Remember how apartment buzzers used to be so straightforward?
You’d listen to that staticy voice saying, “Who is it?”, and you’d just take your chances and ring the button to admit them. That was how things were for centuries.
But these days, just relying on that unknown buzz just isn’t cutting it. The entire landscape of living in multifamily complexes has completely changed, and so has what people want in the way of security and convenience.
You know what? Video intercom systems are making the shift from a cool add-on to something you simply must have if you wish your multifamily property to remain competitive, secure, and efficiently managed. If you’re still on plain audio systems, you may be lagging behind.
The Problem with the Past: Why Older Buzzers Failed Us
Traditional intercom systems were very helpful in their day, but they have some serious drawbacks nowadays.
- No Verification:
The big problem here is that you can’t identify who’s requesting entry. Is it really the delivery person, a guest, or someone with malicious intent? It’s really just a guess, which makes it difficult for residents and employees to discern security matters based on just a voice, which may be garbled or difficult to hear. - Inconvenience:
Audio-only systems have the disadvantage that someone needs to be physically located within their unit or at a particular station to provide access. This is inconvenient for residents with guests arriving while they are delayed in traffic, or for property managers who must provide access to vendors from elsewhere. - No Audit Trail:
These simple systems don’t record who’s in and out. So if something goes wrong or there’s a dispute, you typically have no information to refer back to. - Delivery Dilemmas:
They don’t actually do very much to assist with the enormous amount of packages arriving, which tends to result in missed connections, packages sitting outside all unsecured, or just leaving anyone claiming to have a delivery buzz in.
The Driving Forces: A Changed World Needs Better Solutions
There are several important reasons why the switch to video intercoms is becoming increasingly essential:
- The E-commerce Boom:
Online shopping has generated an unprecedented volume of package deliveries. Buildings need safe, convenient ways to manage this onslaught, keeping packages from thieves and residents from frustration. Old buzzers simply weren’t designed for this. - Enhanced Security Awareness:
Property owners and homeowners themselves are more security-conscious. Providing solid, provable access control is the answer to peace of mind and property safety. - Shifting Tenant Expectations:
Tenants now, especially the younger generations, expect technology-driven convenience. They value things like remote access, mobile app connectivity, and modern amenities. Outdated technology in an older property can be a significant disadvantage in a competitive rental market.
See the Solution: The Modern Video Intercom!
Modern video intercom systems entirely cure the problems that the older ones were afflicted with and are exactly what we need for modern multifamily living. In essence, they offer:
- Visual Verification:
The ability for residents and staff to visually see clear, real-time video of visitors before granting access. - Remote Access:
Capability, often via smartphone apps, to communicate with visitors and unlock doors remotely from any location with an internet connection. - Improved Delivery Management:
Features specifically designed to enable safe package delivery, even when residents are not present.
More Than Just a Camera: The New Standard
But the development doesn’t stop at simply glancing to check who’s present. High-end systems on the market today often come with a suite of advanced features:
- Integrated access control mechanisms (key fobs, PINs, or even facial recognition)
- Detailed access logs for management oversight
- Robust cloud-based infrastructure for easy administration
- Integration possibilities with other smart building systems
These systems are not mere gadgets; they are increasingly a standard expectation, radically enhancing security, simplifying operations for property managers, and greatly enriching the living experience for residents.
The Takeaway
Holding on to outdated buzzer systems no longer makes the grade for smart multifamily buildings. Modern video intercoms simply excel at security, convenience, and keeping things operational in ways the old technology just can’t keep up with.
They’re an investment worth making because they enhance your property’s value, keep your residents happy, and provide some peace of mind.Is your property on track?
In our upcoming articles, we’ll have a closer look at the specific benefits video intercoms bring to tenants and explore the strong benefits for property managers and owners.