Compare Best Business & Office Intercom Systems

• Swiftlane
• 2N intercom
• Aiphone Intercom
• Akuvox Smartplus
• Alphacommunications Intercom
• Comelit
• Doorbird
• Doorking
• Latch
• Linear
• Mircom
• Siedle

Also, read

• Best Video Intercom Systems
• Apartment Intercom Buyer’s Guide
• Best Apartment Intercom Systems
• Apartment Intercom System with Door Release

Top Considerations for Buying an Intercom for Business

Many people thing they are just looking for an audio calling device and a button to let someone in. But they end up spending all day walking over to a buzzer and back, and letting people in. Most offices get upwards of 6 deliveries a day, and growing. Increase in online ordering and food delivery has made the problem worse. Consider the following factors and goals when purchasing a new system:

• Wireless Intercom vs Wired Intercom: This refers to the receiver end of the communication. Do you want a system that’s wired to a receiver on your desk? Or something that calls your phone or computer, even when you are working from home or moving around in the office?
• Cost: Most business intercom systems cost between $2400-$5500 with hardware and installation. Do you have the budget to get these installed, or are you looking for a simple doorbell chime? The doorbell chime is very cheap, and will just play a ring inside to let you know that someone is outside. You have to walk over and open the door. Only good for very small office with a dedicated front desk person.
• Audio vs video intercom: These days, video intercom systems cost the same, or cheaper than traditional audio intercoms. An audio intercom also requires a telephone line to be purchased and paid monthly. Video intercoms will provide higher security, by showing you who is at the door before letting them in.

• Door release: Do you need the ability to release the door remotely. This intercom would act like a door buzzer system for your business, and release the door remotely, without having to walk over to open the door.
• Calls to your phone: Do you need the ability to call your phone using a telephone call or app based call? Office managers are busy people – you wear so many hats, and constantly moving around. I think it’s liberating to not be stuck to the front desk all day.
• Support for tablets and computer: Wireless calls are liberating. In addition to that, it may be important to receive calls on a tablet or computer, so that it supports device options for all people added to the intercom

• Single tenant vs multi-tenant intercom: If installing outside a multi-tenant commercial building, the intercom must have the ability to display a directory of tenants.

• Fallback intercom calling: When you are busy running around, or out for lunch, it’s nice to have the ability to lean on a second person to handle visitors. With modern business intercoms like Swiftlane, you can set up a fallback person in case you are busy and can’t handle the visitor at the moment.
• Route to multiple people: Often, it’s a beneficial feature when the intercom dials multiple people in parallel. This way, the likelihood of picking up the calls goes up, and you don’t leave important guests stranded outside the door.
• Support telephone and desk phone numbers: Modern video intercom systems for business allow making VOIP based telephone calls to a cell phone or desk phone. Even zoom and Microsoft team phone numbers. You can press 9 to unlock the door. This capability ensures that all employees can choose the device their prefer. E.g. This is useful if someone does not want to use their personal cell phone data to take video calls.
• Data Security: Is your data being protected? Does the vendor have data security audits, like SOC2 certification, to prove external verification of their data privacy and security practices?
• Handle deliveries: Can you give access to delivery people? E.g. Can you generate unique PINs for your Fedex, UPS and USPS drivers? Does the system store
• Temporary PINS: May be you have clients, interview candidates, cleaners etc coming in at all day long. Does the system give you the ability to temporary use PIN codes using the mobile app?
• Shift (Schedule based) calling: Do you only want to receive visitor intercom calls when you are at work? Instead of getting calls at 2 AM? Does the system allow you to set up a schedule based calling for employees and front desk staff?
• Vandal & Weather resistance: These intercoms mount on the building exterior. Does the system have protection from vandalism? E.g. What’s the IK vandal rating for the system? It goes on a scale of 1 – 10, 10, 10 being the most vandal protection for the hardware.
• Employee Access Features: Can the intercom also grant and manage access to employees and contractors? E.g. Modern intercoms provide touchless face recognition access, mobile app based access and key card access through the same intercom device. This reduces your cost of running access control for employees.
• Remote management: Can you change settings or directory in the intercom remotely from a web browser? Or do you have to connect locally through a cable or local IP address in order to program this system?
• Works along side key card system: Does the system work alongside your key or key card based access to the building?
• Support for elevators, gate, etc: Sometimes, you need door release to multiple areas. e.g When a visitor is standing at the front door, you may need to unlock both the front door and then elevator.

Office Intercom Reviews

Swiftlane Video Intercom

Swiftlane specializes in modern video intercom systems for offices, commercial as well as apartment buildings. With the Swiftreader X intercom, a visitor can start a wireless video call to the front desk or receptionist. Swiftlane provides a wireless intercom system that connects to the recipient through a mobile and computer app, or a phone call.

Pricing: Swiftlane intercom costs about $1,200 – $2,200 per reader.

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Installation: Swiftlane intercom retrofits alongside existing electric door locks and motion sensors. Swiftlane intercom reader requires simple ethernet-based wiring, using standardized cables and avoiding proprietary wiring. Swiftlane takes a single power over ethernet cable to install the reader.

Hardware: SwiftReader comes in a compact, easy to mount intercom system with a sleek silver-gray or matte-gray design and touchscreen interface. The SwiftReader X comes with optional weatherproof casing and is IK07 impact rated for vandal resistance. Swiftlane door unlock relay sits on the secure side of the building, which means it is not vulnerable to outside security risk. Swiftlane hardware works with existing electric door locks reducing dependence on proprietary hardware as it reuses the majority of the hardware already in place.

Swiftlane Office Intercom Features

See the various features of the Swiftlane video intercom

Multi-tenant directory

Swiftlane Intercom

Regular Phone Call

End-to-end Video Intercom

Delivery PINs

Visitor Logs

SwiftReader X provides high security face recognition access.

PIN access on the SwiftReader.

Intercom calls on iPad

Touchless face recognition door unlock.

Swiftlane Features

• Video and audio intercom: Ability to receive video calls on the mobile app, iPad, Android tablet or computer. Also, support regular telephone call intercom, VOIP and Zoom phone.
• Easy to manage from anywhere: Swiftlane is a cloud based system. The receptionist can be on the go or remote and still pick up calls. The directory can be managed remotely through a web browser.
• Multi-tenant and single office: Supports both a multi-tenant directory or a standalone office setting. Works for either a multi-tenant commercial building or for a tenant office or a single office.
• Manage Multiple Doors and Buildings Centrally: Swiftlane is a cloud-based intercom system, which can manage any number of entrances, even multiple buildings, within one system. There are countless benefits for office administrators or facility managers using cloud-based systems. 
• Door Buzzer: Swiftlane mobile app acts like a door buzzer system, and can remotely unlock doors
• Scheduled calling, multi-person routing: Ring multiple people in parallel, or set up a fallback person in case the front desk person is busy
• Cost savings: reduce the overall dependance on having a front desk person 24×7 at the door. Manage everything remotely and centrally.
• Two-Way Video Calling With Remote Unlock: Swiftlane intercom features two-way video intercom calling. After visual verification, remotely enable door release and unlock the door via the Swiftlane app. 
• High-Quality Video: Swiftlane video intercom provides adaptive 1080 P HD video calls, offering a seamless visitor management experience for your guests.
• Built-In Access Control System: Swiftlane stands apart from other systems because of its built-in touchless access control. Keys and key cards pose operational and security issues. Swiftlane intercom features multiple forms of access control for tenants including unique pin access, mobile app access, and touchless face recognition access.
• Effective Delivery Management: Issue single-use pin codes to help guarantee convenient, high-security deliveries. These pin codes expire after one use to avoid unauthorized access.
• Front Desk, Reception and Multi-Tenant Intercom Support: Easily call the front desk with Swiftlane intercom. Multi-tenant intercom settings allow creating an unlimited number of recipients and giving them the ability to receive calls from their visitors easily on their phones.
• Wireless Intercom for Offices and Enterprises: Because Swiftlane users can receive their visitor calls straight on their phone, there is no need to mount a tablet on the wall or answer a door buzzer in person. This avoids expensive installation costs and hassle around letting people in.
• Operational Costs: Swiftlane significantly minimizes operational costs for property management and building owners. Below is a list of just a few ways that is done:
  • Eliminate constant cost of creating new keys and key fobs
  • Eliminate cost of printing visitor badges
  • Avoid having to re-key all the doors when a tenant leaves
  • Remotely grant credentials to tenants without requiring shipping key fobs or being on site
  • Manage intercom and visitors for multiple doors from a single platform
  • Manage visitors across multiple buildings centrally
  • Enhance tenant experience 
  • Increase tenant security
  • Eliminate package theft

2N Intercom

Website

2N is a European-based access control company offering various access and communication systems. 2N offers suitable multi-tenant intercom systems for office and commercial buildings. 2N provides both wired and wireless intercom systems for business.

2N Pricing

2N IP Intercom: 2N IP Intercom comes with a variety of commercial intercom models, including the 2N IP Verso, Force, Solo, etc. Pricing will vary depending on the model you select, but will range between $1000 – 1500 for the main unit, excluding keypad modules, access readers and tokens, and mounting accessories, which are sold separately. 

2N LTE Intercom: $1160 for the main unit. Keypad modules ($500+) and access control components are sold separately. 

2N Features

• 2N IP Verso has a touchscreen keypad, address book, fingerprint reader, and Bluetooth
• SIP support available
• Built-in ethernet port
• Entry methods include RFID, Bluetooth, touchpad, and fingerprint reader
• 2N devices can be bulk-managed through the 2N Access Commander. It’s a browser interface that allows:
  • Access control configuration
  • Device management and monitoring
  • Multiple site control
  • Time and attendance management
  • Visitor card management, and more

2N Review

Advantages

• Does not require master stations
• Owned by Axis, so offers good integration with other Axis products
• Can retrofit with legacy systems such as RFID card readers and fingerprint scanners
• Built-in night vision camera
• Free onsite configuration support
• Easy to install and start using
• Centralized multi-device management through a web interface

Disadvantages

• Assemble required; the biggest grievance with a 2N entry system is the lack of ‘plug and play’ installation. 2N intercoms are modularized and must be ordered and assembled separately. 
• Low quality audio; the voice and video quality of IP intercom can be affected by electromagnetic or RF interference 
• The spread of germs and disease such as COVID-19 should be carefully considered when integrating a touchscreen or fingerprint system

READ THE FULL REVIEW: 2N Intercom System Review

Aiphone Video Intercom

Website

Aiphone is one of the most respected brands of security communication systems. They have an extensive range of commercial intercoms and related products. The product lineup includes peer-to-peer IP intercoms, hardwired intercoms with IP capability, multi-tenant intercoms, app capable video intercoms, emergency intercoms, intercom doorbells, and more. Aiphone provides both wired and wireless intercoms.

IX Series (Peer-to-Peer Intercom): With a capacity of 5000+ door stations and 5000+ master stations, the IX Series is a simple, network-based intercom calling system through SIP.

IXG Series (Multi-Tenant Video Intercom): With a system capacity of 9999 devices including physical stations, gateways, and lift control adaptors, the IXG Series is a scalable visitor management solution that allows visitors to call building tenants from a directory. Tenants can receive calls from in-unit stations, or now via mobile device.

JP Series (Touchscreen Intercom): A simple, touchscreen video intercom for room to room communication.

JO Series (Video Intercom with Mobile App Capability): This video doorbell supports 2 door, 2 monitors, and 8 mobile devices for two-way audio and one-way video communication between hardwired stations. Tenants can also receive calls from their mobile device.

GT Series (Multi-Tenant Security Intercom): Finally, the GT Series is compatible for additional security purposes. The GT Series can include up to 5 entrance stations, 2 video guard stations, and 48 tenant stations. Guard stations can connect multiple sites, monitor the built-in PTZ cameras, and forward incoming visitor calls to tenant stations.

READ THE FULL REVIEW: Aiphone Intercom System Review

Akuvox SmartPlus Intercom

Based in China, Akuvox products range from door intercom systems, indoor monitors, access control touchpads, Android video phones, and their smartphone app. Akuvox SmartPlus is a modern and user-friendly video intercom system designed to singularly replace outdated two-wire intercom systems and RF based access control systems.

Akuvox Features

• Installs on Ethernet cable as well as wirelessly via Android
• Two way video calling via indoor monitor, video phone, and mobile 
• Facial recognition, NFC, Bluetooth, PIN, and RFID based access control
• Smartphone-based unlock via SmartPlus mobile app and Bluetooth
• Standard phone call unlock
• Cloud-based, single-dashboard multi-site access management
• Wiegand port for backward integration
• Time-limited QR codes and guest PINs

Akuvox Review

Advantages

• Integrated with smart technology like security systems and building automation solutions
• Supports standard phone calls for residents without smartphones
• Variety of access methods
• Centralized multi-site management

Disadvantages

• iPhone users report that the mobile app displays a blank screen all too often
• The quality of audio and video as well as facial recognition features is not validated
• The Chinese manufacturer lacks a proper customer service infrastructure in America

READ THE FULL REVIEW: Akuvox Intercom Review

Alpha Communications Intercom

Alpha Communications manufactures two video intercom systems suitable for offices and businesses. Pricing varies for each.

GB2 2-Wire Color Video Intercom System: The GB2 2-Wire Video Intercom System can support up to 256 office monitor stations and 4 entry stations. To make a call, the visitor presses the button of the recipient on  the entry door panel. Calls can be received using a hands-free, in-unit video monitor, which can also trigger a door unlock function. The GB2 Intercom also features an internal communication function.

AlphaTouch Cloud-Based PoE Video Intercom System: AlphaTouch is a video based commercial intercom system for commercial buildings that allows visitors to make video calls from a touchscreen door entry station. Office occupants can receive video calls from visitors on smartphones and can unlock the door using the AlphaTouch mobile app.

READ THE FULL REVIEW: Alpha Communications Intercom Review

Comelit Intercom

Comelit offers 3 primary door intercom systems for offices and businesses. Pricing and functionality will vary.

Comelit Visto Doorbell: Comelit Visto is a smart video doorbell that allows occupants to see, hear and speak to visitors with the Visto App.

Comelit 2-Wire System: This Comelit Intercom model is a standard visitor management system expandable up to 4 door stations and 4 interior monitors. Remote entry is available with the Comelit App, which can support up to 15 smart devices.

Comelit IP System: This Comelit Intercom model is an IP based solution that can accommodate multiple connection devices and an unlimited number of users. The multi-unit intercom system comes with a modular door station that can support up to 15 interior monitors as well as mobile app calling through the Comelit App.

READ THE FULL REVIEW: Comelit Intercom Review

DoorBird Intercom

DoorBird is a German-built doorbell system, providing several different types of intercom readers. DoorBird Intercom installs by disconnecting the current doorbell system and connecting the wires to the inputs on the DoorBird device. It can then be connected to WiFi and operated from the mobile app. Doorbird is popular among small apartments, and not so much as a commercial video intercom.

DoorBird Pricing

Depending on the products you choose, a single DoorBird Door Station will cost between $384 for a simple home IP doorbell and $2,502 for an IP video door station for multi tenant office buildings. 

The indoor station costs $505. 

There are no charges for the automatic cloud storage of entry photo logs for the 50 most recent motion sensor events. An annual subscription of $53+ has 7-day HD storage, if required.

DoorBird Features

• Simple installation: built-in connectors for traditional door chime, Ethernet, electric door strike, and door opener button
• Remote unlock function through DoorBird mobile app
• Sends photo records of visitors to the cloud where they can be accessed through the DoorBird app
• 4D motion sensor and infrared Night-Vision
• Each video doorbell can connect with up to 8 iOS or Android phones or tablets

DoorBird Review

Advantages

• Works on eight devices simultaneously 
• Ultra sharp, 180-210 degree ultra wide angle HD image, straightened and without black fish eye edges
• Aesthetically designed, durable, and high-quality video doorbell
• Open API and extensive integration options including NVR, VMS, NAS, RFID, and a range of smart locks and systems
• Doorbird products come in variety of sizes and form factors. New DoorBird models are aesthetically very appealing and come in up to 50 different shades.
• DoorBird provides products at flat hardware cost, with no subscription needed to use the base product. This provides customers with the ability to purchase it upfront without any recurring cost.
• Impressive weather-proofing

Disadvantages

• Door relays included in the intercom, such as DoorBird, pose a security risk*
• Limited access control functionalities
• No built-in SIP or PBX connectivity, can only send push notifications to non-IP phones
• Camera lens should be at a minimum height of 57 inches, compared to the ADA compliance height of maximum 48 inches

IPVM reported that DoorBird suffers from the following issues:

• Noisy Audio: even though the product comes with noise cancellation, it does not seem to be effective
• Poor image quality: high compression, poor WDR performance and focus mainly on nearby objects.

*Door relays that are programmed into the intercom can be removed from their mount to connect the relays, which would trigger an unauthorized door unlock. Typically, more intercom devices avoid this by having a separate device on the secure side of the building that triggers door unlock.

READ THE FULL REVIEW: DoorBird Intercom System Review

DoorKing Intercom

DoorKing (or DKS) is one of the oldest American providers of access control and telephone entry systems. The company is best known for their telephone entry system which features several products and models. 

DoorKing Access Plus Telephone Entry System: DoorKing Access Plus is a PC programmable telephone entry system that provides simple voice communication from the entry point. All DoorKing Access Plus models support LTE, VoIP, and POTL connectivity, and are easily customized.

DoorKing Telephone Entry System: These models are basic tele entry systems being widely used in traditional small and midsize establishments. Visitors are identified by two-way voice communication and access can be granted from a touch-tone telephone after programming with two special inputs.

DoorKing Telephone Entry and Access Control System: DoorKing Telephone Entry and Access Control 1830 Series are PC programmable turn-key access management models that can store up to 3,000 phone numbers, and 8,000 access tokens. 

READ THE FULL REVIEW: DoorKing Intercom System Review

Latch Intercom

Latch is most notably known for its line of smart locks, but has just introduced its multi-tenant intercom system in the past few years.

Latch Price

The visitor entry intercom is priced at $2,999, and you need to buy an external camera for video. Latch charges $2 monthly per unit as software fee. Pricing may vary by number of units and contract length.

Latch Features

• Latch Hardware: Eliminates the need for buying additional hardware and software.
• Visitor Access: Allow and share access through the Latch App. The system allows for temporary codes for guests, delivery people and cleaning crews. Multiple entry methods include mobile app, NFC, passcodes, and keys.
• Video Intercom System: Building tenants can choose how their name is displayed on screen and whether or not to share their video and photo.
• Security: Security integrators have expressed concerns about door lock relays that are directly attached to the intercom system. Relay triggers on the intercom device can provide a security vulnerability to an intruder. By removing the intercom device from the wall and connecting the two relay wires, someone can open the door electronically.

Latch Review

Advantages

• Integrated intercom, access control and building management system
• Restrict video streaming and choose custom display names
• Multiple entry methods including mobile app, NFC, passcodes, and the good old metallic key
• Comes with optional energy saving tools, visitor access, deliveries, and sound-based access
• Innovative door lock design

Disadvantages

• Needs an external camera for video calling
• The intercom is a part of the Latch full-building solution, which requires a two-year service contract
• Powering using PoE would require POE+ with 55W+ power. Just POE enabled switches do not support that much power from a single output, so you would need to make sure you use a POE Switch that supports 55W on a single port

READ THE FULL REVIEW: Latch Intercom Review

Linear Intercom

Linear Pro is a part of the GTO family, which has been providing door operators, garage openers, and access control systems since 1961. Their flagship Linear Entry Pro Telephone Entry System is an audio-only intercom system with the option to add video. The system works with a large range of controllers, peripherals, credentials, and accessories. 

Linear Pricing

Linear offers 3 different hardware models including the stand-alone EP-402, and the networked EP-436 and EP-736. The EP-EXN expansion nodes can be used for physical door and reader connectivity.

• Linear EP-402 Entry Pro: ~$1299
• Linear EP-436 Entry Pro: ~$2499
• Linear EP-736 Entry Pro: ~$3816
• EP-EXN Expansion Node: ~$660

Linear Features

• Two-way voice calling. Office tenants can answer visitors’ calls from their phone and unlock the door or open the gate by pressing 9.
• Installs on regular telephone lines
• Can support from 2 doors to up to 64 doors or more 
• Compatible with commonly used long-range readers and VoIP adapters

Linear Review

Advantages

• Does not require an additional PC or software to install
• High-Bright display options for direct sunlight applications
• Custom reports and quick-searches available to manage building occupant accounts, guests and personnel access

Disadvantages

• Lack of integration options
• Need to have landlines installed in the whole building for connection

READ THE FULL REVIEW: Linear Intercom Review

Mircom TX3-Touch Intercom

Mircom’s TX3-Touch is a SIP capable touch-screen telephone entry system that provides two-way audio and one-way video calling along with the ability to make safety announcements and control access.

Mircom Pricing

Mircom doesn’t reveal the price of TX3 Touch Series on its website. Here’s the price of different components and models as obtained from reseller websites.

• TX3-Nano-S4: $2519
• TX3-Touch-S15-A: $5989
• TX3-Touch-S15-B: $7822
• TX3-Touch-F22: $9697

Mircom Features

• Make two-way audio and one-way video calls via in-unit hardware or through the MiEntry mobile app
• Integrate with third-party software and hardware for lighting control, HVAC, and building management
• Occupants can use their Android and Apple smartphones as credentials and view event history
• SIP based mobile and PSTN connectivity (requires subscription and only works with TX3-Touch and TX3-Nano-S4)
• PC-based programming through TX3 Configuration and Monitoring Utility

Mircom Review

Advantages

• Highly customizable
• Vandal resistant outdoor panels
• PSTN calling and SIP based mobile connectivity
• MiEntry mobile app for building entry and video/audio calling

Disadvantages

• In-unit hardware requires extensive installation time and overhead cost
• PC-based programming requires on-site updates and changes, and remote configuration is not available 
• High total cost of ownership (TCO) for office and commercial buildings
• Does not offer two-way video calling

READ THE FULL REVIEW: Mircom Intercom Review

Siedle Vario Intercom

Siedle, a German manufacturer, has been building and improving door intercom systems for over 70 years. The Siedle Vario video intercom system includes video door stations and indoor stations connected through a two-wire Bus Video Modulator that can also accommodate multiple external cameras.

Siedle Features

• Modular system with ability to incorporate fingerprint reader, card reader, and electronic key reader
• Vandal resistant transparent dome with high-grade adjustable colour cameras
• Integrated infrared lighting for clear night-time viewing 
• 3 different dome camera models available with different pick up angles 
• True Day/Night feature ensures excellent color fidelity in different lighting conditions
• Door monitoring from indoor video panels as well as from Siedle Mobile App
• Add-ons include letterboxes, card reader, code lock, electronic key reader, and external cameras

Siedle Review

Advantages

• Diverse variety of useful add-ons
• Excellent sound and video quality
• Configuration tool for customizing your system

Disadvantages

• Outdated technology and interfacing
• No touchscreen directory feature
• Lacks integration options
• Does not offer cloud-based management 
• Automatic visitor access features are not available

READ THE FULL REVIEW: Siedle Intercom Review

Benefits of Intercom in Offices and Businesses

Employee safety and security is always the top priority in the workplace. But beyond enhancing safety and security, intercom systems also offer other benefits for office buildings and businesses that drastically improve efficiency, decrease overhead, and minimize expenses.

Highlighted below are the main ways video intercoms are increasing office safety and security:

Secure Visitor Management

Intercoms give businesses and enterprises a seamless way to manage visitors in the building by supporting access for personnel ranging from clients to cleaning staff. Video intercom used for business is the best and most efficient solution for monitoring and keeping track of who is in the building, when they have access, or whether their access is authorized.

Contactless Sign-In

Video intercom used in the enterprise setting is a professional and COVID-safe way to welcome visitors without additional check-in or face-to-face interaction with building staff.

Seamless Temporary Access

Office intercom systems allow administrators to create PINs, QR codes, and other unique IDs for intermittent visitors to the building such as cleaning or maintenance staff. This access can be programmed on a schedule basis to control access remotely throughout the facility 24/7.

Access Event History

Accessing event history with a high-traffic building such as an office can be critical in managing compliance and other regulatory matters. It also allows administrators to be proactive should there be any irregularities in access events or at certain access points.

Secure Deliveries

Offices and businesses regularly receive confidential and important business-related deliveries. This can be client documents or internal business matters. Whether intercepted with malicious intent or otherwise, package theft can be detrimental to an organization. Regardless of the content, office intercoms mitigate the risk of theft by ensuring that delivery personnel always have secure access to the building to delivery packages.

Built-In Access Control

Some office intercom systems also offer built-in access control systems. A built-in access control system makes it easy for office buildings to manage employee access and visitor management under one platform. A single platform for managing access is much more secure than two different siloed systems that operate independently of one another. Data privacy is increased with just one system. Administrators and security teams are also able to retrieve better data and reporting of access events and activity.

Office Intercom Components

There are several components to an intercom system for office buildings and businesses including both hardware and technology. It’s important to talk about each component to make sure you get the system that best fits the needs of your workplace.

First, hardware will always consist of the visitor-facing interface (basically, the system itself), door controller, wiring (if any) and door locks.

The Intercom System

The intercom system itself is the hardware that is placed outside the workplace entrance. Legacy intercom systems are typically large metal structures with buttons and keypads. Modern intercom systems will display a touchscreen and allow visitors to scroll through a directory, make an intercom call to someone in the building, scan a QR code, or type in a PIN code.

Door Controller

The door controller connects the doors and provides door unlock capabilities, to grant someone entry into the building or office.

Wiring

Traditionally, intercom systems required wiring throughout the building’s infrastructure. The wiring allowed the intercom system at the front door to communicate with whoever the recipient was within the building. Installing wiring, however, is time-consuming and expensive. These legacy systems also limit recipients to answering intercom calls from the hardware station the wiring is connected to.

Modern intercom systems do not require any wiring at all. Wireless intercom calls go directly to a smart device or telephone.

Electronic Door Locks

While electronic door locks are not always provided by an intercom manufacturer, they are still a component of an intercom system. The intercom door controller will connect to these electronic locks and be able to trigger a door unlock for visitors. Most intercom systems are able to work with any type of electronic door lock.

Secondly, the technology component of an intercom system consists of the software used to run it.

Intercom Software

Intercom software will vary by company. Each interface will look different and have operational nuances. The important distinction to make with intercom software is whether it is installed manually on local hardware or if it operates off-site from the cloud.

How much do business intercom system costs?

Most intercom systems for office cost between $1400-$5000, depending widely based on the installation type and hardware. Most new intercoms only require wiring the panel at the front, to the internet and power. The door lock power is also connected to it. Installation typically costs between $1200-$1800. Traditional wired intercoms require installing an inside wall tablet, or a desk mounted tablet, which cost more in wiring and hardware costs.

Why You Need an Office Intercom System

Most businesses or offices keep their front doors locked all day or part of the day. All kinds of visitors come to an office. Video intercom systems should help meet the following scenarios:

• Communicate with visitors at the front door
• Grant entry to clients
• Allow delivery drivers with access to the building
• Corporate offices may have Interview candidates coming in
• Larger offices may have multiple entrances and only one or no dedicated front desk person
• Offices need to buzz people remotely through many entrances.
• The intercom system may also provide access control for employees

Updated on: July 10, 2022