Pro Installer March 2022 - Issue 108 | Page 18

News
18 | MARCH 2022

News

Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk

COST-EFFECTIVE ACCESS CONTROL MADE EASY

The trend for property technology , or ‘ proptech ’ as it is becoming known as , is fast gaining ground in the housing sector due to rising tenant demands for a better user experience across residences . Access control is an important part of the proptech revolution , with digital devices making property access easier to manage and more user-friendly for residents .
While updating access systems may be seen as an unnecessary expense by some , maintaining outdated technology could in fact be costing housing managers more money in the long-term . Digital methods are more adept at handling growing workloads and meeting tenants ’ changing needs , but why else should you advise housing providers to make the switch ?
Updating residences with the latest wireless intercom technology is a cost-effective option that could benefit housing managers for years to come . Here we explain why it should be a key component of any installer ’ s portfolio , and the long-term benefits it can bring to installers , housing managers and tenants alike .
Quick and easy installation
Wired access control systems can be expensive and time-consuming to install . The high cost of setting up traditional intercoms , by recabling entire buildings , means that many housing managers choose to continuously repair rather than replace them – patching over issues and adding to their operating bill . These outdated devices can be complex to manage day-to-day too , often needing frequent site visits to make tenant adjustments such as updating flat numbers , let alone
having complex key management processes .
However , replacing intercoms before they break is much more beneficial . The latest wireless access control systems use GSM , or the Global System for Mobile Communications , which is the same technology that powers mobile phones . GSM connects residents across an unlimited network , allowing them to answer the door via a landline or preferred digital device . As it ’ s a wireless technology , there is no extensive recabling required or handsets to install , reducing set-up time and time on-site too , with the entire process taking just a few hours . Plus , with no need to enter individual flats to connect receivers to wires and handsets , residents are not disturbed .
Streamlined workflow
Beyond the initial install , GSMbased wireless access control devices connected to secure online property management systems provide additional value-added services for housing managers . For instance , these systems enable housing professionals to oversee all access to their buildings without needing to visit the site . This helps streamline dayto-day administration tasks , such as making changes to key fobs , flat numbers and tenant information , which can be done in a few clicks , from anywhere . Housing providers can also edit residents ’ details and grant access to external contractors quickly and easily . This significantly cuts down on travel and admin time , which can result in further cost savings in the long-term .
Going digital – in practice
When choosing a GSM-based wireless access system , it ’ s important to remember that not every intercom is created equally . Take Intratone ’ s brand-new SC-03 scrolling intercom , for example , which is connected to a secure , online remote management system . Unlike many other residential intercom models , it has a full colour screen and animations , for a more engaging tenant experience . With a pinhole video camera , integrated hands-free proximity reader and coded keypad , the SC-03 is a user-friendly option that helps reinforce tenants ’ security too . What ’ s more , its durable design with vandal-resistant screen ensures minimal ongoing maintenance and repair expenses .
Plus , when it comes to installation costs , modern intercoms won ’ t break the bank . The wireless SC-03 is a small initial investment and housing professionals can benefit from flexible monthly service fees to cover entry communication between residents and their visitors , with Intratone ’ s classic service package . Alternatively , Intratone ’ s all-inclusive service package includes hardware
and a 15 years ’ communication subscription , as well as access to the remote online management portal and apps . Free telephone technical support and equipment updates are also available as standard for the benefit of housing providers , providing them with a comprehensive property access solution that can be adapted to their specific needs .
Cost-effective access control
Although installing new proptech may not be an immediate priority for some housing managers , the latest access control solutions can help to change this mindset . Now with new wireless intercoms like the SC-03 , it is a feasible , cost-effective option to replace rather than constantly repair tired and outdated wired infrastructure . Not only do these devices ensure quick , hassle-free installations , but the online remote management system reduces potential maintenance and site visits long-term too . For installers , it has never been a better time to review their portfolio .
intratone . uk . com