When a customer asks for an intercom solution, there are a few key questions to start with to ensure the product meets their needs.
Do you need an audio-only or video intercom?
If your customer just needs to communicate between offices, make building-wide announcements, and unlock doors remotely, then an audio-only unit may suffice. This option may also work well in conjunction with an existing CCTV camera system.
But if your customer could benefit from the added security that comes with a close-up, unobstructed, facial view of visitors requesting access into a building or an indoor area, a video intercom is the way to go.
Do you need to communicate between buildings across a campus or city?
If long-distance communication is a priority, then the answer is a network-based unit from our IX Series. These systems use new or existing Cat‑5e/6 network infrastructure and have IP addressable stations to connect buildings across the same logical network around the world.
Will the system be installed in a multi-tenant office or residential building?
These facilities tend to have different requirements to satisfy the needs of many tenants. The slim 7- or 3 ½-inch LCD tenant screens in our GT Series provide crisp views and audio of visitors at the door. Convenience is enhanced as dealers and/or building management can remotely update tenant directories over a logical network. Updating tenant names can also be done using an NFC-equipped Android® phone or tablet onsite. And here’s a good selling point; the costs of added security guards or concierge staff can be decreased or eliminated as GT Series units, connected over the same network, enable staff in one office to speak with tenants and personnel in other buildings.
Is the customer interested in saving money?
For those customers wanting to cut expenses, the easiest way to save money long-term is to avoid systems with recurring expenses like annual licensing fees or systems that require additional, sometimes proprietary, server equipment. With Aiphone’s IX Series, once it’s purchased, that’s it, there are no hidden costs or unexpected fees. As a peer-to-peer intercom solution, IX Series stations are connected to the facility’s network server. Apartment buildings, campus dormitories, and other multi-tenant buildings can save money by avoiding monthly phone bills associated with telephone-entry systems. Since Aiphone’s GT Series is a hardwired solution, it doesn’t require a phone connection, and over time, those savings add up.
If you have any questions about any of our systems, you can email us or if you’d like to a visit from one of our team members, sign up for a free demo.
