Investing in the right intercom system for business communications, team alignment, and security enhancements is more important than you might think. A commercial intercom system doesn’t just give team members a convenient way to communicate.
The right technology is a crucial component of your security and access control strategy. Intuitive intercom systems allow managers and building security teams to maintain control over facility access. Over the years, these solutions have become more advanced. New intercom systems now support video verification and computer vision and integrate with broader security networks.
By 2030, experts expect the market for advanced commercial intercom solutions to reach a value of $3.7 billion. This guide dives into the evolution of the business intercom and its impact on your team.
What is an Intercom System for Business?
An intercom system for business or commercial users is a communication and security device. It’s used to control access to buildings and simplify communication with individuals in different locations.
In business settings, intercoms help organizations confirm visitor identities and facilitate real-time, two-way conversations between staff. Even if they’re on different floors or departments, users can take advantage of the intercom’s video monitoring strategies.
The functionality and features of a commercial or office intercom system can vary. However, most systems include similar components, such as:
- Speakers and microphones for distributing information and enabling communication.
- Wireless or wired connectivity options.
- Enhanced communication and collaboration tools (such as video cameras).
Many solutions also integrate with existing security system technologies. These include access control systems, video monitoring platforms, and automation software.
Modern intercom systems are designed to be versatile and adapt to the needs of various environments. In office buildings, they can streamline visitor and personnel management. Receptionists and security teams can authenticate individuals and grant access to spaces in a building.
In schools and hospitals, intercom systems improve business security. They facilitate easy coordination between staff, experts, and security personnel. Hotels and hospitality companies use intercom systems to support guest services. This helps guests stay informed about security risks, while bridging gaps between workers in separate locations.
Even in larger organizations, intercoms can improve communications and collaboration between departments.
Types of Intercom Systems for Businesses
Intercom systems for businesses have evolved significantly in the last few years. Previously, companies would turn to wired intercom solutions with limited functionality. Now, there are video intercom systems and wireless solutions that can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There are even intelligent intercoms with built-in AI and automation software.
Some of the most common types of commercial intercom systems include:
Wired Intercom Systems
Wired solutions are still commonplace in many organizations, despite the demand for wireless intercom system technology. These systems are less prone to interference than some wireless alternatives. They’re also a cost-effective choice for many companies with limited entry points and fewer physical spaces to monitor.
Wired intercoms can feature microphones and speakers for audio communication. They also support video streams and integrations with door release buttons and access control systems. Users can even connect them directly with CCTV and video recording systems.
Wireless Intercom Systems
Wireless systems connect devices through a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network. This eliminates the need for extensive cabling for companies in search of a flexible intercom solution. Where installation and maintenance costs for wired stations might be cost prohibitive, wireless systems offer agility.
Like wired systems, wireless intercoms support a range of communication methods through audio and video. They can also easily integrate with other security system applications, as well as mobile devices. This is especially useful for businesses with remote and hybrid workplaces.
Audio Intercom Systems
Audio intercom systems for businesses are slightly more traditional than many advanced video feed solutions. However, they still enable reliable communication between teams, visitors, and security personnel.
These solutions can connect visitors to indoor phones for communication through a business phone network. Alternatively, they can use speakers and microphones for direct audio communication. With audio systems, smaller businesses with limited traffic can easily identify users and share alerts and updates with teams.
Video Intercom Systems
Video intercom systems are popular as part of comprehensive access control and building security kits. Users can see and communicate with visitors before they grant entry into an environment. With high-definition cameras, the video intercom system can capture a live video from any entry point, which can then be viewed by the security team or an administrator.
Two-way video intercom systems can even allow for two-way video conversations. With a camera at each end, security teams are able to see and ask visitors questions. Or staff from different departments can use them to collaborate face-to-face from any space.
Entry Intercom Systems
Many intercom systems can connect with access control systems to improve building security. However, entry intercom systems are more directly connected with entry management technologies than basic intercom systems. They’re often paired with electric locks and door release solutions that can be managed using a physical button or a connected mobile app.
These advanced systems are extremely valuable for companies that need to maintain a higher level of security. Every visitor or entrant will need to be approved before they access the building. These systems are common in multi-company office buildings, law firms, and healthcare facilities.
Small Business and Office-to-Office Intercoms
Office-to-office intercoms enable communication across different departments within a building. They’re highly suitable for large commercial environments, schools, and hospitals. These systems support announcements, emergency alerts, and department-to-department communication. In critical situations, they help improve coordination and response times.
Office intercom systems often include features like broadcast messaging and group calling. These are especially useful for fast, efficient communication across large spaces. Other small business intercoms can enhance communication and security on a broader scale. They can connect with access control apps, security tools, and conferencing solutions for business-wide coordination.
Commercial Intercom Systems for Large Complexes
For larger office complexes and business environments, more advanced commercial intercom systems are available. They enable:
- Multi-tenant support
- QR code access for users
- NFC app entry to an environment
- Integration with cell network call boxes.
They also allow companies to set up access management controls for different segments of a building.
Large commercial intercom systems are highly customizable. They integrate with building automation systems, access control, and visitor management tools. As such, they’re ideal for larger businesses that have specific requirements for cross-team communication, security, and operations.
The Benefits of Intercom Systems for Businesses
On a broad scale, intercom systems empower business leaders to enhance their security and coordination. They also support companies to manage hybrid teams and increase visitor numbers.
When it comes to benefits, many of our clients appreciate the ability to answer, talk to the visitor, and release the door all from within their intercom app. Even multiple users can receive an intercom call. Much more convenient than having calls be directed to one reception desk to then be transferred.
Additional significant advantages of using an intercom system in a business setting include:
Improved Security
One of the most valuable benefits of an intercom system is improved security. Audio and video intercom systems make it easy for authorized personnel to monitor a building’s traffic flow. This means only the right people gain access to specific areas.
Video intercom systems are particularly helpful at authenticating visitors and staff members before they access a building. Security teams can quickly check visitor credentials beyond voice verification.
Video-enabled intercoms also help to visually monitor entry points for signs of suspicious activity. All types of commercial intercom systems allow security leaders to share valuable information about risks and threats. Distributed team members receive updates at speed, reducing the impact of potential hazards.
Streamlined Communication
Beyond boosting security measures, business intercom systems give people a convenient way to communicate. Receptionists and other administrators can easily communicate with visitors, so they’re welcomed into a building safely.
Team members can rapidly share verbal or video-based alerts with employees across departments. Intercom systems reduce the need for team members to travel to different locations or departments.
Schools, hospitals, or businesses in large office complexes can use their intercom technology for seamless communication and to relay messages quickly. It becomes easier for workers to ask questions or request assistance without leaving their workstations. During emergencies, this rapid communication can be even more valuable. Large numbers of employees and visitors are made aware of threats instantly.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Commercial intercom systems also contribute to efficient business operations on a broad scale. They enable staff to respond quickly to requests or issues. This is particularly useful in customer-centric settings like healthcare facilities, hotels, or retail stores.
As a result, staff are better equipped to assist customers or address concerns quickly. In a busy hotel, an intercom allows the front desk to contact housekeeping or maintenance instantly, reducing guest waiting times.
Plus, intercom systems reduce the need to station security personnel at every entry point. Security team members can move freely around a business location. It then becomes easier to complete a range of tasks, without compromising on entry and access security. This improves efficiency and reduces costs with fewer team members managing business security.
Choosing a Business Intercom System
There’s no single strategy for choosing the ideal intercom system for business leaders. There are numerous factors to consider, based on your business priorities. For instance, you may need to consider whether you need video built into your intercom system. Or whether you can achieve your goals with a simpler, audio-based solution.
Choosing between wired and wireless solutions can be complicated too. Both options have their benefits. Wired intercom systems are ideal for small and mid-sized businesses with existing wiring infrastructure. They’re also generally more stable and less prone to interference than their wireless counterparts.
However, wireless systems can be valuable for larger companies and older buildings. This is because they eliminate the need for extensive cabling. They’re easier to install and more scalable for complex environments. Companies have more freedom to expand on their intercom and access control technology over time.
In these cases, the key to success is ensuring your solution integrates with the technology you already have. An intercom system should easily connect with your access control tools and other security systems. This will give you a valuable, intuitive way to upgrade your security strategy.
Installing and Maintaining Commercial Intercom Systems
After you choose the right intercom system for your specific needs, the next steps are implementing and maintaining your new technology. First, you’ll need to evaluate your building environment. The goal is to find the best installation points for your new technology.
Prioritize finding high-traffic and security-sensitive areas for your intercom systems. You might need to install this technology throughout areas like:
- Main entrances.
- Reception areas.
- Near sensitive departments (such as data storage rooms and financial offices).
In larger and more complex buildings, identify any potential structural challenges that might hamper your installation efforts. These can include thick walls or long hallways that might impact signal strength or wiring.
From there, you can partner with an installation expert like Infassure on the installation of your technology. Infassure will work with you to build an implementation strategy based on your location assessment. We’ll help you to select the right technologies and integrate connected systems. Our team also offers support with training and onboarding, helping you make the most of your new technology. Plus, we can deliver end-to-end support with system maintenance.
We’ll work with you to conduct routine checks of your system, identifying potential risks and faults and implementing software updates as necessary.
Invest in the Ultimate Commercial Intercom System
A business intercom system is a valuable solution for enhanced commercial communication and security. The right technology can improve operational efficiency, reduce risks, and improve visitor and employee experiences.
The key to success is choosing a system that adheres to your specific needs. Infassure is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for wireless or wired technology, audio or video intercom solutions, or advanced toolkits that integrate with your entire security system.
We can help guide you towards the tailored intercom solutions that meet your needs. Our specialist engineers can implement, configure, and optimize your system for you. And you can rest assured that your new intercom will work seamlessly with your existing technology.
Contact Infassure today to learn more about our reliable and customizable services. Explore our solutions designed to address the needs of any business looking for a state-of-the-art commercial intercom.
