Visitor management systems are a property investment that foster a resilient residential building. Making the right choice that meets the specific needs of any building can be overwhelming, let alone making sure it aligns with tenant culture and dynamic. Below are the most important considerations when looking for the best video intercom system for secure visitor management in any apartment building. 

Best Intercom System for Apartments

Hardware

The main distinction between hardware for an apartment intercom system is a wireless or wired. Both have their benefits and their drawbacks. Wireless video intercom systems are seamless, without requiring the need to install anything more than the monitor itself. However, environmental factors can interfere with connectivity, range, and quality. While wired systems require more leg work from installation, they make up for it in convenience and reliability. Video intercom systems typically receive better connectivity and resolution with wired systems as well. 

Line of Communication

Apartment intercom systems can have as simple as one line of communication to the front desk, lobby, or reception. Alternatively, they can reach each individual unit, or even each individual tenant with the advances in mobile credential and cloud-based systems. 

Calling Capability

Two-way intercom, as opposed to one-way intercom, lets the occupant and the visitor interact. Video intercom, as opposed to strictly audio, also enables a face-to-face interaction with the visitor. This is great for security purposes as it provides ID verification with appropriate social distancing. 

Scalability

Scalability, while it does benefit tenants, is primarily a feature for property managers. The number of building entrances or building properties is an important consideration when looking to buy or upgrade a video intercom system. A multifamily visitor management system will need to have the capability to handle a larger operation and support the hardware to do so. 

Additionally, centrally managing building entrances and properties will have to be a factor for property managers. Cloud-based video intercom systems will have the ability to centrally manage many doors and properties while on-premise systems will now. 

Scalability also refers to the number of administrators that can access the system. This provides a safety net for property managers and tenants, but not all systems offer multi-admin access and authorization. 

Cost

The first cost consideration is the up-front hardware and installation. Second is to consider a monthly fee. This service-based model is on the rise as it drives down installation costs and has a managed backend. While traditional hardwired systems don’t have this recurring fee, they require on-site upgrades, maintenance, admin training, etc. 

Access Control Integration

An integrated access control system with video intercom allows tenant’s credentials to sync with visitor management capabilities. The primary benefit with an access control integration is a video intercom system with door release. This allows the tenant to make an ID verification of the visitor and remotely unlock the apartment door as well. This is primarily what sets video intercom systems apart from video doorbells. 

With an adjusted market growth rate due to the recent demand for safer, more secure solutions to track visitors and decrease overhead, the global visitor management system market is projected to reach $7 billion by 2027. Video intercom systems are trending the same direction as younger generations migrate into rental properties that are tech savvy and intuitive. 

With the expanding market and new technological advances, it’s hard for property managers to weed out the flood of information when choosing the best video intercom system for any residential building. Use the key considerations to evaluate your property and needs, and you’ll find the best solution to build a resilient multifamily building.