5 Ways Smart Video Intercoms Can Keep Schools Safe

Introduction:

LiftMaster smart access control technology has made homes, apartment buildings, condos and multi-family communities safer and more secure places to live by preventing unauthorized access. We believe that schools should be safe places too, which is why we are donating free smart video intercom access control systems that administrators can use to see who wants to enter the building before unlocking the door.

In this article, school administrators, security officers, teachers and parents will learn what a smart video intercom system is, how it works and what it does to improve school security measures and the safety of students.

• What is a video intercom access control system
• How a smart video intercom works
• 5 ways a smart video intercom makes schools a safer place

What Is a Video Intercom Access Control System?

A smart video intercom access control system is a combination of cloud software and hardware. The two work together as one to provide security by controlling who may enter the school property or a specific building. The hardware unit has a microphone for two-way audio and a one-way video camera that only shows the person who is requesting permission to enter the building, not the superintendent or the school security officer.

The video intercom hardware, also known as a base station, is usually located near the entrance of the building, either on the wall or on a free-standing pedestal. LiftMaster video intercom hardware is connected to the internet using the myQ Community cloud platform. In other words, instead of connecting people and devices with hard wiring like telephone land lines, the internet, enabled by fiber optic cable or a 4/5G network, can exchange high volumes of data for things like video streaming.

How a Smart Video Intercom Access Control System Works

The Internet of Things (IoT) is what makes a video intercom smart. This is because the IoT enables connectedness between devices like your smartphone or other hardware like coffeemakers, refrigerators, thermostats and more. It’s the connectedness that enables ‘things’ to exchange data with the cloud and perform pre-set, automated tasks.

A wireless smart video intercom is centralized in one physical location but has wireless reach to specific entry points across the school campus—main entrances and classrooms for example. LiftMaster’s smart video intercoms work with the school’s Wi-Fi network to create service coverage. This means that a wireless access control system enables a scalable, customizable solution without any change to the building’s infrastructure.

Security

Open or close any/every door in case of an emergency, even when offsite, with LiftMaster’s award-winning smart access control system. All our video intercom systems come with robust diagnostics that can be set up to send alerts and notifications that are relevant to safety in schools. For example, security officers or superintendents can set up an alert to be notified when an exterior door is left ajar or when someone is attempting to use expired credentials at a key entrance for visitors.

Convenience

Set up automatic security alerts, use video camera entry logs to conduct audits and rely on built-in video intercom features to prevent vandalism. Use the mobile app, giving approved users the ability to grant limited access virtual guest passes for visitors, service people or deliveries. With visual verification, automatic entry detection and remote access features, access control management has never been more convenient.

 Customizable

It’s important to select a video intercom access control system that aligns with your school’s particular needs. The solution should be scalable and flexible so that superintendents and security officers can specify the level of control they need now with the ability to add features as needs change. A customizable alarm system is vital for preventing false alarms and maintaining a secure environment for students and faculty alike. Some school campuses may need an access control solution for areas beyond the main entrances.  For example, classrooms, locker rooms, parking structures, front offices and more.

Real-time Information

View all entry activities, track and manage occupancy, update or cancel access privileges on the fly and respond to real-time alerts from your device to monitor and control potential threats. If you prefer, have your security team or professional monitor it for you.

 Automation

Your wireless video intercom system should automatically install software updates to eliminate the management of multiple software licenses and the confusion of running different versions of the software. myQ Cloud Community updates happen seamlessly without requiring any action on the part of the school staff.

For more information about the Safe Schools Program, please go here.