Door Station Recommendation

Hello,

I'm looking for input on a door station.

Initially we tried the Axis A8207-VE. Only for a few hours before removing it, mostly because I think we were all a bit upset at it. This was the experience;

The camera/audio was fine. SIP integration worked fine (through Asterisk/FreePBX). But the installer didn't realize that the integrated reader was pretty pointless because we use 13.56MHz HID Seos credentials that simply won't read at all. Then they were going to try to use the keypad to allow PIN access through the door. But from what I can gather the keys are sent in 4 bit bursts and the controllers expect a full 26 bit code and neither door station or controller can accommodate the other. My manager wanted PIN OR Keycard access for employees since we have lots of 2/3+ role employees, not dedicated security or receptionists, and when employees forget their card it can become a real inconvenience. At that point I think the realization that, at least for access control, this device was useless hit home. And for the cost I think everyone felt really annoyed.

The area being secured in an unattended "lobby". During working hours delivery people and guests will be allowed to enter into this "holding area", but will need to be granted access any further into the building by being "buzzed in" or someone manually opening the door. There are 2 individuals on the other side of the door that will be primary contacts, but since they have multiple roles within the company and aren't always sitting at their desks, we will need to call other areas of the building or provide some form of on-site roaming notification.

Initially my wish list looked like this;

SIP PBX integration for audio, video, and door release

Call button (LCD based directory or something would be cool)

RFID reader (work with HID Seos)

Key pad to dial SIP extensions and input PIN to unlock door

RTSP/ONVIF

Since that time, I've come to realize there are a few other wish list features and things I might be taking for granted that they would all do well;

Respectable audio (crazy that you have to list that as a requirement)

Decent camera (what's the point of getting one with a camera if it sucks)

Desktop and mobile applications for audio, video, and door release (I didn't initially realize axis companion was a thing)

Audio, video, and door release integration with VMS (specifically Exacq, which we don't use right now but corporate does)

I started looking at a few alternatives but I think they all fail in some form or another.

2N seems to be the ONLY all-in-one option. It appears they sell a 13.56 "secure" module that reads "HID SIO-enalbed" credentials. They have the display module with a call button, directory, and keypad as well. Appears they do SIP integrations fine. However I'm reading that their cameras aren't all that great? And their mobile/desktop software might cost money and not be all that reliable? Also, how are their VMS integrations?

Grandstream GDS3710 seems like it does a LOT for the money (<$300). Like the Axis, the access control features are pointless. They have input AND output for Wiegand. Motion detection. Flush mount (Axis doesn't). Has ONVIF (profile S), RTSP, and obviously SIP. But little info is out there on this device and really wish I could find out more. No idea on VMS integration (Exacq). No idea on camera and audio quality (although a few videos I saw seemed OK). Software for remote access (mobile/desktop) is very different. They don't have a comparable to "Axis companion". You can use their SIP softphone (G-Wave) on your smartphone for audio, video, and door release. You could theoretically get that to work "outside your LAN" if you setup a secure method for SIP registration (which isn't really easy to do RIGHT if you don't want you phone server hacked). Then again, Axis companion, from what I can tell, doesn't allow applying limits to when a user can control the door station (time, location, etc...ie "geofencing"). So if all you wanted was "roaming users on-site" to have control of the door you might not even want something like Axis companion.However Axis can do both with SIP or companion app, where Grandstream can only do one method. I could probably live with that if I knew it could integrate with VMS solutions and audio/video was good quality.

AIPhone IX Series 2. These seem to be the IP based and SIP compatible products they sell. Again, no idea on audio and video quality, or VMS integration, or their mobile/desktop software options (I think mobile costs money). But the IX-MV7 models seem really cool feature wise with their LCD screens. And they have this "receptionist mode" (HERE) which seems really nice.

Mobotix. I know very little about what they offer.

Commend. No idea where to start. Looks expensive. But the Concerto (ID5/OD10) looks awesome.

I was initially going to really push for the 2N to replace the Axis. But the bad audio comments and sub-par video REALLY kill what otherwise seems like a good product. Tack on the mobile software costing additional money.

So now I'm thinking the best option is to just get a HID reader (with pin pad) compatible with our HID Seos cards to go alongside a door station. I'd probably get the Grandstream GDS3710 if I could find people with experience with it and have tested integration with VMS solutions, and just forget about off-site mobile access. But since I can't find anyone that has reviewed or used them extensively I'm almost feeling forced to go with the Axis, which is way more costly but still lacking in areas I don't feel it should for the cost. I know Axis bought 2N. They need to get on making a product that combines the best of both of these already.