Top 19 Tips for Upgrading Your Apartment Door Buzzer System

Why Apartment Buildings are Looking to Upgrade Their Apartment Buzzers

Apartment and condo buildings are increasingly considering door buzzer upgrades for several compelling reasons. First, traditional systems, which rely on either wired buzzers from the front door to each unit or telephone lines for audio calls, are becoming obsolete. These outdated systems face issues such as rising landline costs, failing units, and insufficient security features. Second, there is a growing concern about package theft, with porch pirates impersonating delivery drivers to gain access to buildings. Third, current buzzer systems lack audit trails and the capability for remote door unlocking, making it challenging for residents to verify visitors. Lastly, many buildings seek to enhance safety and security by visually verifying visitors, making door buzzer upgrades an increasingly attractive solution.

Top Tips for Upgrading Your Apartment Door Buzzers

1. Transitioning from Telephone Line-Based Systems

• Traditional telephone line-based systems are becoming costly and unreliable.
• Rising landline costs and decreasing availability necessitate modern solutions.
• Outdated systems lack advanced security features.
• Maintenance of old systems is challenging due to scarce replacement parts.

2. Embrace Video Intercom Systems

• Video intercoms allow visual verification of visitors, enhancing security.
• They offer a more convenient communication method for residents.
• Mobile app integration allows remote access and management.
• Video intercoms can significantly reduce package theft.

3. Ensure Full-Feature Call Functionality

• Calls from the intercom should come in as full-blown calls, not push notifications.
• This feature ensures residents don’t miss important visitor communications.
• Full-feature calls enhance reliability and responsiveness.
• Critical for emergency situations where immediate response is required.

4. Check Common Area Internet Connection Requirements

• Modern intercom systems may require a common area internet connection.
• Evaluate the cost of internet connectivity for the common area ($100-$150 per month).
• Consider systems that offer cell-based plans as cost-effective alternatives.
• Ensure consistent connectivity even during internet outages.

5. Get Vandal-Resistant Hardware

• Choose systems with high IK ratings (1-10, with 10 being the highest).
• Vandal-resistant hardware reduces maintenance and replacement costs.
• Enhances building security and system longevity.
• Important for high-traffic areas prone to vandalism.

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6. Support for Non-Smartphone Users

• Some residents may not have smartphones or prefer not to use them.
• Ensure the system supports fallback to telephone line calls.
• Inclusivity is crucial for resident satisfaction and system usability.
• Provides a backup communication method for emergencies.

7. Diverse Access Options

• Modern systems, like LiftMaster and Brivo, should offer multiple access methods (face recognition, touchless access, mobile app).
• Diverse options cater to different resident preferences and needs.
• Enhances overall convenience and security.
• Future-proofs the building’s access control system.

8. Integration with Delivery Systems (Amazon & UPS)

• Integration with Amazon Key for Business and USPS key boxes is beneficial.
• Streamlines package delivery and reduces theft risk.
• Enhances convenience for residents and delivery personnel.
• Supports secure and efficient package management.

9. Compatibility with Existing Systems

• Ensure the new system integrates seamlessly with existing key fob systems.
• Avoids the need for complete system overhauls.
• Reduces installation and transition costs.
• Maintains continuity and convenience for residents.

10. Multi-Tenant Parallel Calling Capabilities

• Ability to call multiple tenants in parallel is essential for shared units.
• Ensures all household members can receive visitor calls simultaneously.
• Enhances communication and convenience.
• Important for large families or roommate situations.

11. Reverse Intercom Calls

Reverse intercom call is a feature that allows residents to call back a visitor who recently called them and whose call they were unable to pick up. This feature is important as it enables residents to easily return a call to a visitor they may have missed, ensuring that important communications are not lost. Look for a system that offers this feature to provide the best level of convenience for your residents.

12. Keep Your Building’s Aesthetics in Mind

The appearance of your building’s door buzzer system is important, not only for the look of the building but also for the overall value. Check if the company is capable of covering up the existing intercom box or opening, since older products can be very large and may leave an unattractive opening in the wall. Make sure the company provides cover plates and ensures the new system integrates seamlessly into your building's design, maintaining both aesthetics and functionality.

13. Display Name Customization is Important

The display names feature allows residents to customize their display names on the intercom system. It is important to be able to show full names, initials, or just unit numbers for each resident. Look for a system that allows for easy customization of the display names to meet the needs and preferences of your residents. This flexibility enhances both privacy and personalization.

14. Food and Grocery Delivery

Food and grocery delivery services have become an indispensable part of modern-day life, especially in apartment and condo buildings where residents may not always have the time or ability to leave the building to go grocery shopping. An upgrade to your door buzzer system should provide a secure and efficient way of receiving food and grocery deliveries without compromising the security of your building. One way of ensuring this is by having a feature that allows single-use PINs to be given to delivery drivers, which automatically deactivate after being first used. This eliminates the risk of unauthorized access and ensures that only authorized personnel have access to the building.

15. Remote Management

The management of your door buzzer system is an important aspect to consider when upgrading. Look for a system that can be managed remotely from any web browser without requiring an on-site server or computer. This will allow you to make changes and manage the system easily and efficiently, saving time and reducing the need for on-site maintenance.

16. Over-the-Air Updates

Technology is constantly evolving, and it is important to keep your door buzzer system up to date. Look for a system that is capable of receiving new software features remotely over the air, without requiring you to pay for software licenses to upgrade. This will ensure that your system always has the latest features and provides the best level of security and convenience for your residents.

17. Integration with Apartment Property Management Systems

Finally, consider the integration of your door buzzer system with apartment property management systems. This integration can automate access management for the building, saving you time and effort. Look for a system that integrates with apartment property management systems to provide the best level of convenience and security for your residents. This seamless integration ensures that resident information is consistently updated and access control is efficiently managed.

18. Data Security

One of the most important concerns for any building management is ensuring the security of residents’ personal data. With a modern door buzzer system, building management can rest assured that resident data is secure. Implementing the latest encryption and secure data storage practices is crucial to protecting all resident data from potential cyber threats. This includes secure storage of video footage from intercom sessions, access logs, and any other sensitive information. Building management can have peace of mind knowing that their residents’ data is protected with a secure and reliable intercom system.

19. Increased Property Value

• Modern door buzzer systems can increase property value.
• Improved security, convenience, and aesthetics attract potential tenants.
• Future-proofs the building against technological obsolescence.
• Enhances the overall appeal and marketability of the property.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Apartment Door Buzzer System

Improved Access Control for Residents

Upgrading to a modern door buzzer system offers significant improvements in access control for residents. Advanced features like remote buzz-in allow building management to have greater control over who can enter the building. This enhanced control helps reduce security risks by ensuring that only authorized residents, guests, and service personnel gain access. Additionally, the ability to remotely unlock doors simplifies the process for residents to let in guests, delivery personnel, and service providers without needing to be physically present at the door.

Enhanced Convenience and Communication

A modern door buzzer system significantly enhances convenience and communication for both building management and residents. Features such as call forwarding and remote unlocking mean residents do not need to be at home to manage access for visitors or service personnel. Video capabilities enable residents to see and communicate with visitors, even when they are not on the premises. This not only improves overall communication but also streamlines the process of allowing visitors into the building, thereby enhancing the resident experience.

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Conclusion: Your New Gate Company's Comprehensive Solution

For those seeking the right solution, YNGC® offers an all-in-one access control system consultation, fabrication, and install. This ensures we can combine visitor management, access control, and more to prioritize the safety of your community or property. Let's make sure you're secured by choosing a security system that aligns with your specific needs.

Ready to make the transition? Contact us for a free quote with YNGC® to explore how our integrated solution can enhance security and streamline operations for your commercial property.