If you’re in the market for a new intercom solution, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a huge range of prices for devices that, on paper, appear to do the same thing. And especially for businesses, it can be tempting to compare products on price alone. Resist that temptation!
Modern intercoms are a core part of a building’s security and communications infrastructure. They are not an area where you want to compromise on reliability, security, or durability.
You’re not just buying an expensive doorbell. You’re investing in a secure, professional, reliable welcome for everyone who arrives at your front door.
Reliability matters more than features
The basic features and functions of intercom solutions are broadly similar across the market. But one key factor that distinguishes one solution from another is reliability. Traditional intercoms are notorious for constantly breaking down and requiring expensive regular replacement.
And that’s not including the indirect costs.
If you miss deliveries because the intercom fails, there’s a cost to that. If your visitors can’t easily access the building, or your staff get frustrated having to do it all manually during downtime, there’s a cost to that.
In a premium intercom solution like the Robin range from CDVI, we’ve made intentional choices that put reliability front and centre.
Every Robin intercom is fully wired with PoE connectivity, meaning the device gets both power and network from a single cable. That means there’s only one cable to look after, and that the communication will be stable. Compared to WiFi-based systems which are susceptible to signal failures, concrete walls, and busy urban areas, wired intercoms deliver simple, stable, dependable communication for staff and visitors alike.
And in terms of cost, you’re saving not only on service call-outs and replacements, but also on the indirect costs of not having a functioning entrance system during downtime.
Security shouldn’t be an afterthought
Banish the thought from your mind that an intercom is “just an intercom”. If it’s connected to your building network and integrated with other systems, it’s just as important as anything else for cybersecurity.
Many modern buildings are unintentionally taking risks with data security by implementing solutions working on older or less secure protocols.
All Robin intercoms operate on Secure SIP. That means that not only are the calls themselves encrypted, so is the content of them. So all your conversations are private and protected from outside interference.
This security-first design principle, as well as Robin’s compliance with the upcoming EU Cyber Resilience Act, means you’re investing in a solution that adds to your building’s security ecosystem rather than undercutting what’s already there.
And with increasing scrutiny throughout society around data protection and privacy, it’s essential that you’re prepared at every entrance.
Premium build quality pays off over time
When you pay more for a quality product at a higher price point, you’re protecting your business from ongoing maintenance costs and the real short-term possibility of having to replace a failed unit.
Most intercoms are installed outdoors. And in the UK, that means they’re exposed to a lot of weather. Good, bad, and ugly weather. That, along with the rigours of daily usage and the risk of vandalism, means devices made of cheaper, less durable materials are highly susceptible to damage.
When you choose a Robin intercom, you’re making a sound investment in a device that’s designed to work for years.
The frontplate of a Robin device is made of solid aluminium with a corrosion-resistant satin anodised finish. Even faced with the changeable hardships of British weather, they keep looking smart and performing well.
That’s how spending a little more now keeps your costs down in the future.
Better communication creates a better experience
For a new employee, prospective customer, or unfamiliar visitor, an intercom might be the first interaction they have with your business. And “first impressions count” hasn’t gone anywhere – it’s still as important in the modern digital age as it’s always been.
A premium intercom delivers a professional image of your business to anyone who comes to the door. A smooth entrance is the first step in giving someone a secure and welcoming visitor experience.
Robin intercoms are equipped with features like advanced noise cancelling technology. If your building is by a busy road or next to a building site, the background noise is significantly reduced, so your visitors don’t need to shout to be heard. And at night-time, Robin intercom cameras don’t give you grainy black and white infrared images. Instead, they use ambient lighting to enhance camera visibility and deliver high-quality video that makes it easy to positively identify visitors even in low-light conditions.
Plus, the Robin Touch boosts your building’s accessibility for sign language users and lip-readers. With two-way video feeds, visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing are still able to communicate effectively with staff inside.
All these carefully designed features improve the communication experience and the visitor welcome at your building’s entrance.
Integration adds long-term value
Premium intercom systems should not be standalone and separated from wider building systems. Instead, they should be integrated. Joined-up solutions in a whole-building ecosystem make a building more future-proof, reduce the extra admin and maintenance on isolated systems, and make scaling up or down easier.
By running on Secure SIP architecture, Robin intercoms use technology that network engineers already know. There’s no learning curve. Integrating Robin intercoms with VoIP systems or VMS is simple and follows the same familiar structure engineers have used a hundred times before.
Plus, the improved visibility and monitoring you’ll get from a properly connected building ecosystem adds intangible value to your business.
Flexibility reduces future costs
When you invest in a premium intercom solution, it’s natural to expect that you won’t be replacing it any time soon. And that means it needs to be a flexible system that will accommodate your building’s evolving requirements over time.
Perhaps your business will expand into new premises or floors. Or maybe new tenants will move into one of your units. Whatever happens, you need your premium intercom to change with you.
The Robin Touch is perfect for these circumstances. With virtual touchscreen buttons and an unlimited number of call buttons, this intercom delivers maximum value over time. You don’t even need to go near the device to update the labels – it’s all configured remotely in the Robin web portal.
That means no replacing the device, no engineer call-outs to update buttons, and a solution that will adapt with you over the years.
Why choosing a premium intercom is worth the cost
It’s true of so many products that spending a little more now saves you money in the long run. Shoes, mattresses, and yes – intercoms are now added to the list. The benefits of European build quality, high security by design, and a warm visitor welcome for everyone go beyond just the bottom line.
Robin intercoms are expertly designed, built with quality materials, and packed with features that add so much more value to your business than a simple doorbell.
If your business or building is looking for an intercom that combines style, security, and scalability, contact us for a demo of Robin solutions. It’s an investment that means you’ll welcome visitors with confidence for years to come.
