Nottingham Community Housing Association is one of the first UK housing providers to use a new, hi-tech door-entry system. Tenants in 20 flats at a converted warehouse can now lock and unlock their doors remotely with their smartphones.
Using technology from Intratone, the aim of the pilot project is to improve access to each flat and increase security for tenants. The system uses GSM technology, enabling tenants to control access to their homes via their landline or mobile phone without the need for additional cabling. The whole system is monitored over a web platform, making lost keys, access for carers, contractors or visitors, or conversely, restricting access, all things of the past.
For example, NCHA’s maintenance team looks after nearly 300 properties, making the process of granting access to properties a difficult physical task. This becomes time-consuming and expensive as traffic increases when factoring in maintenance contractors, carers or tenants losing keys. Now visitors can call the caretaker on his mobile, who can then let them in remotely.
The Intratone system was installed by Salt Network Consulting, NCHA’s preferred contractor for the last 10 years. Tim Salt, the company’s managing director, said, “Intratone is a unique and cost effective system that enabled us to install a reliable intercom system with minimal manpower and remote maintenance, making the job more cost effective for everyone involved.
“At first, we were assisted on-site by the Intratone team, in order to grasp the new system’s setup process. Although unconventional, we now regard this product as a welcome addition to our portfolio of products and would consider this system as a great advantage to our other clients who have to fit a new system to an existing building, especially if they don’t have any cabling or it is out-of-date or broken.”
