NOVEL · Technical Expertise and Company Information

Factory and Enterprise Security Systems

Factory and industrial facility intercom systems support communication between entry points, the security control centre, and field teams. NOVEL evaluates Aiphone solutions according to the production environment, call scenarios, and the facility's communication infrastructure.

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.

Field call points and response centre

Production areas, entrances, loading docks, and locations where assistance may be required must be listed. The team responding to each call and the unanswered call escalation procedure are defined. Security centre operating hours and shift handovers influence system design as significantly as the number of stations.

Noise and environmental conditions

Machinery noise, precipitation, dust, and environmental exposure of the device must be evaluated. Appropriate stations and mounting methods are selected for speech intelligibility suited to field conditions. An industrial rating does not indicate that every device is suitable for hazardous areas or all severe conditions; model scope must be verified.

IP infrastructure and system integrations

Network capacity, power supply, administrative access, and required third-party connections must be determined. Integration with CCTV, access control, or telephony infrastructure depends on the selected model and firmware version. Integration functionality should be specifically defined in the project scope; the mere presence of a protocol name should not be considered sufficient.

Emergency call and business continuity plan

The originating point of an assistance call and how it is answered are mapped to operating procedures. Power and network outage fallback, communication channels to be used during maintenance, and test schedules are established. Emergency call stations facilitate communication; intervention team organisation and response responsibilities must be planned separately.

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 Factory and Industrial Security Systems

Does a factory intercom replace the telephone system?

Purposes and workflows may differ. Field stations, gate communication, and emergency help calls address specialised communication requirements. With appropriate integration, telephone infrastructure can be complemented; it should not be assumed that all telephony functions are automatically fulfilled.

Is a standard station sufficient in a noisy production area?

Ambient sound levels, communication distance, and user requirements must be examined. A field trial with appropriate audio configurations and mounting may be required. Model selection should not be based solely on station quantity; intelligible communication under real operating conditions must be targeted.

Does installing an emergency help tower complete the response process?

A tower or call point is only one component of communication. The answering centre, call logging, shift patterns, and field dispatch process must be defined concurrently. The facility's testing and maintenance plan must also be incorporated to ensure calls reach the intended personnel.

Can every intercom be used in an ATEX area?

Hazardous area suitability must be verified against the product's relevant certification and conditions of use. A device suitable for factory environments does not automatically carry ATEX approval. Appropriate equipment must be evaluated separately based on hazardous area classification and mounting location.

Can different buildings be integrated into the same communication network?

Multi-site communication can be planned with a suitable system and infrastructure. Links, bandwidth, call routing, and management responsibilities are evaluated. Network connectivity alone does not demonstrate that all stations are compatible or that the link is secure.

What information is required for a site survey?

Station locations, call types, answering locations, shift schedules, environmental conditions, network details, and power supply data must be prepared. Required integrations and outage scenarios should be shared. This information enables determination of the suitable product family and installation layout.

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.