Visit any newly built residential tower or office building in Manama and you will see that the old buzzers and speaker boxes right outside the entrance are gone. Instead, the building has a video intercom panel, mobile alert notifications or an access point linked up to fingerprint recognition software. And this is precisely the reason why Modern Intercom Systems in Bahrain are becoming more popular among property owners, facility managers and even private homeowners. The technologies are evolving fast, and the risk of making a mistake in their installation is becoming higher.
Have you ever experienced any problems like lags in the video panels, unreliable doorbell applications or malfunctioning cables that fail during the first humid season in Bahrain? Then you understand that simply having the equipment does not mean having the whole system working well. As important as equipment itself is the company that provides the installation services. This article will help you to understand the advantages of modern intercom technologies, the differences between professionals and amateurs and how to choose the right company.
What Are Modern Intercom Systems in Bahrain, Exactly?
In simple terms, a modern intercom system is a two-way or even video capable means of communication that allows residents or office personnel to identify a guest and open the door without actually unlocking it. As opposed to the old analog intercoms, today’s solutions include video, mobile communication and even access control all in one.
Today, there are basically three types of intercoms installed in Bahrain:
- Audio intercoms – Communication by voice only, quite a popular choice for cheap residential solutions.
- Video door phones – A combination of a camera and a monitor which helps to see the person standing outside before allowing entry.
- IP-based smart intercoms – Systems which send notifications about the visitors right to your smartphone, typically combined with CCTV and access control.
Trends in the market speak for themselves: villas, apartment complexes, and commercial buildings located in Manama, Riffa, and Muharraq switch from analog to IP-based solutions gradually due to higher reliability, remote control and multi-user access.
Why Is Bahrain Seeing a Surge in Demand for Intercom Upgrades?
Some of the reasons are as follows. The apartment market in Bahrain consists of many multi-apartments. Thus, there must be a mechanism for managing these dozens of apartments without having to hire a security guard for each gate. Commercial properties, on the other hand, need to maintain logs of the visitors coming into their building and verify that the person is authorized before being let into the building as a basic security measure.
Then comes the issue of convenience. Contactless access has become a requirement as opposed to being a luxury. The ability to talk to the residents through door phones even when they are outside and verify the identity of guests through a call have become the norm. That is why modern intercom systems in Bahrain have become a requirement in new construction projects.
Characteristics of the Modern Intercom System
We need to define the modern system to understand why there’s such a variety on the market now.
The modern intercom systems include:
- HD video with night vision that allows for recognizing visitors anytime during the day
- Remote call answering via app to receive messages wherever you may be
- IP series capable of working in multi-apartment buildings and supporting dozens of intercoms on one network
- Connection with access control and CCTV to make your intercom a component of a bigger security system, not just a separate device
- Wired or wireless intercoms, selected depending on the specifics of the building and the access to its cables
These things don’t really make a difference if your intercom installation is not done correctly. Badly-placed cameras, the router that cannot manage the network, and the exposed wires in an outdoor unit won’t help the best hardware work properly.
Why Does the Installation Company Matter More Than the Brand?
Here is the truth to be said. The reputation of your equipment brand doesn’t mean everything. Bosch, TOA, and Ahuja are famous and high-quality manufacturers of PA and intercom systems, and their products deserve that reputation. However, the same device can function in very different ways a year after installation.
Technical Design Knowledge
The installer must understand the building structure, identify the right locations for cameras to have optimal coverage, estimate cable runs and set up the network so as to guarantee that videos won’t be slow when five residents will be using the application at the same time. Otherwise, there might be some blind spots, communication problems, and system overheating caused by high humidity in Bahrain.
Product Sourcing and Warranty Support
Collaboration with a supplier who has business ties with manufacturers such as Bosch and TOA ensures that you receive authentic products, and not imported equipment without local warranty. In case any part malfunctions, a supplier with established connections will solve the problem faster than a company that sources the product ad hoc.
After-Sales Service
Unfortunately, this aspect is often ignored and can spoil an installation job even if everything was done correctly at first. It is important to remember that a system which was installed properly at first without a maintenance contract and service line can become a big problem when any issues will arise. A reliable supplier can provide servicing, troubleshooting, and upgrading of the intercom system when needed.
How Should You Evaluate an Intercom Installation Company in Bahrain?
Instead of comparing prices from different companies, consider asking these questions prior to signing the contract:
- bHow long have they been working in the region, and what is their reputation? If they operate for more than a decade, chances are they know all the specifics of wiring, weather, and other conditions in the country.
- What kind of solutions do they offer? If the intercom installation service works together with CCTV, access control and fire alarm systems, they are more likely to design a truly integrated system.
- Which manufacturers do they represent? In most cases, authorized dealers will give you better rates and warranties on the equipment (such as Bosch or TOA).
- How about after-installation support? Inquire into the average response time when it comes to service calls, and if maintenance contracts are offered.
- Will the system be scalable? If you are planning to install it in a multi-apartment building, it should be able to expand to IP-series without total reinstallation of the system.
Smart Controls IT Services from Manama has been operating in Bahrain’s security and automation industry since 2015, and it offers products from Bosch, TOA, Ahuja, and others including audio/video intercoms, door phones, and multi-apartment IP intercom systems. The fact that intercom installations come together with CCTV, access control, and fire alarm solutions makes the system more integrated and connected.
Residential vs. Commercial: Do Requirements Differ?
Yes, indeed. In case of a villa, one would have to consider a video door phone that is connected to the phone of the owner. At the same time, an apartment building in Manama requires the installation of IP-based intercom system in multiple apartments while at the same time allowing for the control of the gate by the building manager.
For commercial buildings, there are additional elements: registration of visitors, integration with turnstile and barrier systems for the employees’ access and connections with PA systems. The choice of the appropriate Modern Intercom Systems in Bahrain becomes possible through the matching of the technology with the way the building works, and here we have the connection between the idea and the general building management. And this is precisely the reason why the generalist electrician fails in large-scale commercial projects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Installing Intercom System
Upgrading a Modern Intercom System in Bahrain may seem like a straightforward process even though one might make some common mistakes. Here are some of the most common mistakes made during installation:
- Choosing hardware before assessing the building. One should take into consideration all the limitations of the building (cabling limits, wall material, available network coverage, etc.)
- Skipping the initial site survey. If you receive a quote by telephone without site surveying, there are high chances that some elements of the system have been guessed.
- Failing to check the network capabilities. IP-based systems rely on the stability of the network infrastructure and if there is no capability to host several video streams, residents will feel the difference.
- Lack of scalability in mind. Buildings become bigger and change tenants and additional units may need to be incorporated.
Final Thoughts
The hardware of Modern Intercom Systems in Bahrain is really enhanced in terms of video quality, app access and integration with the larger security system. Yet, none of these features will come to use without prior planning, proper site assessment and reliable after-sales services. When you choose between various installers, forget about hardware specifications and focus on practical experience, brand partnerships and service instead.
When choosing hardware for your intercom system, it is important to have a proper site assessment. You can turn to the services of Smart Controls IT Services that has been offering security and communication installations across Bahrain since 2015. You can visit their website to learn more about their intercom products or get a quotation through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the difference between audio and video intercom systems?
An audio intercom system enables conversation with a caller to grant access while a video intercom system is equipped with a camera that displays who is at the door prior to giving access. The latter is preferred nowadays in Bahrain as it offers enhanced security and avoids the risk of admitting an intruder into your property.
Q2: Can intercom systems work together with CCTV and access control systems?
Yes, they can. Modern intercom systems can be connected with CCTV cameras and access control readers, thus making a security ecosystem for building managers.
Q3: How much time will it take to install intercoms in Bahrain?
Installation of intercoms depends on the type of property as well as its size. For a villa, it takes a couple of days to install it. If it’s about an apartment building or office, installation may take longer.
Q4: Is it advisable to use wireless intercom systems in the weather conditions of Bahrain?
Wireless systems will be reliable when the network is sound but the wired connections are better than wireless connections since they are more reliable under high humidity weather conditions.
Q5: What should one verify before finalizing a deal with the intercom installation company?
Check whether they have experience in such installations in Bahrain, whether they are authorized agents for such brands as Bosch and TOA, their warranty and after sales service provisions. A company that provides surveillance and access control solutions along with the intercom installation services will provide you with a better solution.