2N, a manufacturer of internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems, has upgraded a residential project in the UK to improve security and enable residents to take calls on their phones when they are not at home.
The Sperry and Gilbert House provides both private and public housing. While each apartment block is a standalone unit, the buildings are part of a larger complex. From the basement car park, both buildings are accessible from the main gate. Five floors are linked by doors that must remain locked for security, but some groups have full access, including cleaners and maintenance.
A modern IP solution with flexibility to add new features in line with technological advancements was evident when the decision was made to upgrade the access control system. Residents should be able to take calls even when they are not at home, for example.
The access solution was also needed to integrate with a new CCTV IP system to record incidents around the doors (such as broken glass activation and failed PIN code attempts). On top of that, each block has a single lift and, in the event of a lift failure, it needed to be possible to grant easy access via the other building. Other requirements included GDPR-compliant access control logs and a ‘future proof’ system which could, for instance, enable QR code access for deliveries, tradespeople and visitors. All features currently supported by 2N are due to be released on imminent firmware releases. Allowing the Systems Integrator iQual to add new features to the existing solution when they become available.
At the same time, other more traditional elements were also prioritised. The access control devices needed to be highly resistant to vandalism and utilise existing cabling to avoid re-cabling and re-decoration. They also needed to enhance the flats and the buildings aesthetically.
Based on their own research, the residents’ association identified 2N as a possible technology provider, and four different 2N devices ended up being incorporated into the access solution.
Three 2N® IP Style intercoms were installed at the main doors to Sperry House and Gilbert House, and at the main shared gate for the two buildings. 2N’s flagship intercom, the 2N® IP Style includes a full-HD camera and a 10” touchscreen display.
A 2N® IP Verso security intercom, with multiple buttons to match the respective flat numbers, was then installed at the ground floor entrance to flats in Sperry House. Eight 2N® Access Unit 2.0 access readers were also used to manage the entry to/from the post rooms, car parks, and internal link doors. Every apartment was then fitted out with a 2N® Indoor View answering unit, with residents receiving video calls on its 7″ touchscreen. The requested mobile phone integration was enabled by the My2N app, which allows residents to answer video calls from the intercoms remotely for a full overview of attempted visits to their homes. API integration commands programmed key events to enable alert triggers to be sent from a newly supplied CCTV system with still images in the effected areas.
Paul Blundell from Systems Integrator iQual, said: “The residents really enjoy the new solution. A video system was in place previously, but it was black and white and difficult to operate. The video quality we have now is on a completely different level, easy to support whilst enhancing the end-user experience. The fact that they can now access video calls on their mobile phones gives the whole thing a ‘wow’ factor. Most important of all, though, the new system is fully reliable, and the upgrades significantly improve the security of the buildings.”