Guide for installers and architects who want to stay one step ahead

In a recent project in Barcelona's Eixample district, workers installed an access panel in less than an hour. They didn't dig any grooves, lift the pavement, or install new cables. The secret lay in an IP solution with PoE power that leveraged the existing wiring, while an architect supervised that the brushed brass finish met the building's aesthetic criteria. This seemingly simple scene epitomizes one of the major technological leaps the video intercom sector is experiencing.

The evolution of video intercoms is no longer measured solely by camera resolution or audio quality. The building access point has become a key component of the digital ecosystem of the home or commercial property. What was once a gray metallic box with a push button is now a smart door with sensors, autonomous connectivity, custom design, and security features worthy of a small data center.

For installers and architects, this paradigm shift implies an urgent update, but also a tremendous professional opportunity. Those who understand the direction the sector is heading will be able to lead purchasing and implementation decisions, both in new construction and renovations.

In the immediate future, video intercom solutions, DUOX or IP, already exist, utilizing existing cabling with 4G connection modules that operate in locations without a fixed network. This is enabling an unprecedented wave of modernization in older buildings. Installing an IP panel with a mobile app and remote control can take less than a day, with minimal disruption to residents. This efficiency has been a game-changer.

But beyond the cable, there's the design layer. Manufacturers like Fermax have understood that the access panel isn't just a functional device, but a visible part of the building. Today, it's possible to customize materials, RAL colors, typography, and even engrave the developer's or architectural firm's logo. And this demand doesn't come only from luxury homes. In affordable housing developments, coworking spaces, or resorts, the door entry system is now part of the brand identity.

At the same time, a second revolution is emerging: interaction. More and more panels are integrating facial recognition, voice control, mobile tokens via NFC, or even UWB proximity credentials. There are already systems where simply approaching a device with a mobile phone unlocks the entrance without having to touch anything. In the era of digitalization and post-pandemic, this is more than just a convenience: it's a demand from many users.

Integrated artificial intelligence allows recognition to be performed on the device itself, without the need to send images to the cloud, which improves both speed and privacy. This is what is known as edge computing : data processing is performed directly at the access point. This opens the door to applications such as detecting sabotage attempts, recording capacity, or sending alerts to the cloud in the event of any unusual behavior.

In the medium term—we're talking about three or four years from now—the video intercom will become established as a peripheral node of the home automation or building management system. We'll see systems compatible with standards like Matter or Thread, designed to allow devices from different brands to communicate seamlessly. The video intercom will not be an isolated component, but rather part of the building's sensor ecosystem: controlling lighting, HVAC, presence, and secondary access points.

Architects, for their part, will find these devices an opportunity to reinforce the building's concept from the entrance. Some manufacturers are launching panels with interchangeable magnetic skins : a watertight base on which Krion, Corian, weathered steel, or even treated wood facades can be attached, allowing the aesthetic to evolve over time without changing the interior technology.

Looking even further ahead, between 2030 and 2035, the access panel could become a true sensory building. 6G connections will allow volumetric images to be transmitted to the building's digital twin, integrating the door into the management software in real time. This will mean that maintenance technicians will be able to "see" the internal status of the mechanisms without disassembling anything: Fermax, for example, already incorporates this remote diagnostic technology with its FERMAX 73910 module. Much more advanced biometrics are also expected, combining facial analysis, palm vein pattern, and gait analysis to create secure contactless identifications. Some of these technologies are already present in FERMAX's MEET models.

All of this will require an infrastructure designed to last: panels with interchangeable modules, autonomous power supply via small perovskite solar cells, and recyclable housings designed to meet sustainability goals. In fact, compliance with future European regulations will likely require all video intercoms to incorporate encryption and secure remote wipe mechanisms.

For installers, this future requires a shift in skills: knowing how to wire and program is no longer enough. Training in IP networks, security protocols, biometric data processing, and predictive maintenance is required. But those who take the plunge will be able to offer service contracts beyond installation: SIM management, OTA updates, remote support, and usage analytics.

For architects, the key will be to integrate access into the design from the initial phase. This means requiring CAD/BIM models from manufacturers, planning gradients, light effects, and materials, and understanding that a well-integrated slab can be the architectural gesture that defines a building's character from the very first second.

The video intercom is no longer a simple doorbell. It's a technological calling card, a digital credential, and a critical security element. Its evolution reflects many of the tensions between contemporary architecture and technology: the need for frictionless control, functional beauty, and privacy within an increasingly interconnected system.

If you're a professional in the sector and want an in-depth look at the latest-generation Fermax systems, visit Profermax, our official distributor , where you'll find Fermax video intercoms for professional installation, with specialized technical support and 24-hour delivery.