With the rapidly evolving universe of multifamily residential condominiums today, video intercom systems have evolved from their niche status as a security feature to become essential PropTech amenities. Whether for high-rise high-density towers or intimate apartment communities, demands for better security, convenient access control, and modern convenience are exactly the same everywhere. The good news is that technology has given us scalable video intercom systems for buildings of just about any size, so if you have a few dozen units or a few hundred, there is a system that will suit your particular needs and grow with your requirements.
Video Intercoms: Does Property Size Really Matter?
The requirement for a video intercom system can be significantly diverse based on the size of a premises, and thus the "one-size-fits-all" option is somewhat a relic of the past. For a tiny premises, an example being a 10-unit building complex, the only hard and fast hard requirement would be simplicity, price, and rudimentary security features like visual verification and remote door release. Residents will expect predominantly low-installation systems, low maintenance, and low mobile app resident features to manage visitors with little management intervention.
The 200-unit building or the large multi-building complex needs far more sophisticated sets of problems and expects more from the system. Scalability, proper integration support, and sophisticated management functions are necessary here. Property management needs systems that can manage dozens of users, are simple to integrate with property management software (PMS) like Yardi, offer diverse access credentials (from key fobs to biometrics), and offer strong audit logs for more security monitoring. Simple management of numerous entries, communal areas, and tenant turnovers are required to enable profitable operations at this level.
Lastly, while the general function of a video intercom never varies – secure, visual communication and access – building size entirely controls complexity, feature set, and support technology required. IP-based and cloud-managed solutions of today are the same ones that enable this scalability and enable features and management functions to be tailored from the ground up for small buildings right on through enterprise-class solution for largest developments. This flexibility allows property owners not to pay too much for too many features or, more importantly, fall short of the strong capabilities necessary to work effectively and securely.
Scaling Tech: Wired, Wireless, IP, Cellular
The basis of any video intercom system is connectivity, and real-time use of technology impacts scalability, installation complexity, and long-term reliability. Wired systems in the classic sense, as they possess great stability with usually no recurring subscription cost for routine functionality, can allow for much installation complexity, especially in retrofitting buildings. New cables to be installed in floors and walls are intrusive and expensive, and therefore less suitable for bulk upgrades other than new build where one can factor it in from the beginning.
Cellular and wireless (based on WiFi) are more adaptable as far as installation is concerned and have less cabling needs and are therefore ideal where bulk wiring cannot be arranged, i.e., a perimeter gate where there is no internet connectivity in the environment. Wireless alternatives leverage the WiFi infrastructure installed within a building, easier to deploy but wholly reliant on the strength and stability of that infrastructure, potentially not sufficient for mission-critical use as an access control solution. Cellular-based alternatives are internet-free, offering excellent flexibility in remote-from-the-building deployment but with ongoing data plan charges.
But for true scalability and feature richness, IP-based (Ethernet/Internet) solutions have become the standard. They draw on a building's infrastructure network and use the internet as a pathway to the cloud and, in the process, are able to provide high-definition video, remote monitoring and control, and natively integrated support for other smart building solutions. They offer the best combination of highest performance, scalability, and latest features and are suitable for buildings of any size that are finally ready to implement a networked solution. These also have hybrids, having 2-wire cabling installed but back-cable to IP network or cloud hub, with a future-proof upgrade aspect for various kinds of property.
Key Features: From Small to Enterprise Scale
The functionality level of a video intercom system can range from low to highly technical, and the appropriate blend is with the size of the estate and the needs of operations. On tiny estates, there are very few features like great HD video, two-way audio, and a simple mobile app that enables residents to take calls, view callers, and remotely open the door. Low functionality and ease of visitor management are usually the focus.
The larger the properties are, the larger the features must be. Large residential family homes demand advanced features such as support for multiple access credentials (RFID fobs, PIN, mobile credentials, even biometric authentication such as facial recognition), complete web-based management platforms for property personnel, and high-grained activity logging with photos and time stamps for security audits. Seamless integration with real estate property management software (PMS) to refresh directories in real time for tenants and other building systems (elevator controllers or smart locks, for example) becomes standard for best performance. Teman GateGuard is the prime example here, with capabilities far exceeding mere entry such as advanced photograph-based logs and optional face recognition for greater control.
Ultimately, features are selected that provide true value and support the property business model and residents' requirements. A compact building can get by with a low-end, mobile-based strategy, but an enterprise-scale property will greatly benefit from a rich set of features as the central point of a command center for access control, security monitoring, and tenant engagement, maximizing resident convenience and security while maximizing management for employees.
Cloud Management: Empowering Any Property Size
Cloud management has taken installing and maintaining video intercom systems to an all-time high level of convenience and flexibility for any building size. Small structures such as cloud-based systems for not entailing the over-head of maintaining upgraded on-premises servers or in-house IT experts, but building owners and managers just deal with tenant lists, define parameters, and read access records from any web-enabled interface. This access facility grants even a single-property owner the use of sophisticated equipment found otherwise only for large players at no cost overhead. Cloud managing is completely revolutionary in the case of large portfolios or multi-unit properties.
It provides one system from which a number of buildings can be controlled by property managers, tenant onboard and offboarded (i.e., to add and delete access credentials at lease changes in real-time), and transient access for service providers and vendors easily managed. Features like integration with Property Management Software (PMS) – the Yardi and ButterflyMX case in point – enable automated directory updates, reducing administrative drudgery and improving data accuracy for dozens of units. Beyond the tug-and-pull of business as usual, cloud management also increases security through secure, off-site access log and video storage, protecting the data while keeping it easily accessible for audits or investigations.
Cloud-level automated software upgrades improve security and system operation without manual updates, improving system life and dependability for buildings of any size. It allows managers and property owners to oversee and manage their access systems even when remotely managing a quaint duplex or an urban city complex.
Installation & Cost: Tailoring for Any Property
The journey to the installation of a video intercom system begins with essential considerations of installation that are significantly determined by property size and technology choice. A wireless or cellular system can afford a less obtrusive, easier installation and even lighten labor in smaller properties over more intrusive wired installations. While larger structures, especially new structures, might gravitate toward solid IP-based wired infrastructures for providing the most stability and scalability at the cost of higher upfront cabling expenses. Careful site surveying must be conducted to confirm available infrastructure, power availability, and optimal mounting points to ensure the chosen system to be effectively and successfully installed.
You should be cognizant of the total cost of ownership (TCO), hardware, installation labor, and ongoing fees. Hardware cost for the master entrance panel can range from approximately $1,500 for the most basic units to over $6,000 for more upscale, vandal-resistant models, depending on whether in-unit devices are chosen instead of cell phone apps. Labor for installation may account for a large portion of the cost, particularly for widespread cabling in older buildings. The majority of new cloud-based systems also include recurring subscription charges, typically per-unit or per-user, for cloud hosting, software updates, and use of mobile apps, which are recurring operational expenses to factor in.
Cost aside, the ROI on video intercoms is substantial all around regardless of building size. For smaller complexes, the investment return might be achieved through resident satisfaction, competitive advantage, and personal security, perhaps reduced tenant turnover. For large complexes, the investment return can generally be quantified in hard dollar operating expense savings from reduced staff workload (e.g., no rekeying cost, convenient vendor access, automated tenant turnover), enhanced property value, and enhanced tenant retention. Case studies, such as Boston's Advanced Property Management saving over $8,000 annually with Swiftlane, demonstrate that thoughtful installation to property and size needs can yield enormous financial and operational returns, and thus, an investment worth making.
The landscape of video intercom systems has evolved significantly, from simple buzzers to robust internet-enabled platforms. As we’ve explored, property size does indeed matter when it comes to specific needs and feature sets, yet modern technology offers a truly scalable solution for any property, from a cozy 10-unit building to a bustling 200-unit complex. Through smart investigation of the connectivity alternatives, focusing on must-have features, taking advantage of cloud management, and understanding the overall range of installation and cost, owners and facility managers can install a system that addresses near-term requirements and future-proofs the investment. The end result is a more secure, convenient, and simplified resident living experience, along with enhanced operating efficiency and property value, which makes video intercoms a multifamily necessity in today's competitive market.