Demand for technology-driven access control systems continues to rise in the housing sector – the result of growing awareness among housing and property managers as well as changing tenant preferences . Digital solutions can help housing professionals cut down on time-intensive administration tasks and make the user experience more seamless and accessible . For example , wireless systems powered by GSM ( the Global System for Mobile Communications ) – a digital cellular technology that transmits data such as voice and video to other devices – has become a game-changer for building access and property management in recent years .

But what does this mean in practice for installers ? Intratone , which develops property management systems using GSM wireless technology , sat down with John Shanahan , Managing Director of one of their installer partners , JDS Fire & Security , for a view from inside the industry . Here , he shares his thoughts on using GSM technology , overcoming adoption challenges and his predictions for the future of digital-first door entry systems .

Introducing JDS Fire & Security

Based in Cardiff , JDS Fire & Security installs , commissions and services a range of fire and security devices across the region – working across buildings and apartment blocks of various sizes . Access control systems therefore play a crucial part in the organisation ’ s remit , for both public and private customers . According to Shanahan , one of the biggest

trends in this area has been GSM . As a wireless and digital system , GSM makes plastic handsets and traditional wired intercoms obsolete , and instead allows door entry devices to connect users across a network at unlimited range .

Although the trend has been emerging for the past five years , installers have been seeing the use of GSM-based devices increase more recently . JDS Fire & Security is no exception ; the company ’ s portfolio has expanded over the last three years to include more of these access control systems – with both residents and housing professionals benefitting from more streamlined and intuitive property management . With so many apartment blocks on JDS Fire & Security ’ s roster , the team has welcomed the increased demand for digitally-based solutions too .

Winning over tenants

Feedback from residents on newly installed GSM-based wireless access control systems has been positive , according to JDS Fire & Security – even among those with more limited technological experience . Shanahan says : “ When we explain that as there are less components used with a GSM-based system , there is no need to enter individual flats to install it as well as fewer breakdowns , they are more open to the idea of switching to a wireless system . The team also carries out quick product demonstrations to help ease any tenant worries regarding the technology .”

With GSM-powered intercoms , such as Intratone wireless devices , tenants can use an app to grant access to their property on their preferred digital device – rather than through traditional handsets . For many older residents

who do not own a mobile , they can set it up on a landline instead , allowing them to bypass the app to approve the entry of visitors .

Quick , easy installation

Not every GSM-based system is created equal , however . Some versions come with a standard length of cable , which can be restrictive and make installation more difficult – particularly if the signal is stronger at one side of the building than the other . Other intercom providers also require installers to purchase and set-up the SIM cards themselves , which makes programming the wireless connection more complicated .

JDS Fire & Security has found Intratone ’ s innovative wireless intercoms particularly easy to work with and set up ; the intercoms ’ aerial , for instance , can be installed wherever required . Plus , if

there are any signal issues , the intercom can be placed up to 30m away from the aerial – while the plug-and-play technology ensures simple and quick set-up . With no need to visit individual flats to install handsets , the team has found installations a lot easier – especially during the pandemic , when stay-at-home orders made entering tenant residences more difficult .

Some GSM-based intercoms , like Intratone ’ s access control portfolio , are also connected to an online , remote management portal . Shanahan says : “ We ’ ve found that there are plenty of benefits from using a remote management system during installation and maintenance . It ’ s saved the team valuable time already , as we can go online to investigate any problems now , rather than visiting the site in-person all the time . As we take on more and more projects this will be even more important !”

A positive outlook

With more housing professionals and tenants becoming aware of the benefits of GSM for access control , the technology is set to grow in the coming years . As installers lead the way in adopting this new , innovative technology , housing and property managers , as well as tenants , will see for themselves the exciting benefits that GSM-powered door entry devices have to offer .

For more information on Intratone ’ s wireless GSM-based access control systems , visit : https :// intratone . uk . com /