Part of a K-12 administrator’s job is balancing the need to protect students while welcoming parents, volunteers, vendors, and others. First responders and security professionals agree locking all doors once classes begin is a great way to keep people out.
Access control systems with key cards or PINs are convenient ways to allow faculty and staff to unlock a door. But they’re impractical for parents and others who don’t visit on a daily basis. That’s where video intercoms play an important role.
All it takes is a video door station mounted outside and a master station inside at a receptionist’s desk or security guard’s table. When visitors push the button outside, their images appear on the master station display. Station microphones enable a two-way conversation to help the receptionist or guard determine why a visitor wants in. If there’s any doubt, the door stays locked. If approved, a button on the master station remotely unlocks the door.
Aiphone video intercoms are used most extensively at main entries, but they’re also perfect for use at delivery bays or other secondary entrances that have a lot of traffic. And they can be used indoors as an extra barrier to protect administrative offices or computer rooms.
With their crystal-clear video, Aiphone intercoms help prevent piggybacking, a practice where other people sneak in behind those walking into the building. They can also provide still or video images of visitors for the school to share with first responders investigating an incident. We’ve seen campuses use their CCTV systems to integrate those elevated cameras with our intercoms to provide more expansive views of the entry. Plus, the eye-level perspective of Aiphone’s video door stations makes it easier to capture a clear facial image of someone who might otherwise be trying to hide their identity with a hoodie or baseball cap.
Also, the IX Series mobile app lets teachers, coaches, and security guards use smartphones and tablets to monitor doors – from anywhere on campus – throughout the day and for late afternoon, evening or, weekend special events.
There are so many Aiphone intercoms protecting schools across the country, our company name is becoming synonymous with campus entry security.
To learn more about how Aiphone intercoms can protect your school, click here.
