Why Your Old Intercom is More Than Just an Inconvenience

If your multi-tenant property relies on an old buzzer system, you're dealing with more than just inconvenience. You're facing security gaps, frustrated residents, missed deliveries, and potentially rising maintenance costs.

Audio-only buzzers lack visual verification, and older systems rely on outdated landlines. When they fail, parts are scarce and incompatible with modern security devices, leaving you with a frustrating system that may compromise security.

Upgrading intercoms in multi-tenant sites is about solving these real-world problems. A modern system provides:

• Improved Security: See who is at the door before granting access.
• Improved Tenant Experience: Let residents manage access from their smartphones.
• Lower Operational Costs: Reduce reliance on landlines and cut ongoing maintenance fees.
• Increased Property Value: Appeal to prospective tenants and buyers with a tangible upgrade.

Modern video intercoms can integrate with smartphones, CCTV (closed-circuit television), and access control, creating a unified system that is more reliable, secure, and easier to manage compared to older standalone systems.

I'm Dave Symons, Managing Director at DASH Symons Group. For over 16 years, we've helped properties across Queensland make this transition. We understand that upgrading your intercom is a significant investment, and we're here to make the process straightforward.

Your Complete Guide to Upgrading Intercoms

Key Reasons to Upgrade Your Building's Intercom System

The decision to upgrade an intercom system in a multi-tenant building is usually driven by a few key factors we see across properties from the Gold Coast to Brisbane.

First, improved security is critical. Old audio-only systems provide no visual verification, leaving your property vulnerable to issues like package theft and unauthorised entry. A modern video intercom allows residents to see exactly who they are letting in, which is a fundamental security improvement for any building, particularly high-rise apartments.

Second, an upgrade improves tenant satisfaction and improves resident convenience. Residents today expect modern, easy-to-use tech, and a clunky intercom is a major point of frustration. A seamless, mobile-friendly system shows a commitment to resident safety and comfort, which helps with retention.

Third, a new system can increase property value. Modern security features can make your building more attractive to prospective tenants and buyers, helping the property compete better in the market.

Finally, it streamlines visitor and delivery management. With features like temporary PIN codes for couriers and remote entry via smartphone, you can solve the growing problem of missed deliveries while offering best convenience to residents and their guests.

A Look at Modern Intercoms: Types and Technologies

Today's intercoms offer far more than the audio buzzers of the past. Here are the key technologies shaping modern Intercom Systems:

• IP-Based Systems: Instead of dedicated wiring, these systems use your building’s internet network. They’re flexible, scalable, and can be integrated with CCTV and access control. They require sufficient network bandwidth—especially for HD video feeds and multiple simultaneous calls.
• Wireless Intercoms: Ideal for retrofitting older buildings, wireless systems connect via Wi‑Fi or cellular (4G/5G), eliminating the need for costly wiring to each unit. Wi‑Fi reliability can vary with building structure, materials, and access point placement.
• Video Intercoms: The biggest leap in technology, video intercoms provide a live feed of visitors. This visual verification is a game-changer for security, allowing residents to see who is at the door before granting access.
• Mobile App-Based Systems: With nearly everyone carrying a smartphone, most modern systems use a mobile app. Residents can receive calls, see visitors, and open doors directly from their phone, whether they are home or away.
• Cloud Management: Cloud-based systems let property managers update tenant directories, manage access permissions, and review event logs from any web browser. This simplifies administration, removes the need for on-site servers, but is typically subject to subscription fees.

Essential Features for a Successful Multi-Tenant Intercom Upgrade

When choosing a new Apartment Entry System, focus on these essential features to meet the needs of both residents and management:

• High-Definition Video and Two-Way Audio: Clear video—with a wide-angle lens and night vision—is crucial for identifying visitors. Crisp audio ensures communication is easy and effective.
• Mobile App with Remote Door Release: A reliable mobile app is non-negotiable. It lets residents see visitors, speak with them, and open up the door from anywhere, and it must be secure and encrypted to protect residents’ access credentials.
• Integration Capabilities: Your intercom should work with your other security systems. Look for the ability to integrate with CCTV and Access Control Systems to create a unified security setup.
• Durable, Weather-Resistant Hardware: The outdoor entry panel must withstand the elements and potential vandalism. Look for high IP (ingress protection) and IK (impact protection) ratings, especially for Queensland’s climate.
• Flexible Entry and Visitor Management: Modern systems should offer multiple ways to grant access. This includes touchless entry for residents and temporary PINs for visitors and deliveries.
• Cloud-Based Digital Directory: A digital directory is easy for visitors to use and simple for property managers to update remotely, saving time and eliminating hassle.

The Power of Integration: Combining Intercoms, CCTV, and Access Control

The true strength of a modern intercom system lies in its ability to integrate with other security technologies. By connecting your intercom, CCTV, and access control, you create a unified security ecosystem that is far more effective than standalone devices.

For example, when a visitor calls, the resident can see a live video feed from both the intercom's camera and a nearby CCTV camera, providing better context and security. Once access is granted, the access control system open ups the door. This creates a seamless and secure entry process.

This integration also streamlines access for residents. Instead of just a key, they can use fobs, access cards, or their smartphone via NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth for entry.

The benefits of Integrated Security Solutions include:

• Improved Verification: Combine intercom video with CCTV footage for better visitor identification.
• Streamlined Access: Manage entry for residents, visitors, and deliveries through one system.
• Centralised Logs: All entry events, calls, and video clips are recorded in one place for easy review.
• Remote Management: Property managers can oversee security and respond to incidents from anywhere.

For multi-tenant buildings in busy areas like the Gold Coast and Brisbane, this level of integration is a necessity for modern security.

Understanding the Costs and ROI of an Intercom Upgrade

When considering an upgrade, it's natural to ask about the cost and the return on investment (ROI). We help our clients in Queensland steer this to make an informed decision.

The total cost typically includes:

• Hardware: The entry panel, networking equipment, and any in-unit devices (though many systems now use smartphones).
• Installation: Labour for programming, installing, cabling, and system configuration.
• Software/Subscription Fees: Many cloud-based systems have a monthly fee that covers software updates, remote management, and support.

While there is an upfront investment, the ROI is significant. A modern intercom system can lead to increased property value, higher tenant retention, and reduced operational costs by streamlining deliveries and visitor management. It also reduces the risk of security breaches and lowers long-term maintenance expenses compared to an aging system.

For Security Systems for Body Corporates, an intercom upgrade is a valuable investment in your property's future.

A Practical Plan for Upgrading Intercoms

An intercom upgrade can feel like a big project, but our structured approach makes it a smooth process. Here’s our practical plan for a successful upgrade:

1. Assessment and Analysis: We start with a thorough site assessment to understand your property's unique needs, existing infrastructure, and security goals.
2. Custom System Design: Based on the assessment, we design a custom intercom solution, selecting the right technology that fits your budget and integrates with other systems where possible
3. Pre-programming: The new system is pre-programmed and tested in our workshop before our team heads onsite. This minimises time onsite and disruption to residents on install day.
4. Professional Installation: Our certified technicians handle the complete installation with minimal disruption to residents, ensuring all hardware is mounted and connected correctly.
5. Configuration and Integration: We configure every aspect of the system, from the tenant directory to access credentials, and ensure it works seamlessly with your access control system.
6. Onboarding and Training: We provide comprehensive training for site managers and simple instructions for residents to ensure everyone can use the new system with confidence.
7. Ongoing Support: Our commitment continues after installation. We offer our DASH Care Plan (DCP) for Programmed Maintenance to keep your system reliable for years to come.

Secure Your Property's Future with a Trusted Partner

Upgrading your intercom is a significant investment in your property's safety, value, and resident experience. At DASH Symons Group, we've spent over 16 years helping multi-tenant properties across Queensland make this transition smoothly. As a Gold Coast-based, Australian-owned business, we understand the unique challenges of managing high-rise buildings, gated communities, and commercial complexes in our region. We don't offer one-size-fits-all products; instead, we provide custom solutions designed around your specific needs, budget, and existing infrastructure.

Our commitment extends beyond installation with our DASH Care Plan (DCP), which provides ongoing maintenance and support to keep your system running reliably. We're here to be your long-term partner in creating a safer, more efficient property.

Ready to discuss how a modern intercom system can benefit your Body Corporate or management team? Contact us today for a consultation, and let's design a solution that's right for you.