5 Challenges with Old Intercoms and How WelcomeBob Solves Them

For decades, old, wired intercom systems have been the standard in Danish properties. But as demands for security, flexibility, and user-friendliness increase, traditional systems are becoming a growing challenge – for administrators, resellers, developers, and tenants alike. With the emergence of digital, wireless solutions like WelcomeBob, it is now possible to eliminate these classic challenges, reduce operational risks, and future-proof the property's access control.

1. Complicated and expensive installation

Challenge: Traditional, hardwired intercom systems require extensive installation with cables, technical rooms, and often involve structural alterations to the building. This means high initial costs, long installation times, and a risk of errors along the way. Especially in older properties, it may be necessary to break down walls or run new cables through multiple floors.

Risks:

• Hidden installation errors can lead to downtime
• Damage to the building and subsequent repair needs
• Unforeseen costs and delays

According to Building Supply DK, installing wired systems costs up to 40% more than wireless alternatives.

The WelcomeBob solution: WelcomeBob is completely wireless. The units are installed without cables, technical rooms, or any structural work on the building. The installation is often completed in just a few hours – without dust, noise, or inconvenience to residents.

2. High maintenance and operational risk

Challenge: Wired intercom systems require ongoing maintenance – worn-out cables, faulty relays, and old technical rooms are common causes of failure. When the system breaks down, it often requires expensive service calls and specialized skills.

Risks:

• System downtime can block access for residents and guests
• Expensive and urgent repairs, especially outside of normal working hours
• Lack of spare parts for older systems extends downtime

The Danish Property Federation points out that the operating costs of old access systems often exceed the investment in new, digital solutions after just a few years.

The WelcomeBob solution: WelcomeBob requires minimal maintenance. Updates are delivered automatically via the cloud, and the hardware is designed to be robust and easy to replace.

3. Limited flexibility and poor user experience

Challenge: Old systems are often difficult to customize. Changing access rights requires someone to be physically present, and creating guest access or temporary codes is cumbersome.

Risks:

• Lack of flexibility can lead to dissatisfied tenants
• Guests and deliveries can't get access on time
• Risk of errors if access lists are not updated correctly

The WelcomeBob solution: With WelcomeBob, access, guest access, and temporary codes can be managed digitally – from anywhere, at any time. Residents and administrators get an intuitive app that provides full control and an overview.

4. Security risks and lack of documentation

Challenge: Older intercom systems often lack modern security features like video surveillance, access logs, and encryption. This makes it difficult to document who has had access.

Risks:

• Unauthorized access with no way to trace events
• Difficult to prove the course of events in case of break-ins or incidents
• Risk of GDPR and data security breaches

The WelcomeBob solution: WelcomeBob offers video calls, an access log, and strong encryption. All events are documented digitally, and administrators can pull reports at any time.

5. Expensive upgrades and a lack of future-proofing

Challenge: Wired systems are often closed systems that cannot be updated with new features or integrated with other proptech solutions.

Risks:

• The system quickly becomes obsolete and loses value
• Expensive upgrades or a complete replacement
• Difficult to adapt to new business models

According to the CBRE PropTech Outlook 2024, 78% of property managers expect to invest in cloud-based access solutions over the next three years.

The WelcomeBob solution: WelcomeBob is cloud-based and can be continuously updated with new features, integrations, and security improvements – without any structural work on the building.

Case Study: From old to new in practice

A large housing association in Copenhagen was dealing with a worn-out, wired intercom system. After switching to WelcomeBob, the association experienced:

• 80% fewer operational disruptions
• Significantly lower maintenance costs
• Higher satisfaction among residents and administrators

Conclusion

Old, wired intercom systems are associated with significant risks and costs – financially, operationally, and in terms of security. With WelcomeBob, you get a modern, flexible, and future-proof solution that eliminates these classic challenges and creates value for everyone.