Commercial Intercom Systems
Commercial intercom systems allow staff or building users to communicate with visitors before deciding whether access should be granted.
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From a straightforward audio door-entry system to video intercoms integrated with electronic access control, the right solution depends on the building, number of entrances, visitor process and people responsible for managing entry.
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Watch Systems designs, installs and maintains commercial intercom and door-entry systems throughout Birmingham and the Midlands.
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How Does a Door Intercom System Work?
An intercom creates a communication link between a visitor at an entrance and an authorised person inside the building or at another approved location.
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A typical system includes:
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An external call station
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Audio communication
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Video where required
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Internal answering stations or supported applications
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Electronic door-release equipment
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Connections with access control
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Network infrastructure for IP-based systems
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The visitor initiates the call and the authorised user can communicate with them before deciding whether to release the controlled entrance.
Audio and Video Intercom Systems
Audio Intercom Systems
Audio intercoms provide two-way voice communication between the entrance and an authorised user. They can provide a straightforward solution where verbal identification and communication meet the building's visitor-management requirements.
Video Intercom Systems
Video intercoms add a camera view so that the authorised user can see the person requesting access. This can provide additional information when assessing an unknown visitor and can be particularly useful at entrances that are not directly visible from reception or occupied areas.
Integrating Intercoms With Access Control
An intercom can operate independently or form part of a wider access-control system.
Employees and other authorised users may enter using:
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Visitors without a credential can instead use the intercom to request access. Where systems are integrated, authorised staff may be able to communicate with the visitor, verify their identity and remotely release the relevant door or gate.
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This allows access control to manage regular users while the intercom provides a controlled entry process for visitors.
Where compatible, video intercoms and CCTV can work alongside one another.
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The intercom provides direct communication and a view of the visitor at the entrance, while wider CCTV can provide additional coverage of approach routes, reception areas or surrounding activity. Together, these systems can give authorised personnel greater context when deciding whether access should be granted. The appropriate relationship between the systems should be established during the design stage.
Our Intercom Installation and Maintenance Service
We provide a complete intercom service, from the initial assessment and system design through to professional installation and ongoing maintenance. Our approach ensures the system is designed around your premises, security requirements and day-to-day access procedures.
Consultation and Entrance Assessment
Our initial assessment can include:
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Reviewing existing visitor and access procedures
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Assessing entrances and access points
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Reviewing existing locking and door-release equipment
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Identifying who is responsible for approving visitor access
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Understanding any specific security or operational requirements
Intercom System Design
We design an intercom system suited to the building and the way access is managed, including:
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External intercom call-point locations
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Internal answering locations
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Audio or video intercom requirements
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Door-release functionality
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Integration with existing or new access-control systems
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Equipment and system configuration requirements
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Professional Intercom Installation
Our engineers install and configure the agreed intercom solution, including:
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Installation of external and internal intercom equipment
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Connection and configuration of audio and video functions
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Setup of door-release functionality
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Integration with access-control equipment where required
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Testing of calls, audio, video and door-release functions
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Final system checks and handover
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Intercom Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance can help keep your intercom and associated access equipment operating reliably. Maintenance can cover:
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External intercom stations and call points
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Internal answering equipment
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Intercom cameras and video equipment
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System connections and cabling
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Door-release equipment
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Associated access-control components
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Testing and identification of system faults
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Intercom Installation in Birmingham and the West Midlands
Whether you need a new door-entry intercom, replacement of an ageing system or integration between intercom and access control, we can assess your premises and recommend an appropriate solution. Contact us to arrange a commercial intercom survey in Birmingham or the wider West Midlands.
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