Access control vs intercom — what is the difference for commercial?

Access control governs who can enter — staff use fobs, cards, codes or biometrics to unlock doors against a central permission database with audit trails. Intercom systems handle visitor verification — a caller presses a button, the call routes to a handset or smartphone app, the responder verifies the visitor and releases the door remotely. Modern commercial sites use both: access control on staff-only doors and stockrooms, intercom on the main visitor entrance and tenant doors in residential blocks. Flextec Limited integrates Paxton Net2 access control with BPT, Videx and Bell Systems intercoms so the same install handles both visitor entry and credentialled staff entry.

When you need access control

Staff entry, stockrooms, server rooms, restricted file storage, multi-zone offices. Anywhere you need an audit trail of who entered when, with the ability to revoke credentials instantly when staff leave.

When you need an intercom

Main visitor entrance, tenant entry on blocks of flats, delivery and contractor verification on industrial sites. Anywhere a verified human conversation should happen before the door releases.

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By Sam Davis, Founder — 40+ years combined Yorkshire commercial security experience. Read more about Sam.