Commercial Door Buzzer Systems: What Are They & How Do They Work?

 

 

Every property needs a way to manage access. Commercial intercom systems enable you to keep your doors locked and your building secure while ensuring tenants, visitors, and delivery carriers can access the property. You might consider a commercial door buzzer system if you’re looking for a new entry solution for your office, business, or other commercial building.

But what is a buzzer system for business, and how does it work? Read on to find out. We’ll also explain the benefits of door buzzer systems for commercial buildings. Then, we’ll explore some of the many types of buzzer entry systems.

This post covers:

• 5 best door buzzer systems
• What is a commercial door buzzer system?
• How does a commercial buzzer system work?
• Pros & cons of door buzzer systems
• Choosing the right commercial door buzzer system
• Door buzzer system FAQs

 

5 best door buzzer systems

The best door buzzer to purchase will depend on the demands of your unique property type. For instance, you’ll want to consider whether your property is commercial or multifamily. Additionally, the best door buzzer will depend on the volume of daily users that your property sees.

With that said, we’ve helped you narrow down your options to the five best door buzzer systems:

1. ButterflyMX
2. Visionis Tech
3. ZDL-IPW101W
4. Maglocks
5. DoorKing

 

1. ButterflyMX

ButterflyMX is a cloud-based access control company installed in over 15,000 buildings and garnered over 40,000 five-star reviews.

While not traditional, the ButterflyMX Video Intercom System’s features rival the essential functionalities of a door buzzer system.

 

Here’s why ButterflyMX is the best alternative to a door buzzer system

• Mobile app. Using the ButterflyMX mobile app, you and your tenants can open doors and gates with a smartphone from anywhere, so you won’t miss visitors or deliveries. As a result, tenants are happier with the level of convenience your property offers.
• Video calling. Our Video Intercom’s camera enables video calling, so you or tenants can see who’s requesting access before letting them inside, enhancing security at your property and giving peace of mind.
• Built-in camera. Our 156° wide-angle camera takes time- and date-stamped photos of door entry events that are stored in a log. This way, you gain better insight into the people entering your property and better identify potential security risks. Plus, you can better respond to security breaches by reviewing past entry logs.
• Wireless. You don’t have to run wiring or install in-unit hardware because tenants use their smartphones instead. So, choosing a system that utilizes the cloud can reduce installation costs and time.
• Integrations. ButterflyMX Video Intercoms integrate with the other proptech you use, such as smart locks, property management software, and access control systems. Centralizing all of your proptech in one place will streamline workflows and free your staff up for more critical tasks.
• Remote management. You can manage the system from anywhere using cloud-based software instead of going onsite to make changes manually. This way, you can employ a remote team to manage your property or multiple properties simultaneously without ever stepping foot on them.

 

 

2. Visionis Tech

Visionis Tech is an access control company offering various door entry and security solutions.

Here’s what you get with Visionis Tech:

• Key features. For a door buzzer system, Visionis offers an electromagnetic lock kit with a wireless receiver and remote. After requesting access, visitors must wait for someone with a receiver to buzz them in. Then, the user with the remote can press a button to let them inside.
• Cons. While the system supports up to 50 different remotes at a time, it has a limited range of 160 feet. If you want a system that your tenants can also use, you’ll need to find a more robust solution.
• Best office door buzzer system for businesses. This system is ideal for a single entryway to a business or in addition to an office intercom.

 

3. ZDL-IPW101W

The ZDL-IPW101W large-screen home intercom system streamlines household communication with its advanced features and intuitive design.

Here’s what you get with the ZDL-IPW101W:

• Key features. The ZDL-IPW101W large-screen home intercom system is a wired intercom system that can support up to 99 different rooms. If your building has more units, you’ll need a system capable of supporting a greater number. This intercom also includes indoor monitors, a door camera, motion detection, and more. Residents can see visitors using in-unit hardware and remotely unlock the main entryway to grant them access. ZDL also offers a mobile app that lets guests in remotely.
• Cons. It’s important to note that the ZDL intercom system is not designed for larger properties.
• Best for homes. Best suited for single-family homes and small businesses.

 

4. Maglocks

Maglocks’ single-door remote buzz-in kit offers an easy-to-use solution that enhances convenience and security for single entry points.

Here’s what you get with Maglocks:

• Key features. Maglocks’ single-door remote buzz-in kit is a suitable door buzzer system for waiting rooms, medical offices, pawn shops, salons, and other small businesses. Users operate the system by clicking the door buzzer. Then, a staff member with the receiver releases the door lock, allowing them into the building.
• Cons. Maglocks’ single-door remote buzz-in kit is optimized for single entryways. So, it isn’t ideal as a multitenant commercial intercom for properties that require access management from multiple entries.
• Best for reception areas and lobbies. Overall, the system is best suited for reception areas since it only supports a single entryway.

 

5. DoorKing

DoorKing’s 1837 intercom system is a popular door entry solution. This telephone entry system is one of DoorKing’s flagship products, and it’s known for its rugged and durable design.

Here’s what you get with DoorKing:

• Key features. DoorKing’s intercom uses a typical phone line, meaning you’ll need to hardwire your system. Regardless of the model you choose, they operate the same way. When guests arrive at the building’s entrance, they use the intercom to call the unit they are visiting. Then, residents answer via wired, in-unit hardware. From this hardware, the residents can speak with visitors before pressing a button to let them inside.
• Cons. DoorKing’s intercom doesn’t have a camera. So, you can’t see who’s entering your property.
• Best for small-scale apartments. DoorKing’s intercom is simple, so it’s a great door buzzer system for apartments with minimal security needs. However, larger buildings may require a solution with more robust and integrated features.

 

What is a commercial door buzzer system?

A commercial door buzzer system is an intercom system for businesses and commercial buildings that enables visitors to talk to tenants and request property access. Offices and other commercial properties install buzzer systems at their front entrances to ensure tenants can vet visitors and grant building access as needed.

Door buzzers for businesses improve property security. They also create a seamless access experience for building tenants, employees, visitors, and delivery carriers.

 

Watch how ButterflyMX works at commercial buildings:

 

How does a door buzzer for business work?

Commercial buzzer entry systems require hardware installed at the building’s entrance and hardware within the building. Visitors use the entryway hardware to contact a tenant, and tenants use the in-unit hardware to communicate with visitors and open the door for them.

A buzzer system in an office or commercial building may have multiple buttons (one for each floor, unit, or company). Alternatively, it may have a tenant directory for visitors to use. A visitor presses the correct button or enters their designated code to alert a tenant of their arrival. Then, the system “buzzes” that tenant.

Some buzzer systems enable visitors to contact a specific employee directly. Others only allow visitors to contact the front desk or a business representative. Either way, a tenant receives a “buzzing” notification through the in-unit device.

The tenant can then answer the call by pressing a button to talk to the visitor. If they want to open the door for their visitor, they press the “door open” button. When a tenant presses the door open button, the system signals the door locking mechanism. That signal instructs the door to unlock, granting the visitor entry.

 

Pros & cons of door buzzer systems

Door buzzer systems are popular building entry solutions, but are they the best option? Below, we outline the pros and cons of a door buzzer system.

 

Pros

• Gives tenants the ability to grant access without going downstairs or leaving their apartment.
• Provides a way for visitors to notify tenants of their arrival and request property access.
• In some cases, buzzers save time for building or front desk staff because visitors can request access directly from a tenant.

 

Cons

• Buzzer systems require extensive wiring, which is costly and difficult to install.
• You’ll need hardware in every unit throughout the building, which is expensive to purchase and install.
• Maintenance is difficult because the system requires wiring and in-unit hardware. All these components make the system more prone to maintenance issues.
• Door buzzers often lead to building buzzer bombing, which is when a visitor buzzes every person in the intercom, hoping someone will let them in.
• Tenants must be in their unit to open the door or gate remotely, which can lead to missed visitors and deliveries.
• Door buzzers don’t come with a mobile app, so tenants can’t unlock the door with their smartphones.
• No video calling, so tenants can’t visually confirm who they’re letting into the building.
• Door buzzers lack modern features and functionality, such as virtual keys for visitors, delivery passes, and door release logs.
• Many door buzzer systems require staff to go onsite to update the tenant directory.
• Door buzzers are outdated and do little to improve the tenant experience or boost resident retention.

 

Choosing the right commercial door buzzer system

As we hinted at earlier, video intercoms are better alternatives to buzzer systems because of their superior design and features.

More specifically, video intercoms are better in the following ways:

• Two-way communication. Unlike buzzer systems, video intercoms allow residents and guests to communicate better with each other. They support two-way audio and two-way video calling, which gives residents peace of mind when granting visitors access.
• Remote access. Buzzer systems don’t let you grant remote access because of their hardwiring. Video intercoms use the cloud to store data and grant access, enabling you and your tenants to grant access remotely, no matter where you are in the world.
• Integrations. Commercial video intercoms are capable of integrating with numerous other smart technologies, such as management software, smart locks, cameras, and elevators. Therefore, you can create a holistic access control solution that operates throughout your property. Such capabilities are costly and difficult with traditional door buzzer systems.
• User experience. Video intercoms are generally a modern door entry solution, meaning they are naturally more user-friendly than door buzzer systems. The combination of two-way communication, touchscreens, and mobile apps makes video intercoms approachable for most users.
• Greater security. Intercoms are equipped with enhanced security features that most buzzer systems lack, such as motion detection, built-in cameras, audit logs, and security camera integrations.

 

Door buzzer system FAQs

• How much does a door buzzer cost?
• How do you install a doorbell buzzer?
• How do you buzz open a door?

 

How much does a door buzzer cost?

A door buzzer system costs anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000 for the hardware. The exact price depends on the system you choose and its features.

However, remember that these estimates don’t include the cost of installation and possible maintenance fees. The cost of door buzzer system installation varies because installers set their own pricing.

Buzzer systems require in-unit hardware and lots of wiring, so costs add up quickly. You should always request a quote from a certified installer to make sure you’re getting a good price from a trusted professional.

 

How do you install a doorbell buzzer?

Door buzzer installation requires a sizable budget and careful planning. Installing door buzzer systems can be tricky because they require in-unit hardware and lots of wiring. As a result, costs add up quickly. Additionally, the installation project can be long and challenging.

Here’s what to consider when installing a door buzzer system:

• Pick reliable hardware. You’ll need to install hardware at the main entrance and within every unit throughout the building. Always opt for a system that has durable hardware. Otherwise, if your hardware breaks or malfunctions, you might have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars repairing or replacing it.
• Don’t forget about wiring needs. If you opt out of a wireless intercom solution, you should understand that installing door buzzer systems requires running wiring from the main device at the building’s entrance throughout the building to every in-unit device. So, you’ll need to budget for both the price of wiring and the cost of installing it. Note that laying wiring may require opening walls and ripping up floors.
• Hire a great installer. Since your buzzer system probably requires a lot of wiring, you should hire a knowledgeable and trusted installer to handle the job. Keep in mind that the process could take several days if not many weeks.

 

How do you buzz open a door?

The type of in-unit hardware the system uses determines how you buzz open a door for a guest.

For those with a panel in their unit, press the button labeled with the word “door” or with the key icon. This will unlock the door for the visitor requesting access. If a phone line is used to speak with the guest, you can buzz open the door by pressing the number “9” on the keypad.

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