Last updated 2 months ago
Intercom systems let you add an extra level of security to your building or private home. A virtual doorman system compliments a standard intercom system in order to give you additional functionality when you are not home. Use a video intercom system to enhance your property with the following functions:
· Audio Only Intercom Systems
Intercom systems that only provide audio communication allow you to speak with the person at the intercom panel before choosing to grant access to them. Systems may also include concierge stations, which let you use the intercom to contact the resident superintendent or doorman.
· Video Intercom Systems
Video intercom systems add an extra layer of security over audio only intercoms. Intercom units include a video screen which displays a live video feed from the intercom call station at the front door. This allows residents to visually verify the person at the door prior to granting them access. Video systems may also include audio only communication with the concierge or resident super. Additionally, some systems may include picture memory or voice memo options which allow you to review images of anyone who attempted to visit you while you were away.
· Remote Doorman
Intercom systems are only beneficial when someone is in the home or apartment and able to answer the call. For times when you are away, consider adding the functionality and features of a remote doorman service such as Virtual Doorman®. Remote doorman systems offer the benefit of granting access to guests and accepting deliveries when you are not home. Additionally, the system records the video from the entrance for a higher level of security.
With the help of Virtual Doorman, you can keep your home safe from intruders. Our revolutionary technology also makes it easy to welcome visitors and get packages and deliveries. To learn more about the system, please call (917) 720-5416.
Last updated 2 months ago
A number of different locks can be used to secure buildings, though it is important to know which lock to use for each situation. If you manage a residential building with condominiums or apartments, then you may be wondering about the different types of locks that you can use to secure your building.
Traditional key locks are the most basic form of access control. Locks can be configured to require a key and have a master key that works multiple locks. The potential security risk with a traditional key lock is that they are easily duplicated and cannot be individually deactivated. As residents move in to and out of the building, they may make extra copies of their keys, which may not be returned when they leave. These extra keys, as well as lost keys, pose a security risk to the building. The only way to reestablish the security of the building is to rekey the locks when a key is lost, which is an expensive proposition. For a traditional key lock to be effective, managers must stay on top of key distribution and management. Traditional locks are best for areas where limited numbers of people will have access.
Combination locks can be either electrified or mechanical. Mechanical locks typically accept only one PIN code in order to unlock the door, while electrified versions may be able to accept multiple user codes and provide a log of access if necessary. Combination locks, like traditional key locks have their benefits and risks. The main benefit is that users do not need to carry a set of keys. Users may find it difficult to remember the PIN code and PIN codes are easy to copy and pass along to other people. A good application for a combination lock is a building gym or storage area where tenants have individual locked units.
Electronic access systems that use key cards or fobs to grant access are another option for securing residential buildings. Access cards can double as identification cards, making it easy to check if a person is authorized to be in the building. For those providing services or maintenance in the building, access cards can be programmed to grant access only during specific times or days or only to certain areas of the building. A log can also be kept of who used their key card, when they used it, and where they used it. In addition, these cards are more difficult to duplicate than keys. If it is necessary to change the security in a building, the cards can be reprogrammed without having to be replaced. Electronic card access is best for building entrances and areas where many people will have access.
Keeping a building secure is important for all residents. At Virtual Doorman, we provide comprehensive building access control and security with electronic access systems. To learn more about electronic locks, call Virtual Doorman today at (917) 720-5416.
Last updated 2 months ago
Your building’s maintenance fees are used to pay for a variety of services that benefit all residents. There are ways that you can utilize these fees to lower overall expenses, making it possible to lower your fees or to use them for other purposes.
- Repair Problems Right Away
As soon as you or a resident notice an issue in or around the building, arrange for it to be fixed. Promptly correcting problems will prevent them from becoming worse and costing additional money in the long run.
- Conserve Resources
Maintenance fees are often used for communal resources, such as heating oil and electricity. While you may not be able to encourage each resident to conserve resources, you can take steps to update building features, such as installing CFL lighting or weatherstripping, which can help lower the building’s resource use and its expenses.
- Install a Security System
When vandalism or theft is committed in a communal area of your building, money from the building operations fund is often required to repair or replace stolen and damaged items. A security system can help stop vandalism and theft from occurring at your building.
- Utilize Adequate Fire Safety Devices
Fires not only pose a financial risk to buildings, but can also put a building’s residents in danger. Installing and maintaining adequate fire and life safety systems can help prevent fires, as well as the damage and losses associated with them.
- Use a Virtual Monitoring System
Doormen provide valuable services, such as building access control and visitor management, for residential buildings. However, hiring a doorman may not fit into the goals or budget of your building. A remote doorman system provides the services of an actual doorman, and can have the added feature of security and fire alarm monitoring.
The virtual monitoring systems pioneered by Virtual Doorman combine video security and building access control systems to dramatically improve the safety and security of residential buildings. To learn more about Virtual Doorman, call us today at (917) 720-5416.
Last updated 3 months ago
In the current economic climate, selling a property isn’t as easy as it used to be. If you are looking to sell a residence inside a building, you either have to wait for the market to improve or accept a subpar offer. However, the right infrastructure and technological upgrades can make your residential building difficult for buyers to resist. Here’s a brief overview of how Virtual Doorman can enhance your building's marketability.
· 24/7 Access for Residents, Guests & Deliveries
It’s no surprise that tenants and potential buyers like amenities. Offer your prospective residents the amenity of 24/7 security and remote doorman service. If tenants ever forget their key or are locked out, they won’t have to pay for a locksmith and you won’t have to run over with a spare set of keys. Virtual Doorman can grant access to the building and the package room. In the package room, tenants can use the electronic key safe in order to retrieve their spare set of keys. Similarly, busy professionals that work long hours are able to have their packages and dry cleaning dropped off and picked up while they’re pulling a late night at the office. No more coming home to a front door covered in UPS and FedEx “missed delivery” stickers. Residents are also able to grant guests access while they’re away through the Virtual Doorman service. People like housekeepers, dog walkers, family members, and contractors can be let into the building while the tenants are away. Virtual doorman is full of features that are sure to be a hit with current and future tenants.
· High-Quality Security
One thing that tenants look for in a new home is a high-quality security system that keeps their family and belongings safe all day, every day. Virtual Doorman combines CCTV and access control in order to provide a higher level of security coverage than most buildings. The building is connected back to the monitoring station, where it is remotely managed and monitored. In the event of an incident, access cards can be blocked, reports can be run, and footage can be searched without needing to schedule an on site visit from a technician. The more secure your building is, the more attractive it will be to potential buyers.
· State-of-the-Art Building Access
With Virtual Doorman, your tenants and their visitors can check in with the trained personnel at the Command Center and gain access whenever needed. Virtual Doorman offers a streamlined, fully-integrated system that makes being a landlord a dream—once you install Virtual Doorman, you may find that you don’t want to sell your property after all!
If you are thinking about installing a Virtual Doorman system in your residential building, call us today at (917) 720-5416. Since its introduction in 2000, Virtual Doorman has been constantly improving. More than a decade later, Virtual Doorman remains the premier remote doorman service, both in terms of security and quality of service. Don’t let your building fall behind in technology—speak with one of our friendly representatives today.
Last updated 3 months ago
Upgraded security measures can protect your building from theft and fire. Use a comprehensive surveillance strategy to deter criminals from targeting your property. Learn more by visiting these resources or contacting Virtual Doorman at (917) 720-5416.
