NOVEL · Technical Expertise and Company Information

Enterprise Communication Systems

Corporate intercom systems support visitor communication, internal communications, and call management in offices, campuses, and commercial facilities. NOVEL evaluates Aiphone product families based on the institution's security workflow and infrastructure requirements.

Manufacturing communication systems since 1948, Aiphone was awarded the Deming Prize in 1981 and 2018. NOVEL's focus is on selecting the right system for reliable communication and long-term operation.

Products in This Category

Considerations for Product Selection

The right system is selected by evaluating call flows, users, site conditions, and existing infrastructure together. The topics below provide a general guide for product selection and project planning.

Call flow and operator authorisations

It must be determined who will answer visitor, staff, and assistance calls. Division of duties between reception, security, and departments is defined. Call answering at different hours and authorised door release workflows guide system selection according to the institution's requirements.

Hardwired or IP system architecture

Existing cabling, network infrastructure, and locations are evaluated. Local communication, multi-building connections, and remote management may create distinct requirements. Series selection is matched with this scope; overall security and compliance features must not be generalised solely by an analogue or IP designation.

Integration scope and acceptance testing

Required interfaces with access control, CCTV, or telephone systems must be itemised individually. Model, software version, and interface compatibility are verified. Call receiving, conversation, and door release scenarios are tested following installation to ensure that the integration genuinely supports the daily workflow.

Long-term operation and maintenance responsibility

Backup power, network maintenance, station replacement, and user authorisation management must be planned. Responsibilities between the facility operator and the installation team are defined. System expansion for new requirements and legacy component compatibility are evaluated using technical documentation; operational service life is considered alongside maintenance and environmental conditions.

Aiphone quality and long-term operational approach

Founded in 1948, Aiphone is a communication systems manufacturer awarded the Deming Prize in 1981 and 2018. The brand's quality approach addresses design, manufacturing, and product inspection collectively. For NOVEL, the priority is planning visitor and internal communication properly for clear, reliable, and long-term operation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Communication Systems

For which functions are corporate intercoms used?

They can be used for visitor communication at doors, inter-departmental communications, and management of designated call points. Functions depend on the selected system family. A suitable solution is determined by defining the institution's call flow, station locations, and authorised users.

Does an IP intercom necessarily require a cloud connection?

IP communication and cloud services are not the same thing. Architectures operating on local networks are available; mobile or cloud features may introduce additional requirements. The dependencies, licensing, and service scope of the selected system must be verified from the relevant documentation.

Does every series integrate with a telephone PBX?

Telephone integration depends on the model, version, and connection configuration. Protocol support alone does not indicate that all functions will interoperate. Call scenarios and mutual compatibility must be matched against technical documentation and tested during installation acceptance.

Is an analogue system more secure under all conditions?

Security is evaluated alongside system architecture and installation. Local hardwired use can reduce certain network dependencies; physical access and authorisation management remain equally critical. An analogue or IP designation must not be interpreted as an unconditional guarantee of security.

Are internal intercom, door control, and help call features available in a single product family?

Certain systems can support multiple functions; the required stations and interfaces must be verified. The presence of different product families within the same category does not mean that all functions are included in every model. Priorities should be itemised individually at the start of the project.

How to initiate system selection for an institution?

The number of departments, entrances, and stations; call answering points; existing cabling and network infrastructure; and integration and authorisation requirements should be shared. By factoring in shift patterns, maintenance access, and future expansion, a system architecture suited to the workflow is determined.

How is the security of an IP intercom evaluated?

Aiphone publishes a product security policy. Access permissions, network topology, and supported firmware versions must be evaluated together in the project. Security features vary by model; no device should be assumed to be unconditionally "unhackable", and manufacturer updates and technical guidelines must be followed.

How is long-term system operation planned?

Aiphone outlines a quality and durability approach geared towards long-term operation. Actual service life depends on environment, installation quality, maintenance, and spares availability. The status of existing components and current support scope must be reviewed; an invariable 10, 20, or 30-year performance guarantee must not be assumed for all models.