Commercial Intercom Systems

Offices are often in need of communication devices that allow for conversations or quick messages to be delivered between spaces. For example, the receptionist needs to be able to let individuals in the workspace know if a phone call has come in for them, or if a particular delivery has arrived. The delivery person, upon arrival, needs to be able to communicate with someone in the office to announce his or her presence and gain access to the building. For many reasons, offices find themselves in need of intercom systems – or something similar – to enhance productivity.

Often, offices use the phone system network within the office for paging. Most office phones allow for paging between phones, and often this satisfies an office’s need for inter-office communication. In this instance, employees can call specific areas of the building using a desk phone. In many cases an external amplifier also makes it possible to page the entire building should there be an emergency or a need to deliver a message across spaces.

However, there are of course instances where such a phone system is either more than is necessary in a space or is not enough. In these instances, commercial intercom systems are likely to be a better fit.

Door to phone models, for example, are intercoms that have an intercom unit on the outside of the door, which is able to communicate with a phone inside the building. So, if a delivery person arrives at the door, he or she is able to page the receptionist, who speaks to him or her via the phone. This is an effective way to put one person in charge of who comes and goes into and out of a space.

Today, most door to phone models are wireless, which is particularly convenient for a company that does not want the added expensive of paying for wiring to be incorporated through the walls. So too are more advanced models of intercoms wireless. Many businesses desire wireless communication devices due to their ease of installation.

However, wireless intercoms do come with their own problems. Wireless connections are by nature not the most secure of connections. If another wireless communication device is being used in the same area, it is possible that the two lines may intercept one another. Although many companies are not using intercom systems to express highly sensitive materials, it can still be a burden for intercom communications to get crossed with one another.

The most important thing to consider when purchasing an intercom system for your office is what you need out of the intercom system.

Do you need someone from the outside to be able to communicate with you inside, or do you just need a way to let your receptionist know you’re ready for a meeting? In many instances a phone will do the trick, but in others, advanced intercom systems are necessary. If you are not sure what type of system would be best for you, contacting a security or intercom expert is the way to go.