Interphone Security Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

Harrods Village, a prestigious gated development located on the banks of the River Thames, has teamed up with Interphone to implement a comprehensive maintenance solution for onsite security systems. Under the partnership, the security systems and building technology integrator has enabled Harrods Village to complete essential work and ensure door entry, access control, and CCTV systems are fit for purpose. Addressing the technology challenges “We have worked closely with Interphone to overcome many of the technical challenges we faced. Our previous maintenance relationship was underperforming, so we needed a new partnership approach that operated in the timeliest and cost-effective manner possible,” explains Eve Pickering, Estate Manager, Harrods Village. “Interphone’s ability to understand our requirements and budgets has enabled us to proceed with much needed and long-awaited security system upgrades.” Interphone engineers spent two weeks tracing faults to understand where failures existed and steps to resolve Emergency maintenance Following a competitive selection process, Interphone was awarded the contract for all scheduled maintenance, emergency calls outs and parts. The company undertook a full site survey and proposed a strategy to replace, upgrade, or maintain the problem systems. Interphone engineers spent two weeks tracing faults to understand where failures existed and what steps were needed to resolve the issues. Upgrading door access system As a result, Interphone was able to identify what needed immediate attention and where the life of some aging systems could be prolonged. The decision was taken to update the door entry system at one apartment building due to the lack of available parts while continuing to maintain the access control system. This included the installation of specialist monitors in 63 flats and two entrance panels to provide a reliable and effective experience for residents and visitors. Increasing visibility with IP cameras Four additional cameras have been added to the system, with a further 24 planned to monitor building entrances Interphone also identified issues with cabling, so installed a fiber network to connect the buildings and gatehouse, support IP cameras and create an upgradeable technology infrastructure. Meanwhile, thirty-two IP cameras were initially fitted to increase the visibility across the estate High definition, with wide-angle devices specified for priority areas to deliver multiple streams and zoom capabilities. This was backed up with trip wires to provide alerts to the gatehouse of any prohibited access over external walls. Four additional cameras have since been added to the system, with a further 24 planned to monitor building entrances. Automatic number plate recognition Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) was included in the solution. Harrods Village needed a system to manage capacity and reduce unauthorized usage due to the limited parking available to staff and residents. ANPR camera cameras have been installed at in and out gates, so security staff can better control gate access and provide specified time slots to visitors. Interphone’s recommendations will effectively maintain our systems and target areas of improvement" Centralized system “We now have an achievable plan, based on Interphone’s recommendations that will effectively maintain our systems and target areas of improvement. The infrastructure is now in place to allow us to centralize our systems moving forward, utilize the latest security technology and create greater value for our residents.” “We have already made some giant strides increasing security across the Estate and providing our onsite team with the tools they need,” adds Pickering. Future-proof solution Julian Synett, CEO of Interphone Limited commented, “We have used our proven expertise to help the estates team at Harrods Village overcome the issued it face with aging, legacy security systems.” “Our effective partnership, underpinned by comprehensive maintenance provision, has delivered a future-proofed solution that is supporting continuous improvement and providing complete peace of mind.”

Interphone, the security systems and building technology integrator for multi-unit residential estates and commercial property, is celebrating its 60th year. Since the launch of the business, Interphone has been a technology pioneer at the forefront of the marketplace that has contributed to some of the biggest advances in door entry and access control. Audio door entry systems “Inter-phone has always been an early adopter and technology innovator within the commercial residential sector,” explains Julian Synett, CEO of Interphone Limited. “This forward-thinking approach that has enabled the company to evolve from its beginnings as a developer and installer of audio door entry systems to today’s highly-respected integration specialist for all building security and automation systems.” Installing audio systems Interphone creates a door entry business that installed audio systems into apartment buildings Interphone was founded by Solly Steinbock and Robert Cramer, two refugees that had arrived in the UK as teenagers during the 1930s and become close friends. Both had a background within the telecoms sector. Robert’s family had run a company renting office telephone equipment to large corporations in the 1920s, while Solly had set up his own telephone manufacturing business in the 1950s. They used their combined experience to create a door entry business that installed audio systems into apartment buildings, offering one of the first rental solutions in the commercial residential sector. Systems integrator Since the mid-1980s, Interphone has been expanding its proposition to cover door entry, access control, CCTV, TV distribution, and automated gates, and more recently, the company has become a systems integrator, always taking advantage of new opportunities in the marketplace. In particular, the arrival of Internet Protocol (IP), smartphones, and wireless connectivity have all altered how things are done and Interphone has continued to adapt to keep pace with technological innovation. “We are delighted to be celebrating such an amazing anniversary, which is great recognition of so many people’s contribution over the past 60 years. We are proud of the dedication and teamwork of every member of staff, as well as valued partners and customers, which has made our continued success possible. We look forward to marking the occasion with many of them over the coming months,” concludes Synett.

Interphone has launched an all-in-one rental solution that enables building owners and occupiers to adopt the latest building security systems without the need for a large initial capital outlay. This unique finance package will be available for any type of commercial or public sector property, with flexible agreement terms to suit most operating budgets and cash flow, while also providing added protection against unforeseen maintenance or support costs. Installing latest equipment “The outright purchase of security systems can be costly, requiring a sizeable capital outlay to install and maintain the latest equipment”, explains Julian Synett, CEO of Interphone Limited. “Justifying this expenditure and then either raising funds or competing for an already overstretched internal budget can be a complicated process. We aim to create a rental solution to remove this financial barrier, so businesses can avoid delays to critical work that is putting buildings, occupants, and products at unnecessary risk.” High-quality and robust security system The single rental package will combine all the equipment, installation, and ongoing maintenance needed for a high-quality and robust security system, including affordable yearly payments that are spread over the length of the contract. It will be available across Interphone’s entire product range including access control, biometrics, CCTV, door entry, and automated gates and barriers. Meanwhile, comprehensive planned and reactive maintenance cover is designed to minimize any system downtime, avoid operational disruption and gain added peace of mind. Future-proof rental option Its new rental option is future-proofed, allowing a security system to be adapted depending on circumstances All agreements will be internally approved by Interphone’s in-house finance team, based on 60 years of experience in the security systems sector and without the use of any third-party leasing partners. This means that customers can benefit from quick decision-making typically within forty-eight hours based on industry-specific risk assessment to achieve a high approval success rate. It is providing budget certainty, with no unexpected or hidden overheads, so there is no longer a need for compromise in terms of timings, scope, or quality due to budget limitations. Its new rental option is also future-proofed, allowing a security system to be adapted depending on changing circumstances or the availability of newer, more effective technology. This added flexibility ensures that it can best meet the needs of its customers.