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Video Intercom Mobile Directory - Quick Start Guide

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The Video Intercom Mobile Directory (VIMD) is Alarm.com's first intercom solution. This cost-effective system transforms existing Alarm.com entry management hardware (e.g., video doorbells and Access Control) into a fully functional video intercom solution.

This solution allows the following:

  • Property managers and/or business owners have full control over video, access settings, and directory management.
  • Visitors scan a QR code at the entrance to reach the directory and start a call.
  • Tenants and/or employees view and verify visitors over video, and then unlock the door from the Alarm.com Alarm.com app.

Setup overview

Note: For detailed steps and additional information on setting up VIMD, proceed to Set up accounts for Video Intercom Mobile Directory (VIMD).

  1. Install and enroll hardware on the main property manager account.
    • At least one Access Control door needs to be added to the account in order to complete the intercom setup process.
  2. Using the Partner Portal:
    1. Add the appropriate service package add-ons.
      • The main property manager account should include Video, Access Control, and Video Intercom Management add-ons. Devices should be enrolled in this account.
      • If there are separate property accounts for tenants, each of these customer accounts should include the Video Intercom User add-on.
        • These accounts would not enroll the devices since the hardware will be enrolled in the main property manager account.
    2. If there are separate property accounts for tenants, link those accounts to the main property manager account. For more information about linking accounts, see Link Video Intercom Mobile Directory User accounts to the Manager account.
  3. Using the Alarm.com customer website:
    1. Create logins for each recipient (e.g., tenant, staff).
    2. Set up the directory and generate the QR code for buildings using the main property manager account.
    3. Add all recipient logins to the directory.
  4. Each recipient enrolls their chosen mobile devices in the Alarm.com app.
     
    Note: Recipients do not appear in the directory until they enroll at least one mobile device.
     
  5. Visitors scan the QR code to select the recipient they want to call.

Compatibility requirements

The Video Intercom Mobile Directory functionality requires the following:

Compatible video cameras Alarm.com wired doorbell cameras (i.e., ADC-VDB775, ADC-VDB755P, ADC-VDB770, or ADC-VDB750)
 
Important: It is recommended that the cameras are used in a location with good cellular reception since tenants and visitors will need cellular data to communicate after scanning the QR code.
Compatible access control reader
  • Alarm.com Access Control readers
  • Third-party access control readers are also supported. The following are recommended models:
    • Prox Point Plus Reader (Black)
    • Thinline II (Black Reader, Wiegand Output)
    • RP40 Multi-Class SE Proximity Reader
    • RPK40 Multi-Class SE Wiegand Reader (Black)
Service package add-ons

The main property manager account should include the following add-ons:

  • Video
  • Access Control
  • Video Intercom Management
     
    Note: These accounts can manage intercom settings and configure directory lists. Logins on this account can also be intercom call recipients.

Property tenant accounts should include the following add-on:

  • Video Intercom User
     
    Note: These accounts must be linked to an account with the Video Intercom Management add-on. Logins on this account can be configured as call recipients on the main property manager account linked.

For more information about what these different account types are, see What service package add-on should I select (single vs multiple accounts)?.

Set up accounts for Video Intercom Mobile Directory (VIMD)

To use VIMD, each of the following must be completed in order.

Important: It is not possible to view or access the Intercom tab on the Alarm.com customer website using Log In with Access. For more information regarding the capabilities and limitations of Log In with Access, see Using Log In with Access.

Important: All hardware (i.e., video doorbells and Access Control readers) should be installed and enrolled on the main property manager account.  At least one video doorbell and one Access Control reader must be installed and enrolled in order to complete VIMD setup.

  • For steps and additional information regarding video device installation, see Video Devices.
  • For steps and additional information regarding Access Control reader installation, see Access Control.

The main property manager account (i.e., the customer account the hardware is enrolled on) should include the Video, Access Control, and Video Intercom Management add-ons.

Note: If there are separate customer accounts for tenants:

  1. Log in to the Partner Portal.
  2. Find the customer account.
  3. Click Service Package.
  4. Click to expand Change Service Package.
  5. In Video Monitoring, use the dropdown menu to select a Video service package.
  6. In Smarter Access Control, use the dropdown menu to select Smarter Access Control or Smarter Access Control Plus.
  7. In Video Monitoring, use the Video Intercom Management dropdown menu to select the number of devices allowed to be intercom call recipients.
  8. Click Save.
  1. Log in to the Partner Portal.
  2. Find the customer account.
  3. Click Service Package.
  4. Click to expand Change Service Package.
  5. In Video Monitoring, use the Video Intercom User dropdown menu to select the number of devices allowed to be an intercom call recipient from this account.
  6. Click Save.

The following outlines what each customer account must do to set up the Video Intercom Mobile Directory.

Note: If there are separate customer accounts for tenants, those accounts must be linked to the main property manager account using the Partner Portal before they can be added to a Directory. For steps and information about linking accounts for VIMD, see Link Video Intercom Mobile Directory User accounts to the Manager account.

Property managers install new or utilize existing Alarm.com hardware (i.e., video doorbells and access control readers). Once the hardware is installed, the account and logins within a single system or system group would be set up to create logins eligible for the intercom directory.

Important: Only customer accounts with the Video Intercom Management add-on can view and complete these steps.

This process must be completed using the customer's login credentials. The Intercom tab is not visible on the Alarm.com customer website when using Log In with Access. For more information regarding the capabilities and limitations of Log In with Access, see Using Log In with Access.

  1. Log in to the Alarm.com customer website.
  2. Click Video.
  3. Click Intercom.
  4. Click Start or Add to set up an intercom.

    Start Intercom setup 
     
  5. In Connect a QR Code, select whether you are generating a new QR code or using an existing QR code on the account.
    • If using an existing QR code on the account, use the dropdown menu to select the desired QR code.
       
      Note: Existing QR codes will only appear on this list if they are not currently associated with a video device.
       
  6. Configure directory settings (i.e., logo, directory header, and helper text for the welcome message). Then click Next.
     
    Customize Intercom Directory
     
  7. Select a video device to link to the intercom, then click Next.
     
    Select Intercom Video device
     
  8. Select associated access control doors to link to the intercom, then click Next.
     
    Select Intercom Access Control device
     
  9. For the Display Type, select either Recipient Name or Unit Number. Then click Next.
     
    Select Intercom Display Type
     
  10. Click to select either Use an existing directory or Create a new directory.
     
    Add Intercom Directory List
     
    • If you are using an existing directory, use the Select a Directory dropdown menu to select the desired directory, then click Next.
    • If you are creating a new directory, click Next.
      • In Add Call Recipients, click to select the desired recipients for the directory, then click Next.
       
      Note: Each recipient will receive a push notification or email invitation with enrollment steps they must complete before appearing in the intercom directory.

      To be eligible for the directory, logins must have either Master Control​, Full Control​, or Limited Device Access​ for Intercom to selected directories. New logins can be created within a single system or system group for users who need to be added to the intercom directory.
       
  11. Click to enable visitor confirmation (i.e., Doorbell Button Press, Visitor Call PIN) if desired, then click Next.
     
    Add Intercom Visitor Confirmation
     
  12. Download the generated QR code and display it outside the designated door where the intercom will be set up.

    Download QR Code or select a new QR Code
     
  13. Review the Intercom's current setup, then click Save & Exit.
     
    Review, Save and Exit

Tenants are the intercom recipients receiving the call. The following steps can be completed after the main property manager account sets up the intercom directory and creates the QR code for it.

Important: This process must be completed using the tenant login credentials. Linked Logins will not be able to view or complete these steps.

To set up intercom as a tenant:
  1. Intercom recipients receive an email invitation with instructions on how to download the Alarm.com app and enroll.
     
    Intercom Directory invitation email
     
    Note: Users will not receive this email if this is not their first Alarm.com account.
     
  2. After logging in to the Alarm.com app, tenants have access to an Intercom dashboard card, prompting them to enroll and set up their intercom profile. Tap Enroll.
     
    Intercom tenant enroll button
     
    Note: If part of a system group, recipients must switch to the community system before initiating the enrollment process.
     
  3. Tap Get Started.
     
    Intercom tenant get started button
     
  4. Enter the required name information, then tap Next.
     
    Intercom tenant name entry
     
  5. To complete intercom enrollment and create an intercom call push notification rule, tap Agree & Save.
     
    Intercom tenant push notifications
     
  6. Once enrolled, the Intercom card will update to show the door status.
    • System group members will only see this card while switched to the community system.

Note: The intercom card on the Alarm.com app can be used to buzz open the door on demand.

Unit View for multi-account setups

For VIMD setups with separate tenant accounts linked to a main property manager account, it is possible to configure the tenant accounts to display alternate information (e.g., the tenant's unit/apartment/suite information) for their Directory listing to retain tenant privacy. The Unit View name can be set up on individual tenant accounts using the Partner Portal or Partner MobileTech app.

Partner Portal
  1. Log in to the Partner Portal.
  2. Find the tenant customer account.
  3. In Customer Information, click Edit.
  4. Click to expand Operations Information.
  5. In the Apartment/Suite Name field, enter the desired display information.
     
    VIMD Unit View entry field on Partner Portal
     
  6. Click Save Changes.
Partner MobileTech app
  1. Log in to the Partner MobileTech app.
  2. Find the tenant customer account.
  3. Tap Customer Info.
  4. In Operations Information, tap Edit.
  5. In the Apartment/Suite Name field, enter the desired display information.
     
    VIMD Unit View MobileTech
     
  6. Tap Save.

Using Video Intercom Mobile Directory

For tenants

The following is an example of the push notification the tenant receives and what the tenant sees during the call:

incoming call
Call options from push notification
Call example

If the call is not answered, the tenant will receive a missed call push notification. The following is an example of what the tenant sees in the Alarm.com app:

missed call notification
missed call notification large
missed call in app
To change intercom contact/call notification settings:
  1. Log in to the Alarm.com app.
  2. On the Intercom card, tap Configure.
    • To edit the intercom contact information:
      1. Tap Edit.
      2. Update the intercom contact information as desired.
      3. Tap Save.
    • To edit the call notification settings:
      1. Tap Notifications.
      2. Configure the intercom notification as desired.
      3. Tap OK.
For visitors

Note: Visitors are the users scanning the QR code at the entrance to start a call.

To set up and use intercom as a visitor:
  1. Scan the QR code displayed on the property to access the intercom directory webpage.
  2. Select the user to initiate a call.

    Visitor view.png
     
  3. A call screen will appear in the browser, showing the call is in progress.
  4. Tenants and visitors can engage in a two-way conversation using the video device. The tenant will see the visitor via the video device, but the visitor will not see the tenant. The following image is what visitors see during a call.

    visitor call - intercom.png

Frequently asked questions

For additional questions, see Video Intercom Mobile Directory - Frequently asked questions.

Any user with a login on an account that includes an intercom service package add-on can be added to the directory. This includes logins on the main property manager account and logins on tenant accounts.

After being invited, each user must enroll at least one mobile device through the Alarm.com app to appear in the directory. For more information about how users enroll mobile devices, proceed to To set up intercom as a tenant.

Users can enroll as many mobile devices as they like, within the limits of their customer account service package.

Note: In the MDU setting, each login under a unit’s account will be listed separately in the directory (e.g., they will appear as Mark, Lucy, and Charlie—not as Smith Family.)

The following table outlines the differences between the two service package add-ons that can be selected for Video Intercom Directory.

Note: Only one of the Video Intercom service package add-ons can be selected at a time. If the desired add-on is grayed out, verify the other add-on is not currently selected.

  Video Intercom Management add-on Video Intercom User add-on
Account owner The building or property manager Individual tenants
Property type

Properties managed under a single Alarm.com account. There are two subtypes:

  • Single-tenant single account: e.g., a law firm where each login is tied to a department or staff member. Each login can also support multiple recipient devices.
  • Multi-tenant single account: e.g., a building has multiple tenants but they have agreed to let building management handle intercom services via a single account. Each tenant only gets one login, but can have multiple recipient devices.

For properties where each business or resident maintains their own separate Alarm.com account
Hardware requirements An Alarm.com video doorbell and Access Control system N/A since hardware would be enrolled on the main property manager account
Capabilities Create, manage, and control the intercom directory Create listings in the intercom directory
Single account

Single accounts are best for a single organization or a building where all tenants agree to use one shared Alarm.com customer account.

Each person or department can have their own login in the directory, and each login can connect to multiple devices. The account will have the Video Intercom Management Add-On.

Examples:

  • A law firm’s staff are all on one account (each attorney/staff has their own login).
  • A multi-tenant property where building management runs the intercom system and gives each tenant a login.
Multi-account

Multiple accounts are best for a building with multiple businesses or residents where each wants to maintain their own separate Alarm.com account.

The building/property manager's account becomes the main account with Video Intercom Management add-on, and each tenant has their own account with Video Intercom User add-on. Each account can have multiple logins/devices.

Examples:

  • An office building where each business is responsible for its own account, or
  • A residential building (MDU) with each apartment/unit having its own account.

Billing is based on the number of mobile recipient devices enrolled, not the number of users. It is paid by tier (starting at 5 devices and up to 200 devices) that covers the total number of enrolled devices.

Each user can assign multiple devices to their login, up to their plan’s total device limit. Users can have different numbers of devices (e.g., some users have one device, others have two), so long as they don’t exceed their device tier.

Example: If an account has three users and two of them use two devices (e.g., a phone and a tablet), it needs a 5-device tier.

Multi-account pricing for multi-tenant buildings

In multi-tenant buildings where each business or resident has their own Alarm.com customer account:

  • The building manager’s account needs the Video Intercom Mobile Directory Manager add-on. The building manager pays for this add-on and selects the device tier based on their needs.
  • Each tenant or business account must have the Video Intercom Mobile Directory User add-on. Each tenant pays for their own add-on and selects the device tier that fits their needs.

Both add-ons are organized into the same tiers (with 5 to 200 mobile devices per tier), and the device limits and pricing structure are the same for both.

Example: In a large office building, the property manager will have their own account with the Manager add-on (paying the fee for their chosen tier). Each business will have a separate account with the User add-on, and each business pays for the number of devices it wants to connect. The service provider can always increase these.

Small law firm (single account)

Scenario: Four staff members (reception, admin, two attorneys) will appear in the directory. The receptionist uses both a phone and an iPad.

Steps to set up:

  1. Install the doorbells and access control.
  2. Using the Partner Portal, add the Video Intercom Management add-on (5 devices).
  3. Using the Alarm.com customer website:
    1. Create logins for each staff member.
    2. Set up the directory and generate the QR code.
    3. Add all staff logins to the directory.
  4. Each staff member enrolls their chosen mobile devices in the Alarm.com app.
  5. Visitors scan the QR code to select the staff they want to call.
Office building (multiple businesses with separate accounts)

Scenario: Four businesses and a concierge; each business gets its own account. One business (a salon) wants three staff members in the directory.

Steps to set up:

  1. Install the doorbells and access control.
  2. Using the Partner Portal:
    1. Add the appropriate service package add-ons to the accounts:
      • The main property manager account should include Video, Access Control, and Video Intercom Management add-ons (5 devices).
      • Each of the business's separate accounts should include the Video Intercom User add-on (5 devices).
    2. Link each business account to the main property manager account.
  3. Using the Alarm.com customer website:
    1. Create logins for all recipients (concierge and each business’s staff).
    2. Set up the directory and generate the QR code using the main property manager account.
    3. Add all recipient logins to the directory.
  4. Each recipient enrolls their chosen mobile devices in the Alarm.com app.
  5. Visitors scan the QR code to select the recipient they want to call.
School with multiple entrances (single account)

Scenario: Three buildings, each with an entrance and two staff, plus an admin who covers all three.

Steps to set up:

  1. Install the doorbells and access control at each entrance.
  2. Using the Partner Portal, add the Video Intercom Management add-on (10 devices).
  3. Using the Alarm.com customer website:
    1. Create logins for each staff member and admin.
    2. Set up the directories and generate the QR code for each building.
    3. Create three separate directories (one per entrance), adding appropriate staff and the admin to each.
       
      Note: The admin will need to enroll for all three directories.
       
  4. Each staff member and admin enrolls their chosen mobile devices in the Alarm.com app.
  5. Visitors scan the QR code at each building to select the staff or admin they want to call.

 

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  2. Tags
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