intercoms are a cost-effective, simple
solution that can be used to easily notify
security personnel if a disgruntled employee
or customer is trying to gain access after being
removed from a business.
They can allow users to have a full conversation
with individuals requesting access before
allowing them in the doors, as well as visually
confirm identity and the presence of visible
anomalies - such as suspicious behaviors or
weapons. These capabilities lend themselves to
any industry, making intercoms a classic solution
to the challenges of an ever-changing world. SSI
Sales Directors ADAM REED (West) and
JOHN HEMP (Mid-Atlantic and New
England) represent Aiphone.
Providing Better Access for All
As we look forward to the last few months of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, trends
will likely be similar to what we've experienced the past year. We continue to see high
demand for mobile applications, and touchless or contactless solutions, as well as
demand for more physical security technologies in everyday scenarios.
The events of the past 18-plus months catalyzed a perspective shift in access
control trends, toward addressing more specific end-user needs. This includes technologies,
such as a video intercom that integrates with t-coil features for the deaf
and hearing impaired to improve audio feedback. Or a two-way video solution for
those who use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate and request access, as
well as better positioning of call station buttons to comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
Driving this change is a greater sensitivity and awareness that all systems are not
the same and they need to be tailored for individual customer needs. Often, we're
seeing architects and engineers request these solutions as well, reinforcing the need
for this perspective shift.
54
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Security Sales & Integration October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Security Sales & Integration October 2021