SM uses mobile technology to communicate and operate doors, automatic gates, car parks and remote site applications, making it a perfect access control solution for a wide range of gated properties, office blocks, apartments and commercial buildings. Because of its reliance on mobile technology, GSM systems are also ideal for unmanned sites and communications outside of normal business hours.

Freedom and security

GSM-based door entry systems offer enhanced freedom and security as you can answer a call wherever you are in the world – location is limitless. This offers additional security as the caller is not aware if you’re physically elsewhere and away from the property.

In terms of usability, the intercom system means people will never have to miss that important visitor and are made aware of who has visited even when they are not there. The systems, such as Videx’s digital GSM system, provides spoken call progress information so that the visitor is kept informed of how the call is progressing. Four call progress LEDs also offer the visitor a visual indication of the call’s status.

As incoming calls can be answered from any mobile or landline, there’s no need to install a specialised intercom telephone which is not only highly convenient but is also useful for users with special needs as they may have already been provided with a specially adapted telephone to answer calls and so could use this to also answer their door or gate.

GSM door entry systems are also far easier and cost-effective to install and manage than conventionally wired systems and can also be installed in environments where cables have not been installed for a system. For example, GSM would be ideal for a building where the landscaping and decorating had been completed and running cables would mean digging up drives or damaging interior decor. They’re also ideal for buildings when existing cables are damaged and can no longer be used or when the distances between the entrance points and the telephone points is too great for a conventional system.

A weighty issue

One example of a GSM system in everyday life is the use of one to secure a gated property. Visitors would be required to press a call button and speak to the occupant before either being granted or denied access. Occupants would have the option of gaining entry either via a fob or a dial-to-open facility where they make a call to the intercom from their phone, the intercom recognises their number and grants access. Another good example is a commercial property which is open during normal working hours but unmanned at other times, but access to the premises is required 24/7. Calls during normal hours could call the main reception who would grant access. During the unmanned hours, calls could go to a mobile where the caller could be correctly verified and granted access remotely if required.

GSM is a growing market and is used in so many different industries, across a range of sectors, that it’s likely GSM technology will become the ‘go-to’ for access control and door entry solutions. There are many other forms of door entry and access control but few are as flexible as GSM which doesn’t have the restrictions of cabling or distance. Flexibility and the possibility to remotely alter programming via SMS are two of the key features of a GSM intercom and access control system that make it highly attractive to building specifiers, consultants and installers.

Engineers don’t need to visit site for minor changes to the programming and settings, allowing them to offer a better and faster service to their customers. It’s a solution that provides enhanced security, better flexibility and greater freedom, therefore, a win-win for end-users as well as door entry manufacturers, installers and consultants.