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Access Granted: A Roundup of Leading Intercom Solutions
"Access Granted: A Roundup of Leading Intercom Solutions" helps you choose the perfect system. Compare features & integrate security.

Why Choosing the Right Intercom System Matters for Your Property

If you manage a site entrance or several, you know the stakes. The right intercom makes day-to-day access simple, keeps people and vehicles moving, and helps you stay on top of who is coming and going. The wrong choice leads to tailgating, missed deliveries, frustrated tenants, and extra call-outs.

We help you cut through the noise. At DASH Symons Group, we design and install intercom solutions that fit your site, your traffic flow, and your network. Whether it's a front door, a basement roller door, or a busy vehicle gate, we match features to real outcomes: faster entry, clearer visibility, and fewer headaches.

We also think beyond the call button. Modern intercoms work best when they connect with gate automation, access control, and CCTV (closed-circuit television). Done well, you get reliable entry with visual verification, clear audit trails, and remote support when you need it.

With 16+ years of hands-on experience across Queensland, we're a family-run team that speaks plain English and builds for the real world. You get practical advice, tidy installs, and long-term support under our DASH Care Plan (DCP) to keep everything running smoothly.

Access Granted: A Roundup of Leading Intercom Solutions

Choosing an intercom doesn't have to be complicated. We'll break down the options in simple terms and show where each one fits best—from small entries to high-traffic vehicle gates.

Audio vs Video: Which Suits Your Entry?

Traditional audio-only intercoms let you speak with a visitor and open up the door or gate. They're cost-effective and reliable for low-risk entries where visual ID isn't essential or there are limitations due to older cabling.

Video intercoms add a camera so you can see who's calling before you grant access. Visual verification reduces unauthorised entry, prevents tailgating at gates, and gives residents and staff more confidence. For multi-tenant or commercial sites, video is often the safer choice.

For a deeper look at options, visit our Intercom Systems page.

Wired, Wireless, and IP-Based: Connection Options Explained

Wired intercoms run over physical cabling to each device. They can be retrofitted in existing buildings and deliver rock-solid performance with no Wi-Fi dropouts.

Wireless intercoms use Wi-Fi or cellular. They're quick to fit and reduce cabling, but they depend on signal strength and network stability.

IP-based systems run on your data network (often with Power over Ethernet). You get reliable cabling, HD video, and easy scaling for multi-tenant sites. Remote device management and user updates can be handled through secure, cloud-based security management platforms for convenience.

Learn more on our Multi-Tenant Intercom System guide.

Intercoms at Gates: Keep People and Vehicles Moving

Vehicle gates have different needs to pedestrian doors. We design intercoms to work with sliding, swing, and boom gates so visitors, residents, and delivery drivers can call in and get controlled access without bottlenecks.

What this looks like in practice:

  • Call at the gate, verify via video, and open the gate from your phone.
  • Set temporary PINs or QR codes for contractors and couriers to reduce manual call-ins.
  • Link the intercom to access control so regular users open gates with cards, fobs, phones, or license-plate-enabled workflows where appropriate.

Must-Have Features That Pay Off

  • Mobile app access: Answer calls and open doors or gates from anywhere. Fewer missed deliveries and after-hours issues.
  • Visitor PINs/QR codes: Time-limited codes for guests and trades reduce key handovers and on-site coordination.
  • Event logs: Clear records of calls and openings help resolve disputes and review incidents.
  • Durable hardware: Look for strong housings, vandal resistance (IK ratings), and weatherproofing like IP65 (Ingress Protection) or greater. More uptime and fewer repairs.

For more information on industry standards and ratings, visit the International Electrotechnical Commission website.

Explore intercom options and benefits here too.

Integrating Your System for Total Security and Peace of Mind

A great intercom is even better when it talks to the rest of your security. Rather than a collection of separate devices, integration creates a cohesive system where your intercom, gate automation, CCTV (closed-circuit television), and alarms work in concert. This process is tailored to your site, as 'turnkey' solutions rarely account for brand-specific limitations or your unique operational needs.

Integrated system showing a gate, intercom, and CCTV (closed-circuit television) camera working together - Access Granted: A Roundup of Leading Intercom Solutions

How Integration Works (Plain-English Version)

  • Gate automation: From the same intercom call screen, you can release a door strike or open a sliding, swing, or boom gate. We use clean cabling, controller relays, and safety sensors so entry is smooth and safe.
  • CCTV links: When a call comes in, nearby cameras can record or bookmark the event. This makes reviewing events a fast and smooth process.
  • Alarm coordination: After-hours entry attempts can trigger notifications or restricted workflows. You keep control without complex steps.

Integration is tailored, not one-size-fits-all. Some brands integrate better than others, and features can vary by model. Our goal is a unified solution that works reliably on your site, not a universal stack that promises everything and delivers little.

Learn about access control integration here.

Gate Automation: Types, Use Cases, and What to Expect

Intercoms and gates go hand in hand. We design and install gate systems to match your space, traffic, and risk profile, then connect them to your intercom and access control.

  • Sliding gates: Best where there’s clear space to one side. Support heavy loads (around 2 tonne) and up to roughly 6 m openings, with larger spans possible under engineering certification. Solar options suit driveways over 100 m.
  • Swing gates: Leaves usually swing inward. Allow 4–5 m setback for loops and readers. Handle slopes, heavy-duty use, and partial openings; typical support up to around 700 kg and 4 m per leaf.
  • Boom gates: Ideal for high-traffic or commercial control. Arms from roughly 3–6 m with safety features like reflective strips, photo beams, radar, and auto-reverse. Manual or automatic variants.

All installations include safety sensors and fail-safe operation for compliance and peace of mind. We work with proven brands such as Centsys, Centurion, FAAC, and Magnetic, and integrate with access platforms and intercoms including Integriti, Unifi, Hikvision, and Aiphone (subject to model capabilities).

Network and Power: Keep It Simple and Reliable

Great performance starts with the infrastructure. We use fit-for-purpose data cabling, PoE (Power over Ethernet) where possible, and strong Wi-Fi where wireless is needed. The result is clear video, fewer dropouts, and faster support.

Where cloud-based management makes sense, we keep it focused on security device management. That means remote updates, user changes, and health checks without unnecessary complexity.

Real Benefits You’ll Notice

  • Faster decisions at the gate or door: See and speak with visitors, then open from your phone.
  • Fewer disruptions: Durable hardware and solid cabling reduce faults and call-outs.
  • Clearer records: Event logs and camera bookmarks help resolve issues quickly.
  • Easier growth: IP-based systems scale cleanly as your site expands.

Costs, Warranty, and Ongoing Support

Every site is unique. Hardware, cabling, and civil works (for gates) drive cost and timelines. We’ll walk you through options so you can balance features with budget and plan staged upgrades if needed.

All new equipment includes a 3-year warranty. For day-to-day reliability, our DASH Care Plan (DCP) provides programmed maintenance and responsive repairs. You get scheduled checks, priority service, and practical advice to prevent small issues becoming big ones.

We’ve spent 16+ years refining these solutions across residential complexes, commercial sites, logistics yards, and high-rise entries. Our approach is simple: design for your site, install neatly, and support it for the long haul.

Contact Us for a consultation to plan a reliable intercom and gate solution.

Ready to move faster and safer at your entrances? Let’s design a solution that fits your site today and scales for tomorrow. We’re here to help with clear advice, tidy installs, and ongoing support under the DCP.