Page 14 - Security Today, May 2018

able to hackers than are wireless, Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Intercoms have also been moved outdoors serving as the heart of emergency stations, the blue-light towers installed around campuses or parking facilities, to provide instant contact to security personnel. Many of the intercom features we take for granted today are pos- sible because of the explosion of digital corporate networks. Previous analog technology limited the maximum size of security systems, the distance they could cover and available power sources. With modern
technology, these constraints are gone.
“There’s absolutely no doubt the move from analog to a digital
network was a huge leap forward for the security industry in general,” Hefty said. “It’s changed how and where our products could be used.” Today, one guard in a security operations center can monitor and control multiple entries or emergency stations between facilities spread across a campus or the country. That same guard can even use a smartphone app to remain in control of the system while on patrol. Multi-tenant apartment buildings use video intercoms in place of a second-shift doorman. Residents decide who enters the building after hours. Operators of unmanned parking facilities count on networked
video intercoms to keep in touch with their customers.
As the security industry has evolved with best practices centered on a layered approach mixing physical devices and digital assets. Doors, bollards, key cards, intercoms and cameras are just some of the physical devices used to secure a facility or campus. VMS, net- work servers and software tools allow the integration of digital de- vice data for more effective control of the overall system. Aiphone’s network-based products use open standards making it easy for inte- grators to weave together layers of security controlled from a single device, such as an intercom master station on a security guard’s desk. Hefty used a metaphor to describe the integration of video sur-
veillance, access control and intercoms to protect entries.
“It’s a three-legged stool,” he said. “Cameras are the first leg al- lowing you to see who’s there. The next leg, access control—today’s modern-day keys—allows you know who a person is based on a cre- dential or a biometric. Intercoms are the third and important leg. Just because I can see you doesn’t mean I should allow you into the building. You need the intercom’s communication capability to help
determine visitors’ intent before allowing them in.”
The security industry often sees increased sales following tragic events. Hefty said that was true following two events this century. The first was the 2001 attack on New York City’s World Trade Center.
“After 9/11, companies began adding locks to doors and keeping them locked,” he said. “But then employees asked, ‘How do I let our customers in without having to always walk over to the door?’ or ‘How do I even know if there’s someone at the door or gate?’ Intercoms’ communication and video capabilities took care of that problem.”
Schools were forced into a new reality following the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre that resulted in 26 students and teachers being killed.
“Schools understood the need to lock doors,” said Hefty. “Bud- gets prevented all but a few from taking steps to protect entries. After Sandy Hook, parents demanded solutions and administrators found the money even if it meant deferring other expenses.”
As schools began protecting entries, intercoms became the go-to technology for communication and security. Audie products were in- stalled so often many architects and engineers began specifying an audio product where they wanted a video intercom installed.
What’s coming next for intercoms? Hefty said he sees more cus- tomization by end users to make building entries an even more con- venient process for employees and visitors.
“Now you push a button to talk to someone on the other side of the door,” Hefty said. “Soon that button may get you a greeting with instructions for locating the receptionist, a person or department. Integrating intercoms with the access control system will make the entry process effortless.”
More of that effortless and integrated operation is found on the new Aiphone IX Series 2 video intercom. Master stations can be programmed to serve as virtual receptionists to assist lobby visitors. Door stations can be used to contact security after hours. The master stations can also act as a hub to scan video from other door stations, as well as from nearby CCTV cameras.
The intercom also provides line supervision and device checks— warning of problems with the network connection or system com- ponent failures. It’s backwards and forward compatible meaning it will work with the wide breadth of existing products and future technology, eliminating any need to rip and replace as an end user’s
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