Can a simple entrance upgrade cut missed deliveries, stop tailgaters, and make resident life easier?
This buyer's guide maps needs to technology and budget so building owners and management can decide with confidence.
Legacy panels gave way to smart intercom and video solutions that call mobiles, support remote unlocks, and replace keys with PINs, fobs, QR codes, NFC, or biometrics.
Modern systems scale from single-door apartments to campuses with 10,000 users. They add visual verification, visitor logs, and cloud platforms that remove landline ties and simplify programming.
This introduction previews how to match system options to property profile, prioritize features, plan installation and connectivity, and estimate total cost of ownership.
Map building size and traffic to solution scale before buying.
Video intercoms add verification and reduce missed deliveries.
Cloud platforms simplify management and eliminate landlines.
Plan integration with cameras, elevators, and access controls early.
Budget for installation and ongoing subscriptions, and pilot before full rollout.
Modern systems turn entry points into centralized, managed access hubs that link residents, staff, and visitors in real time. Smart intercoms stream audio and live video to smartphones and enable remote unlock and automated keyless entry for authorized users.
Cloud-based management reduces reliance on landlines and on-site staff. Mobile notifications and remote controls streamline operations and cut missed deliveries. Video verification and searchable logs deter theft while creating auditable records for security teams.
Flexible connectivity—Ethernet, WiFi, and LTE/5G backup—keeps access online during outages. That uptime protects residents and helps property owners lower operating overhead.
Demand for video intercom and buzzer solutions is rising as residents expect contactless convenience. Today’s platforms also manage gates, garages, vestibules, and service entrances from a single console and integrate with surveillance, access control, and property management tools.
Entrypoint hardware defines how visitors announce themselves and how residents verify identity.
A typical setup places a base or master station at the door. That unit holds a call button, mic/speaker, and camera if video is used.
Inside units or a front desk, substations receive calls and allow remote unlocks. Electric strikes and locks perform the actual remote release and need coordinated power and control planning.
Audio intercoms permit two-way communication and quick verification by voice. Video intercom systems add a visual layer and often keep visitor logs for incident review.
Simple door buzzers only chime and offer no two-way communication. Wired wiring and power-fed systems deliver steady audio and reliability, while wireless setups speed retrofits and link to mobile apps over the internet.
Telephone entry can limit in-unit hardware but may lack native video and bring landline costs. Choose components by desired functionality, budget, and site constraints.
Fit features to daily flows—deliveries, shift changes, and peak visitor hours—to keep access smooth.
Controlled property access ranks high with renters; a 2024 NMHC/Grace Hill survey shows 75% want it. Prioritize visitor verification, delivery handling, and resident directories to cut staff time.
Self-service credentials like temporary PINs, QR passes, and mobile unlocks reduce front-desk tasks. Integrate directories with property management to avoid manual updates.
Offices often centralize screening at a front desk. Mixed-use sites may need distributed access at retail suites and service entrances.
Decide whether a single console or multiple substations fits operations and vendor traffic. Map vendor routes and delivery windows before finalizing options.
Modern intercoms scale from one unit to 10,000-user campus deployments. Match capacity to your maximum daily call attempts and the total number of users.
Plan multi-entrance coverage for garages, gates, and amenity spaces. For assisted living or dorms, add staff override rights and audit logs to maintain safety.
Compare signal resilience, verification level, and installation disruption before committing to a door access solution.
Wired setups give top reliability and clear audio in dense sites. They resist RF interference and work well in concrete or steel structures. Expect professional installation with cable runs, conduit, and ongoing maintenance for locks and power.
Wireless systems speed retrofits and reduce wall work. Options include RF, WiFi, and cellular backup (LTE/5G). Plan site surveys for coverage, test cellular spots, and add fallback links to avoid outages.
Two-way audio improves verification over simple buzzers. It suits low-risk doors and low traffic. But audio alone may not meet security needs where visual ID matters.
Video intercoms deter impersonation, create visual logs, and cut missed deliveries. They cost more up front and in upkeep, but security gains and record-keeping often justify the expense given rising demand.
Match choices to risk tolerance, building construction, budget, and timeline. Validate call capacity, latency, and install impact before a full rollout to capture long-term benefits and reduce surprises.
Before you buy, list features that directly impact daily operations and resident safety. A focused checklist helps compare vendors on capability, cost, and ongoing management.
Confirm a mobile app that supports off-site answering, remote unlock, and temporary credentials for guests and vendors. That app should also send real-time notifications so residents never miss a delivery.
Look for PINs, fobs/cards, QR passes, and NFC/Bluetooth mobile entry. Offer options to suit different user preferences while enforcing consistent access policies.
Require video recording with motion-triggered clips and searchable cloud storage. Video logs speed incident response and create immutable evidence for security teams.
Use biometrics like facial recognition or fingerprint for high-security doors. Ensure end-to-end encryption to protect credentials at rest and in transit.
Pick touchscreen directories with multi-language support and ADA-friendly layouts. Confirm platform limits for users and entrances, bulk onboarding, role-based control, and audit trails to meet compliance goals.
A platform that links intercom, locks, elevators, and cameras removes friction and raises safety. Good integrations let staff and residents manage entry and services from a single console or app.
Ensure the intercom can interface with electric strikes, door controllers, and elevator call systems. That extends controlled access beyond the lobby to gyms, mailrooms, and package rooms.
Integrate cameras so video snapshots sync with unlock events. This aids incident response and creates reliable audit trails.
Connect to property and visitor management tools to automate directories and guest credentials. Certified APIs reduce custom work and speed upgrades.
Support for smart-home platforms lets residents control locks, lights, and thermostats with one app. Choose solutions with end-to-end encryption and role-based access to protect credentials and prevent breaches.
Test elevator workflows for ADA compliance and emergency handoffs before rollout. Map sensitive areas and set clear role rules so access control works reliably across systems.
A clear plan for cabling, backup connectivity, and power makes installations predictable. Start with a site survey to log entrances, structural obstacles, and tenant access needs. That prep saves time and reduces surprises during rollout.
Wired installs need professional cabling, conduit, and steady power. They suit concrete or steel buildings where signal loss is a concern.
Wireless installs reduce wall work and can be DIY-friendly when coverage is strong. Run a wireless site survey to find dead zones before committing to wireless systems.
Decide between 120V feeds, low-voltage runs, or PoE. PoE often simplifies setup by carrying data and power over one cable and lowers per-unit wiring needs.
Specify a primary Ethernet path with WiFi or LTE/5G failover. Document every door, gate, vestibule, and garage. Determine unlock logic and call routing for multi-entrance layouts.
Account for elevator intercom rules and life-safety integration. Finally, define whether in-unit hardware or mobile app-only access meets tenant expectations and install timelines.
Longevity at external entrances starts with the right weatherproofing and anti-vandal hardware choices. Specify ratings that match exposure and traffic so an intercom lasts seasons, not months.
Pick IP65 or higher for outdoor stations to keep out dust and rain and resist temperature swings. That rating extends hardware life and reduces repair calls.
Place units under small overhangs and away from direct spray. Position cameras and touchscreens to cut glare, prevent water pooling, and limit reach from vandals.
IK10-rated faceplates resist impact and deter tampering on high-traffic doors and exteriors. Swiftlane and similar vendors offer IP65 plus IK10 for reliable outdoor use.
Use gasketed cable entries, drip shields, and corrosion-resistant finishes. Add motion-triggered video to document attempts and speed incident response.
Plan for cold-climate heaters or sunshades in hot zones, and add routine maintenance checks for seals, mounts, and lens cleanliness to preserve security and operation. Document placement standards so future systems match your durability baseline.
Budget planning should convert feature choices into realistic multi-year expenses. Use concrete price bands and site variables to avoid surprise costs during procurement and operations.
Entry-level audio units start near $200. Mid-tier two-way video devices often land around $2,500. High-end touchscreens and rugged models can exceed $5,000, while SmartRent Alloy-style enterprise devices range roughly $1,000–$7,000.
Camera resolution, screen size, credential readers, biometrics, and IK/IP ratings increase hardware costs and add long-term value for security and durability.
Installation costs shift with number of entrances, cable runs, retrofits in finished walls, and elevator integration. Wired projects need more conduit and labor; wireless installs reduce wiring but may add batteries or connectivity fees.
Decide early on in-unit substations versus mobile-only access. Fewer in-unit devices lower per-unit installation and service calls, but may change resident experience and support needs.
Expect cloud subscriptions of about $3–$5 per unit per month for mobile apps, management, and video storage. Those fees often replace legacy landline charges and reduce onsite maintenance time.
Account for periodic cleaning, firmware updates, battery swaps, and inspections. Build a 3–5 year TCO that includes depreciation, upgrade paths, and estimated savings from lower staff workload, fewer missed deliveries, and improved resident satisfaction.
Selecting a vendor is as critical as picking hardware; support gaps can turn a good installation into a recurring headache.
Start by asking for clear warranty terms and a published update policy. Prefer vendors that list software release frequency, encryption standards, and uptime SLAs. Swiftlane’s two-year limited warranty and 24/7 support is one example to benchmark against.
Require written warranty details, cloud update cadence, and an SLA that states expected uptime. Confirm maintenance windows so operations staff can plan around them. Regular patches and end-to-end encryption protect resident data and hardware over time.
Vet local installers for certifications, references, and nearby presence. SmartRent highlights hands-on installation guidance and ongoing assistance; local teams speed repairs and cut downtime.
Before signing, request demo access to the cloud console and mobile app. Verify spare parts availability, documented escalation paths, and training resources for staff and residents. Those checks keep systems reliable and improve long-term management.
A short inventory of doors, delivery patterns, and user types quickly narrows feasible intercom options.
Start with entrances, user counts, delivery volume, staff workflows, and risk tolerance. Match needs to features like video verification, mobile unlock, directories, language support, and audit logs.
Pick platforms that link to access control, cameras, elevators, and property software. Confirm user caps, multi-entrance support, encryption, and update policies to meet long-term security goals.
Run a site survey for power, cabling, and wireless coverage. Compare hardware, installation, subscription costs, and maintenance to build a total cost of ownership. Require demos, sandbox access, and reference calls.
Pilot at one or two doors, collect resident and staff feedback, refine call routing and credentials, then schedule a staged rollout to reduce risk and boost adoption.
Start with small pilots to validate connectivity, durability, and user acceptance before rolling out across entrances.
Modern smart intercoms deliver mobile control, video verification, multiple entry methods, and cloud management. These solutions bring clear benefits in security and resident convenience for apartment and commercial properties.
Map needs to system types, prioritize features, plan wiring and power, and verify total cost of ownership. Test a door or two, confirm vendor support and warranty terms from firms like Swiftlane and SmartRent, and confirm software update policies.
When pilots pass, build a phased rollout tied to budget cycles. Schedule demos, run site surveys, and set a staged plan so systems scale smoothly and deliver long‑term access and security gains.
Audio-only intercoms handle two-way voice communication and are simpler and less costly to install. Video intercom systems add a camera, visual verification, and recording capability, improving security and visitor screening. Video systems may require more bandwidth, storage, and stronger weatherproofing for outdoor units.
Prioritize a mix: mobile app remote unlock and PIN codes for residents, RFID key fobs or access cards for staff, and QR or temporary PINs for visitors and deliveries. NFC/Bluetooth and intercom-call forwarding to management are useful for flexibility and contactless access.
Wired systems offer consistent reliability and audio/video quality, making them preferable for high-traffic sites. Wireless systems (Wi‑Fi, LTE/5G, or RF) can work well for retrofits or locations where running cable is impractical, but plan for signal redundancy and power backup to avoid outages.
Common choices include low-voltage wiring, Power over Ethernet (PoE) for combined data and power, and 120V for certain door hardware. For connectivity, use Ethernet as primary, Wi‑Fi as secondary, and LTE/5G cellular backups where uptime is critical. Confirm UPS or battery backup for controllers and locks.
Verify user capacity, concurrent call limits, and the ability to add substations or doors without replacing the controller. Look for centralized management software that supports multi-site administration, role-based access, and searchable directories to simplify large deployments.
Choose units with IP65 or higher for dust and water protection, especially on exposed facades. For vandal-prone or high-traffic exterior locations, select IK10-rated hardware for impact resistance and stainless-steel housings to resist corrosion.
Budget for cloud video storage subscriptions, mobile app licensing, software updates, service contracts, and potential cellular data fees for LTE/5G backups. Plan annual maintenance, replacement parts, and possible call-center or management platform fees.
Look for systems that support standard protocols (ONVIF, SIP, API access) and hardware interfaces to electric strikes, elevators, CCTV, and building management systems. Confirm compatibility with property management and visitor management platforms to streamline workflows.
Biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition) increase security for high-risk areas or staff-only entrances. They add cost and require strict privacy, data protection, and maintenance considerations. Use biometrics where identity assurance outweighs expense and complexity.
Test call reliability, audio/video clarity, mobile app performance, remote unlock timing, directory usability, integration with locks and elevators, and resident onboarding. Gather resident feedback on ease of use and fix any coverage or workflow issues before scaling.
Installation drives significant cost variance: running new wiring, multiple entry points, in-unit substations, and hardened exterior mounts increase labor. Retrofits without conduit may favor wireless options but could raise long-term management costs. Get detailed site surveys and phased quotes.
Choose vendors with clear warranty terms, regular firmware and app updates, documented uptime SLAs, and local installer networks. Check references, review installer certifications, and confirm quick-response support channels for critical outages.
Follow local laws regarding notice, signage, and data retention. Use encrypted storage, access logging, and role-based permissions. Provide transparent resident communication about recording policies and comply with landlord-tenant privacy regulations.
Mobile apps can replace many in-unit devices, offering push notifications, remote unlock, and visitor logs. However, maintain fallback options (in-unit hardware or desk consoles) for residents without smartphones, guests, or during connectivity failures.
Ask for multi-year warranty details, included support hours, and whether firmware/security patches are provided at no extra charge. Confirm how long the vendor supports legacy hardware and their roadmap for feature updates and cloud services.