The Ultimate Guide to a Telephone Entry System for Business
When it comes to security for a business, there are many options to choose from. One of the most popular options for commercial locations, including condos, apartment complexes, office buildings and factories, is a telephone entry system. This system allows authorized personnel to enter the premises by telephone without having to open a gate or door. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about telephone entry systems! We’ll cover what they are, how they work, the different types available, the components of a telephone entry system, the features offered by these systems, and more! So whether you’re looking for security for your office building or want to keep unauthorized persons out of your factory, read on for all you need to know about telephone entry systems.
What is a telephone entry system and how do they work?
A telephone entry system is a security system that allows authorized personnel to enter the premises by telephone. The telephone entry system is usually installed near gates and entrances. The telephone entry system provides access control for an application and consists of a telephone with a keypad, speakerphone, microphone and dialer. When a person wants to gain access to the premises through the telephone entry system, they have to dial or beep in, and when an authorized person verifies the individual’s telephone number, they can open the gate or door to allow access.
Telephone entry systems have been around since the late 19th century and were first used in telephone exchanges. They were then adapted for use as access control devices in the mid-20th century, with telephone intercoms becoming popular in residential complexes from the 1950s onwards. Today, telephone entry systems are a common security measure for businesses and other commercial locations.
Types of telephone entry systems
There are several types of telephone entry systems available for businesses:
- Telephone entry systems with keypads: This type of telephone entry system utilizes a keypad for telephone access. When a person wants to enter the premises, they have to dial in a specific code on the keypad before they can be granted access.
- Telephone entry systems with card readers: This type of telephone entry system uses an access card reader instead of a telephone. These card readers are usually installed at gates and entrances and require the person to scan their card before they can be granted access.
- Telephone entry systems with intercoms: This type of telephone entry system utilizes a telephone and an intercom. When a person wants to enter the premises, they have to dial in and then speak into the intercom for verification. The telephone entry system will then open the gate or door.
- Analogue telephone entry systems: These telephone entry systems use an analog telephone line and provide basic access control features.
- Digital telephone entry system: These telephone entry systems use digital technology to provide more advanced access control features.
- Wireless telephone entry systems: These telephone entry systems utilize wireless technology and can be installed without the need for wiring.
- VoIP telephone entry systems: These telephone entry systems use voice over IP technology and are connected to the internet.
Components of telephone entry systems
A telephone entry system consists of several components that work together to provide access control for an application. These components include:
- Keypad: The telephone entry system usually has a keypad that is used for telephone access. When a person wants to enter the premises, they have to dial in a specific code on the keypad before they can be granted access.
- Speakerphone: The telephone entry system has a speakerphone that is used for hands-free communication with authorized personnel.
- Card reader: Some telephone entry systems have card readers installed at gates and entrances. These card readers require the person to scan their card before they can be granted access.
- Intercom: Some telephone entry systems have an intercom installed near the gate or door. This is used for verification before access is granted. Read more about business intercom systems here: https://4ssgtech.com/intercom-public-address-systems/
- Microphone and speaker: The telephone entry system also has a microphone and speaker for communication.
Features of telephone entry systems
- Access control: Telephone entry systems allow businesses to control access to their premises, ensuring that only authorized personnel are allowed in.
- Remote monitoring: Telephone entry systems can be monitored remotely, allowing businesses to monitor activity at their gates and entrances even when they are not on site.
- Automated telephone answering: Some telephone entry systems have automated telephone answering capabilities, allowing businesses to answer telephone calls even when they are not at the location.
- Voice recording: Telephone entry systems can also record telephone conversations, allowing businesses to keep track of all telephone communications that take place at their premises.
Advantages and disadvantages of telephone entry systems
- Easy to install: Telephone entry systems can be installed quickly and easily, making them a cost-effective solution for businesses.
- Secure access control: Telephone entry systems provide secure access control, allowing businesses to keep unauthorized personnel out of their premises.
- Remote monitoring: Telephone entry systems allow businesses to monitor activity at their gates and entrances even when they are not on site.
However, telephone entry systems also have some drawbacks:
- Cost: Telephone entry systems can be expensive to install and maintain.
- Not foolproof: Telephone entry systems can be easily bypassed by unauthorized personnel.
What are some problems with telephone entry systems?
- They can be vulnerable to hackers or other malicious users. In some cases, telephone entry systems can be hacked and used to gain access to restricted areas without authorization.
- They can be susceptible to damage from weather or vandalism.
- They require regular maintenance in order to ensure they are working properly.
- They lack cameras and other security features, which can make them less effective at keeping out unauthorized personnel.
- They can’t be managed remotely, which can make it difficult to monitor activity at gates and entrances.
Questions to ask before getting a telephone entry system
Before investing in telephone entry system for your business, it’s important to ask the right questions. Here are some of the key questions to consider:
- What type of telephone entry system do I need?
- Is the telephone entry system compatible with my existing telephone system?
- What features does the telephone entry system offer?
- How will I manage access control for employees and visitors?
- How easy is it to install and maintain the telephone entry system?
- What are the costs associated with telephone entry systems?
- Is the cost of telephone entry systems worth the investment?
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose the telephone entry system that best meets your business needs.
The cost of telephone entry systems
The cost of telephone entry systems can range from a few hundred dollars for basic models to thousands of dollars for more advanced systems. In most cases, the cost will depend on the amount of features offered, such as voice recognition, telephone line verification and remote access control. Additionally, the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance will affect the total cost of a telephone entry system.
The cost of telephone entry systems can be worth it for businesses that require high security or need to manage a large amount of traffic. The added security features and remote access control of telephone entry systems provide an extra layer of protection for businesses. Telephone entry systems can also help reduce costs associated with hiring security personnel or installing other access control solutions. Ultimately, the cost of telephone entry systems should be weighed against the level of security needed to determine whether it is worth the investment.
Contact SSG Technologies to learn more
Telephone entry systems are an important part of any business security system. If you would like to learn more about telephone entry systems and the benefits they can provide for your business, contact SSG Technologies today! We offer telephone entry systems that are tailored to meet the unique needs of your business, as well as installation and maintenance services.