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The time is now for housing professionals to review their residences and make tangible improvements to the quality of homes . Improving the tenant experience , for example by addressing accessibility , is a great place to start . Not only does better building usability allow all residents to feel supported , but it also helps them maintain a sense of independence , confidence and a higher quality of life . One way to tackle this is via the latest intercom systems , which can boost accessibility for residents through integrated communication aids and handset-free access control . Here , we discuss why it ’ s a good time for installers to expand their portfolio with these solutions , and the invaluable benefits these door entry devices can offer tenants and housing professionals .

Going wireless

The latest intercoms harness GSM , or the ‘ Global System for Mobile Communications ’, the digital cellular technology that powers mobile phones . GSM-based systems are completely wire-free – replacing traditional cabled devices that often come with clunky plastic handsets . They make answering the door as easy as possible for residents , who can grant access from anywhere via their landline or preferred digital device , like a smartphone or tablet . For less mobile tenants , these innovative wireless access

systems are ideal for boosting accessibility as there ’ s no need to move to reach a built-in handset .

Adding value

Innovative door entry systems also have a variety of integrated communication aids that are designed to enhance a building ’ s usability for residents and their visitors . Devices with backlighting are particularly useful for the visually impaired , as they help users locate the right buttons quickly and easily . While other intercoms have yellow rings around buttons , providing a sharper contrast for visitors with reduced vision . Braille keypads are another useful addition for the visually impaired or blind , ensuring door entry is accessible for everyone .

For those with hearing issues , audio induction loops wirelessly

transmit sound from the intercom to a person ’ s hearing aid , making communication easier for tenants and their visitors with hearing loss or deafness . It ’ s simple to tune in ; compatible hearing aid users switch to the T ( Telecoil ) setting , enabling them to pick up an audio signal from the intercom . Unwanted background noise is cut out from calls too , helping to greatly improve audio quality . All without needing a receiver or handset .

Taking accessibility a step further , some wireless intercoms also offer options for direct dialling . Instead of scrolling devices , where users scroll through every entry on the panel , a direct dial function helps visitors find the right tenant more easily . This makes direct dial intercoms the ideal addition to large , multi-dwelling blocks with lots of different units .

The right choice

When it comes to selecting a new intercom system , housing professionals have a variety of solutions to choose from , depending on tenant needs . However , some solutions offer additional capabilities that can improve a building ’ s functionality and appeal to residents . With Intratone ’ s wireless SC-03 intercom , for example , housing managers can add shortcodes for visitors , like health professionals , to improve essential access and minimise disturbances to residents day-to-day . It boasts a pinhole camera too , so tenants can also have peace of mind that their building is secure , by checking who is at the door before granting entry . Plus , the SC-03 ’ s full-colour screen and engaging animations enhance the visitor experience .

GSM-powered access control systems provide numerous benefits for housing professionals , too . Like all Intratone ’ s intercoms , the wireless SC-03 connects to a secure online remote management system , providing a real-time overview of residences , in one digital , centralised location . Here , housing managers can carry out everyday administration tasks ,

like editing tenants ’ details and granting access to external contractors , in just a few clicks . This helps to streamline workflows , ensuring stress-free property management – and minimal disruption for tenants .

Looking ahead

Updating access control infrastructure is an easy way to start improving accessibility , ensuring that buildings are optimised for all residents , regardless of their needs . The focus on property usability and quality will likely increase even more going forward , as the results of the government ’ s Levelling Up programme are put under the spotlight . For installers , it ’ s a good time to expand their portfolios to include the latest wireless access control systems , providing housing professionals with a simple way to tangibly improve their residents ’ experiences .

GSM-based intercoms , such as Intratone ’ s wireless SC-03 , give tenants the flexibility to answer the door wherever they are , while enhancing ease of communication and building security .

intratone . uk . com