How IP Intercoms are revolutionising Gate Automation
The Shift from Gates to Smart Entrances
Gate automation has long been associated with convenience and prestige. From residential properties to commercial estates, automated gates simplify access and enhance security. But in today’s connected world, automated gates alone are no longer enough.
Modern property owners want more than just a motorised gate. They demand security, convenience and smart control – the ability to see who’s at their gate, manage access remotely, and integrate their entrance seamlessly with the rest of their building systems or smart home technologies.
For installers, this shift represents a significant opportunity. By integrating modern intercom & access control solutions with gate and home automation systems, you can transform a standard gate install into a smart, secure entrance system that offers exceptional value for clients and generates higher margins for your business.
The Evolution of Gate Automation
Gate automation has come a long way. Historically, automated gates were primarily about convenience - simply replacing the manual effort of opening and closing gates with a motorised system. While this solved an immediate problem, it left major gaps in security, visitor management and control.
Fast forward to today, and these gaps are no longer acceptable. Homeowners want to verify visitors before granting entry. Businesses require secure, auditable access to their sites. Installers face rising demand for solutions that deliver more than a motorised gate - they need systems that integrate seamlessly with intercoms, video surveillance, access control and smart home automation.
This evolution is being driven by:
- Connected technology: IP-based networks and wireless systems are making integration simpler than ever.
- Smartphone adoption: Users expect app-based control for almost every aspect of their lives - including their property’s entrance.
- Heightened security needs: Increased awareness of security risks means property owners are prioritising controlled, monitored access.
The result? The automated gate has transformed into a smart entrance point; combining motorised convenience with robust, intelligent security.
How Intercoms Transform Gate Automation
Adding an IP intercom system to an automated gate fundamentally changes how it functions - from a passive barrier to an interactive, managed access point.
- Video Verification for Security
An IP video intercom allows property owners to see and speak to visitors in real-time before granting entry. This visual verification prevents unauthorised access and dramatically improves security - particularly for residential clients, schools or commercial depots.
- Remote Communication Anywhere
With app-enabled intercoms, users no longer need to be on-site. Whether at work, on holiday, or simply away from the gate, they can answer calls, see visitors and open the gate remotely via smartphones or tablet devices.
For busy commercial properties or rural sites, this is a game-changer. Deliveries can be managed remotely and site staff no longer need to waste time travelling to gates.
- Ease of Integration for Installers
IP-based intercoms use simple ethernet network cabling, reducing installation time and complexity. Many integrate directly with gate controllers and smart home hubs, making them ideal for retrofit upgrades as well as new installs.
For installers, intercoms are also a gateway to upselling value-added services: video monitoring, app-based support and even recurring maintenance or software licensing.
LTE intercoms in gate automation
4G LTE intercoms — use mobile data networks instead of wired Ethernet connections to enable video and audio entry systems at gates, remote doors, and sites where cabling is impractical.
By inserting a standard SIM card and powering the unit, these LTE intercoms immediately connect to the mobile network and pair with cloud-based platforms or mobile apps. When a visitor presses the call button, the system initiates a realtime video/audio session to the resident’s smartphone, tablet, or desktop, allowing them to verify identity and grant access from anywhere.
This approach eradicates the need for Ethernet cabling (only mains power is required) making installations faster, more cost-effective,and ideal for retrofit projects, gates, rural or temporary access points.
LTE intercom systems typically support remote configuration via secure VPN access or management platforms, delivering scalability and flexibility. They integrate with door strikes, electric gates, or locks, and often support a range of identification credentials including PIN code, RFID/NFC, QR code, mobile and face recognition.
Designed for reliability, these systems avoid dependence on local infrastructure - offering independence from LAN outages or WiFi limitations -and are particularly useful in environments with limited or unreliable broadband. Supported by encrypted cloud services and mobile apps, LTE intercoms bring a modern, secure, and highly adaptable access control solution for both residential and commercial settings.
The Power of Access Control with Automated Gates
Intercoms handle visitor verification - but what about regular, trusted access? This is where access control comes in. By combining gates with access control systems, you eliminate the need for physical keys or manual entry altogether.
- Credential-based Entry
Access control allows authorised users to enter via PIN codes, RFID key cards, fobs, or smartphone credentials. This not only streamlines entry but removes the risks associated with lost keys or unsecured remotes.
- Audit Trails and Accountability
Commercial and industrial sites benefit hugely from audit logs—recording who entered and when. For security-conscious businesses, this is essential for compliance and incident tracking.
- Temporary and Scheduled Access
Installers can configure access control systems to issue temporary or scheduled credentials such as temporary QR codes. This is perfect for deliveries, contractors, cleaners, or Airbnb-style short-term rentals. Instead of handing over keys or remotes, a code or mobile pass is issued—and automatically expires.
The Benefits of a Unified System
When intercom, access control and gate/home automation work together as a single integrated system, the benefits multiply:
1. Single-Point Control
End-users can manage their gate, access credentials, visitor intercom calls and even video surveillance from one platform or smartphone app. This streamlines user experience and makes the entire entrance far more intuitive.
2. Enhanced Security
An automated gate integrated with both video intercom verification and access control credentials is far harder to bypass than a standalone gatecontrol system.
3. Remote Management
From anywhere in the world, users can open gates, issue temporary codes, or revoke access - ideal for multi-property owners, facility managers, or those who travel frequently.
4. Scalability and Future-Proofing
Integrated systems can be expanded as needed. For example, adding additional gates, pedestrian entrances, or even integrating with full building management platforms.
For installers, offering this unified solution means fewer callbacks, higher customer satisfaction, and differentiation in a competitive market.
Future Trends in Smart Gate Entrances
Gate automation is no longer just about motors and remotes. By combining gates with IP intercoms and access control and full smart home ecosystems, you can deliver fully connected, intelligent entrance solutions that offer security, convenience and complete control.
For installers, this represents a clear path forward:
- Differentiate your services by specialising in integrated smart entrances.
- Offer value-added solutions that exceed customer expectations.
- Unlock new revenue streams through cloud-managed systems and ongoing maintenance.
The message is clear: gates alone are a thing of the past. The future is smart entrances.
Read more about Gate Automation and LTE Intercoms:
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