Swiftlane: SwiftReader X Installation
Swiftlane Reader X Challenge:
Replacing an Outdated Gate Intercom System
At Guardian Angel Lock & Security, we believe a property’s first impression is its first line of defense. The entry point, be it a lobby door or a front gate, speaks volumes about security, modernity, and the care taken for residents and visitors. That’s why we’re not just installers; we’re specialists in transforming these crucial access points from vulnerabilities into statements of security. An old, failing intercom doesn’t just look bad; it sends a message of vulnerability. It tells potential intruders that security is an afterthought. Conversely, a sleek, modern video access system signals that the property is protected by cutting-edge technology, acting as a powerful deterrent. This transformation is at the heart of what we do.
Recently, our team was called to a property facing a common challenge. Their front gate was secured by an older Doorking telephone entry system. As the “before” photo shows, the unit was a product of a different era: a scuffed, stainless steel panel with a small, dim LCD screen and a simple keypad. While our client noted it had been “top of the line” when first installed years ago, its time had passed. Technology had lapped it, and its limitations were becoming a daily point of frustration and, more importantly, a significant security gap. This wasn’t just an aesthetic issue; it was a functional liability that was compromising the safety of the entire community.
The Challenge: The Anxiety of “Blind” Access
The property manager’s main complaint was one we hear often: the old system was fundamentally “outdated and not secure.” It was, in their words, “just a buzzing-in system.” This created a scenario of “blind access.” A visitor would press a button, a resident’s phone would ring, and the resident would have to grant access based on voice alone, with no way to visually verify who was actually at the gate. Was it the pizza delivery driver they were expecting, or someone opportunistic standing just out of view? This daily uncertainty was a source of constant anxiety for residents.
For the property manager, the problems ran even deeper. In today’s world, that’s a security risk that is no longer acceptable. There was no log of who came and went. There was no visual record of attempted entries, suspicious persons, or vandalism. Managing guest access was a nightmare, relying on handing out physical keys or static codes that could be easily shared, written down, or compromised.
There was no audit trail. If an incident occurred, there was no way to know who had entered the property and when. The system was a black box, a liability in an age that demands accountability and data. They were ready to upgrade to a system that provided true peace of mind and, just as importantly, total control.
The Solution: Consultation and the SwiftLane Reader X
Our intercom specialist at Guardian Angel Lock & Security began with a detailed consultation. This is the most critical step. We don’t just sell boxes; we listen to the client’s pain points, walk the property, and design a complete, integrated solution. The client’s needs were clear:
- Verification: They needed to see who was at the gate before granting access. Non-negotiable.
- Convenience: They wanted a modern, frictionless entry method for authorized users. Residents should feel delighted, not burdened, by their own security.
- Control: They needed a better, more secure way to manage guest entry, deliveries, and contractors, preferably from a central, cloud-based platform.
With these goals in mind, the perfect solution was identified: the SwiftLane Reader X Video Intercom. This cutting-edge device is a complete smart access control system that directly addresses every one of the client’s concerns. We explained that this system would be a quantum leap forward. We weren’t just replacing a keypad; we were installing a cloud-managed security hub. It offers high-definition video calling, a mobile app for remote unlocking, secure digital PINs, and a sleek, intuitive touchscreen.
The client was immediately most excited about two features in particular. First was the video intercom itself. The ability for residents to receive a video call on their smartphone, see a crystal-clear, wide-angle feed of the visitor, and then grant or deny access from anywhere in the world was a game-changer. This single feature eliminated the “blind access” anxiety completely.
Second, they were thrilled about the NFC entry. For authorized users, this meant no more fumbling for keys or clunky fobs. They could simply tap their phone, just like using Apple Pay, for seamless and secure access. We also highlighted the power of temporary PINs. The property manager could now generate time-sensitive codes for deliveries, cleaning crews, or contractors, all from their web dashboard. The code would work for its allotted time and then automatically expire. This combination, NFC for residents, video verification for guests, and temporary PINs for services, represented the perfect blend of high-security and high-convenience.
The Installation: A Three-Day Custom Retrofit
A project of this nature is not a simple swap. This was a complex custom retrofit that would take our expert technicians, Felix and Brandon, three full days of meticulous work to complete, demanding precision, patience, and expert problem-solving. A successful installation isn’t just about making it work; it’s about making it last.
The first step was to carefully decommission and power down the old Doorking unit. Once removed, we were left with what we expected: a rough, uneven cutout in a beautiful stone pillar that was not at all suited for the new, sleek SwiftLane Reader X device. The client specifically requested a clean, flush-mount look, which meant the new intercom had to sit perfectly level and integrated into the stone, not just bolted on top. This is the difference between a professional installation and a sloppy afterthought.
This is where the real challenge began. The main hurdle wasn’t the wiring which, fortunately, was already in place and tested good but the pillar itself. To achieve that seamless, factory-finish look, our team had to meticulously excavate and chisel the concrete and stone of the pillar.
This was surgical work. With dust barriers up to protect the property, Felix and Brandon began the slow, precise process of chiseling the hard material, millimeter by millimeter, to perfectly match the dimensions of the new Reader X. There is no room for error in a task like this; one slip could crack the surrounding stone, and over-chiseling would ruin the flush-mount effect, potentially allowing water to seep in. It was loud, dusty, and required the steady hands of true craftsmen, trading off with the heavy-duty tools to avoid fatigue and maintain precision.
While modifying the pillar, the team was also fabricating a custom wood frame for the Swiftlane Reader X. As the in-progress photos show, this internal chassis was designed to sit inside the newly excavated slot, providing a secure and perfectly level mounting point for the intercom. This custom piece was essential for anchoring the SwiftLane Reader X securely within the pillar. It also serves as an isolation barrier, protecting the electronics from moisture and ensuring the unit will remain stable and weatherproof for years, even under direct rain and sun. This is the kind of unseen detail that defines a Guardian Angel installation.
After three days of chiseling, fabrication, and careful fitting, the new cavity was perfect. The team expertly terminated the existing wiring, connected the new system to the network, and slid the SwiftLane Reader X into its custom-built home. The fit was seamless. After completing the final wiring and applying weatherproof sealing, the new SwiftLane Reader X was booted up. The brilliant, modern touchscreen lit up, a stark and beautiful contrast to the dated unit it replaced.
The Result: A Modern, Secure Entry
The “after” photo says it all. We successfully transitioned the property from a dated, vulnerable keypad to a high-tech, high-security video intercom system. This seamless installation by the Guardian Angel Lock & Security team provides a reliable, easy-to-use access solution that finally gives the property manager the control and peace of mind they were looking for. They now have a full, cloud-based audit trail of every entry event, complete with a photo. They can manage resident access and add/remove users from their phone in seconds, rather than making a service call.
SwiftLane Reader X
The client was elated with the result, not just with the new technology, but with the craftsmanship of the installation itself. They remarked on how the new unit looked like it had been a part of the pillar from day one. The feedback from residents was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. The “tap-to-enter” NFC feature was a “wow” moment, and the peace of mind from video verification was priceless.
They were so pleased, in fact, that we already have plans to return and install a second SwiftLane Reader X unit on another part of the property. This project is a perfect example of the Guardian Angel promise: we don’t just overcome challenges, we master them. We listen, we plan, and we execute with precision, leaving behind a flawless installation that enhances security, convenience, and property value.
Learn more about Swiftlane Reader X or other intercom options
Learn more about our Products here:
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)
Rekeying/Cylinder Combination Change
Card Access Control Systems/Keyless Entry
DoorKing
