Video intercoms use security cameras to capture footage of visitors at the entryway. This footage is displayed on an interior monitor, letting the occupant see and speak to visitors before allowing them in.

Intercom systems are most convenient when configured with door release. Occupants can press a button to unlock the door for visitors remotely.

The most up-to-date systems offer cloud-based mobile apps that you can use anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection.

Primary video intercom system components include the entry station, concierge station and tenant station.

Entrance stations are located at the doors or gates where visitors enter and include built-in surveillance cameras.

Visitors press a button on the entry station panel to contact the concierge desk or occupant. Entrance stations can also provide keyless entry for occupants, such as card readers, fingerprint readers and keypads.

Tenant stations are installed inside apartment units or suites to receive video calls from the entrance stations and unlock the door for the visitor.

A concierge station is placed inside the building, where communication needs to be centrally received; at a receptionist’s desk or a guard’s station, for example.

Concierge stations typically have a door release button to grant access to visitors remotely, and special functions including broadcasting, paging, and inbound call transfers are generally possible.

Video intercom mobile apps let residents, staff, and property managers see and speak to visitors at the entrance station from their smartphone.

Using cloud-based apps enables video communication and door release from any location, as long as the device can connect to the internet.

Anyone who wants to give themselves or their tenants the added security of seeing and speaking to people at the door, or wants to set up easy-to-use building communication, should install a video intercom.

Multi-tenant buildings such as apartment complexes and condos are prime spots for video intercoms with access control.

An apartment intercom system with door release and video will allow residents to rest assured they are not letting dangerous people into their home.

Gated communities can also place video intercoms at vehicle gates to verify every car that comes in. Cloud-based apps are popular with multi-tenant facilities, as users never have to miss a visitor or delivery. They can get alerts on their phone and see who is at their door no matter where they are.

Intercom systems for offices, retail establishments, and other commercial buildings are a great way to ensure only employees and authorised people can access merchandise and sensitive information.

Video intercom systems are a practical addition to reception areas, guard stations, or any entryways that need securing against intruders.

Mixed-use buildings can present unique security challenges; luckily, video intercom systems provide solutions for mixed-use commercial and residential spaces.

Intercom systems can feature elevator control, traffic control, parking structure access, and a range of other options for mixed-use buildings.

Industrial facilities such as manufacturing buildings and warehouses can use video intercom systems to enforce safety protocols, prevent theft and vandalism, and provide a safer workplace for employees.

Video intercoms let users remotely view workers and direct their actions, which is helpful in settings where employees are performing physical work and operating heavy machinery.

Parking lot entrances are also great places for intercoms, as staff can use them to authorise all vehicles entering the parking lot.

Installing surveillance cameras in these areas can also deter criminals who target unwatched parking lots.