Intercom Systems

Smart Entry. Secure Access.

Modern video intercoms that bridge the gap between communication and access control, allowing you to manage visitors from anywhere.

Not ready for a full quote? Talk to an engineer first.

Overview

ZEI deploys IP and SIP-based intercom systems that connect entry stations to mobile apps, desk phones, and security operations — bringing visitor management, video, and access control into a single workflow. Aiphone, 2N, Akuvox, and Comelit hardware integrated with leading access platforms.

Technology Partners

  • 2N intercom and access systems
  • Aiphone video intercom solutions
  • Axis Communications network cameras
  • Cisco enterprise networking
  • Crestron commercial AV and automation
  • 2N intercom and access systems
  • Aiphone video intercom solutions
  • Axis Communications network cameras
  • Cisco enterprise networking
  • Crestron commercial AV and automation
Representative real-world environment where ZEI deploys intercom systems
In the field

A representative environment where ZEI engineers, deploys, and supports intercom systems.

Problems We Solve

Where current systems fall short.

  • Visitors waiting at a locked door because no one is at the desk
  • Lobby staff handling visitor entry manually with paper logs
  • No video record of who was at the door before access was granted
  • Disconnected intercom systems on legacy phone wiring impossible to extend
  • Multi-tenant buildings with no scalable visitor experience
Core Capabilities

Intercom Capabilities

Upgrade your entry points with high-definition video and two-way audio.

HD Video Door Stations

Crystal clear communication.

See exactly who is at the door with wide-angle, high-definition cameras and noise-canceling microphones.

Mobile App Integration

Answer the door from anywhere.

Receive push notifications, view live video, and unlock doors directly from your smartphone.

Access Control Integration

Unified security.

Seamlessly tie intercom events to your broader access control and video surveillance platforms.

Visitor Management

Streamlined check-in.

Issue temporary QR codes or PINs for contractors and guests, complete with audit trails.

Typical Components

What gets installed.

A real deployment is more than the headline product. These are the components we typically specify and integrate.

Door / entry stations

IP video door stations with HD wide-angle cameras, noise-canceling microphones, and tamper-resistant mounting (Aiphone, 2N, Akuvox, Comelit).

Master / answering stations

Desk consoles, IP phones, or mobile app endpoints that ring on entry call.

Mobile app

Push notifications with live video and one-tap door release for receptionists or remote managers.

Visitor management portal

Pre-registration with one-time QR codes / PINs and audit-logged entry events.

Access control bridge

Tight integration with the access platform so unlock events are logged and access policies are honored.

Network / SIP infrastructure

PoE switching for door stations; SIP / VoIP routing for call distribution; QoS on voice traffic.

Integrations

Connects to what you already run.

Our intercom systems integrate with your existing identity, communication, and security systems for unified operations.

Active Directory integration
Active Directory
Slack / Teams integration
Slack / Teams
HR Platforms integration
HR Platforms
VMS Systems integration
VMS Systems
Alarm Panels integration
Alarm Panels
Fire Systems integration
Fire Systems
Building Mgmt integration
Building Mgmt
Custom API integration
Custom API
Deployment Process

How it gets built.

Every project follows the same engineering-led sequence — designed, documented, and delivered with no surprises.

  1. 01

    Use-case mapping

    Define every entry where visitors arrive, who answers, when, and what happens after.

  2. 02

    Hardware selection

    Choose station type (single button, multi-button, keypad, full visitor screen) per entry based on visitor volume and tenant model.

  3. 03

    Network & wiring

    PoE drops, network configuration, SIP setup, and call routing tables prepared.

  4. 04

    Install & integration

    Stations mounted, master endpoints configured, access platform integration tested.

  5. 05

    Visitor portal launch

    Pre-registration, host directory, and visitor flow tested end-to-end.

  6. 06

    Acceptance & training

    Front-desk and remote-mobile users trained on call answer, video review, and door release.

Engineering Considerations

What our engineers look for.

  • Door station camera placement and lensing capture face plus shoulders at typical visitor distance — not just a forehead at the lens.
  • Network architecture isolates intercom traffic on its own VLAN with proper QoS for call quality.
  • Call routing logic is designed: business hours to receptionist, after hours to a guard service or to a list of mobiles.
  • Tamper detection and outdoor IP rating (IK protection) prevent vandalism on accessible stations.
  • Privacy compliance: clear signage, retention policy, and access controls on visitor video and logs.
Maintenance & Support

After the install.

Service tiers built around what your facility actually needs — not a one-size-fits-all SLA.

Essentials

Annual on-site inspection, firmware updates, and remote support.

Pro

Semi-annual preventive maintenance, 24/7 remote monitoring, and 4-hour priority response.

Managed

Fully managed visitor flow administration, host directory updates, and integration health monitoring.

Architecture Options

Intercom Architectures

Choose the right communication platform for your facility.

Cloud-Based Intercoms

Direct-to-cloud stations with mobile-first management.

  • No on-premise servers
  • Remote unlocking
  • SIP/VoIP compatible
  • Easy multi-tenant setup

Enterprise SIP Systems

Traditional PBX-integrated systems for large campuses.

  • Integrates with existing phone systems
  • Hardwired reliability
  • Complex call routing
  • Legacy support
FAQs

Frequently asked.

IP intercom or SIP-based — what's the difference?

IP intercoms use proprietary protocols on top of IP and tend to integrate tightly within a vendor's ecosystem. SIP-based intercoms use the same protocol as your VoIP phones, so calls can route to any SIP endpoint — desk phone, softphone, mobile. We use SIP-based when your phone system is already SIP; IP-native when tighter access integration matters.

Can visitors call us on our mobiles when no one is at the desk?

Yes. Modern intercoms ring a sequence (desk, then mobile, then a backup mobile) until someone answers. Apps deliver live HD video and one-tap door release. Some clients route after-hours calls to a third-party guard service.

Do you integrate with our access control?

Yes — typically tightly. Door release events are logged through the access platform with the same audit trail as a badge swipe. Visitor pre-registration creates a one-time credential that's revoked automatically when the visit ends.

Is video stored from intercom calls?

Configurable. Many clients retain a short clip of every call (for incident review and dispute resolution); others retain only events that resulted in entry. Retention follows your privacy policy and any applicable regulation.

Multi-tenant buildings — how does this work?

For multi-tenant lobbies, each tenant has their own directory entry (or a tenant-managed sub-directory), and the intercom calls the right person at each unit. Pre-registration belongs to the tenant; building management sees only audit logs, not individual call content.

Let's build your system.

Tell us about your facility. Our engineering team will design a system tailored to your security, connectivity, and automation requirements.

Request a Quote