Building communication in the IP network

Siedle is known for door intercom systems. Why has Siedle developed an IP-based system for building communication?

Markus Hummel: We see ourselves as experts in building communication – and that goes for any building. We have developed our IP-based system Access Professional for complex requirements and custom solutions. Our familiar intercom systems, such as the Vario and Steel design lines, are still seen at the entrances. And today, Siedle Access Professional is increasingly behind them. Our IP system is currently celebrating a small anniversary. Access Professional was launched over 10 years ago.

When we started developing it, there was a desire for maximum flexibility and customer-specific solutions. Our analysis revealed that IP is the best basis for this. With Access Professional, requirements can be fulfilled, which are both individual and are fully integrated into networks. This facilitates the implementation of large projects with completely different building communication needs. Access Professional is used in industrial buildings and logistics centres as well as large hospitals, office and business premises, large-scale residential areas and mixed-use buildings. I’m sensing a change, especially in the areas of residential buildings and mixed use. Many property developers are now recognising the potential of IP networks – including in regard to building communication.

You mentioned maximum flexibility. What are the specific advantages of IP systems such as Access Professional?

Hummel: It starts as early as the planning phase. Developers of large office or commercial projects often rely on one or two anchor tenants and plan the remaining areas of the building without any specific expectations. This means that the precise use – and therefore the equipment and functionality – is not clear at the outset. The layout of the storeys and offices is only defined when the project is under way as tenants are acquired. This means that a flexible tenant fit-out is required with options for expansion. With our IP system, such buildings are optimally equipped. With Access Professional, no additional installation or hardware is needed if the project expands later on. Our licence model allows for flexible expansion. You can buy more licences to expand both the functions and the number of users. IP systems, such as Access Professional, shine in this regard, because they can be scaled to suit needs at any time. This scalability at any point, from initial planning to the final internal fittings, is a decisive advantage of IP. In this sense, scalability also stands for maximum flexibility. This also makes Siedle Access Professional one of the most variable and adaptable offerings for building communication on the market.

"IP has a decisive advantage because it can be scaled to suit needs at any time.”

But there are also limits for IP systems such as Access Professional …

Hummel: Every system has its limits, of course. This is also true of Access Professional. But, in practice, we almost never reach them – and if we do, we can usually offer custom solutions.

The system limits mainly remain mere theory, as Access Professional is highly scalable, in terms of range, number of users and its performance in everyday operation.

For example, even distant porter’s lodges or barrier systems can be connected in the IP network. There are practically no relevant restrictions in terms of range. The same applies to office and commercial buildings as well as residential areas with several building units. IP systems can also really shine here in terms of the number of users. Access Professional connects up to 640 users on a regular basis.

Last but not least, IP systems are very powerful. With Access Professional, up to 50 call and video connections from different entrances can take place in parallel at the same time. This is a decisive argument for buildings that are open to the public or have lots of suppliers coming and going. For example, we equipped the logistics centres of a leading global food retailer with Siedle Access Professional. The barrier access points there are used by several hundred lorries a day. Access Professional allows for easy management of this situation.

“The range, number of users and performance are decisive arguments for IP. The system limits mainly remain mere theory.“

Talking of management, is the ability to “manage” different functions an advantage for IP?

Hummel: You’re talking about the integration of different functions and features. In this regard, IP systems are really on trend, and this trend is towards cross-trade, integrated complete solutions. Integrated solutions are not a problem with IP. For example, our Access Professional system can incorporate an enormous range of functions and features, from KNX automation to VoIP telephony through to access control by third-party providers via an interface. This means that an IP system, such as Access Professional can also be integrated in an extensive security and building management system with ease.

“The trend with buildings is towards cross-trade complete solutions. IP solutions are really on trend in this regard.”

You mentioned trades. How does the electrical trade handle IP?

Hummel: Understanding for IP is also becoming more and more important in the electrical trade. The structured, application-independent IP cabling is a global standard. Access Professional is connected via RJ45 connections, which are established and well known in the trade. However, Access Professional – as the name indicates – is a system for professionals, which also facilitates highly complex and also customer-specific solutions. This is why Siedle certifies our expert partner companies as Access Certified Partners (ACP). Some of these are in the electrical trade, others are from IT-related fields and work with the electrical trade on a project basis. At Siedle, our Access Service Center is the first port of call for our professional partners when it comes to support and advice. My colleagues in the Access Service Center also work together with Siedle Engineering to create customer-specific solutions. Over time, many of these have been included in the standard scope of functions for Access Professional. This is part of the ongoing further development of our IP system.

With continuous development, the question is how sustainable can an IP system be?

Hummel: Siedle Access Professional has, as mentioned, been on the market for over 10 years. I, myself, know many, many Access systems from the early days, which are still running to the complete satisfaction of our customers. When new functions are used, the hardware may need to be modernised – for example a server may need to be replaced. The system, as such, is very sustainable and reliable. We have demonstrated this for over 10 years – with the now seventh major release (Access Professional 7.0). The ongoing further development is actually a key part of its success. This ranges from steadily increasing the range of functions to a flexible licence model, which optimally supports the scalability of the system.

“Access Professional has been on the market for over 10 years and has been used in many projects to our customers’ complete satisfaction.“

From your perspective, what are the current developments in building communication? And what effect do these have on IP systems?

Hummel: It’s clear that customers want greater convenience and security. This basically touches upon everything to do with building automation. In terms of door communication, the mobile connection plays a key role, i.e. the door bell on your smartphone. With the Siedle app, we have this kind of offering for several of the systems in our portfolio. In terms of Access Professional, the Siedle app is, of course, part of the range of functions: A door call with live feed can also be transferred to smartphones, if required. This means that office workers or residents can see whenever someone is ringing the door bell – via Wi-Fi in the meeting room or via the mobile phone network when they’re out and about.

Feed transmission can even play a decisive role in building communication in very specific scenarios. Think about a high-rise residential building with concierge. This security-oriented home comfort is well-known in the USA and is now increasingly being used in Europe too. The latest version of our IP system enables the concierge to forward the feed from a video intercom system or external camera behind the counter to a specific user. At the same time, the concierge maintains a voice connection with the user. This means that residents can also check who they want to let in via video feed – and only then, if agreed, does the concierge establish a direct voice connection.

In my opinion there is a wide variety of options and scenarios for new security features and additional convenience. Networking and integration are becoming ever more important, particularly for large residential developments – residential areas with several building units. Property developers in this segment are increasingly focusing on technical integration in a network, from the lighting to the building communication. Nothing is better suited to this than IP technology. The development of IP building communication continues to excite – and the outlook is promising!