ButterflyMX cloud-based video intercom system is fast becoming a favorite for multi-family buildings around Chicagoland and the country. The attractive, convenient device gives residents more options for welcoming guests, improves package delivery security protocols, and makes entryway administration worlds easier for you as the property manager.
Anderson Lock is a proud certified business partner with ButterflyMX, delivering complete property access and security with confidence and style. We believe the folks at ButterflyMX are leading the way into the future of not only multi-family apartment buildings but commercial properties, gated communities, and student housing.
The Saturday Night Boiler Breakdown Problem
Imagine you’re enjoying game night with your family on a Saturday night, and you get a call from a tenant—the boiler has gone out in one of your buildings. Obviously, you need to act, but the super is out of town and you’re already in your pajamas and really don’t want to drive out there yourself to let the boiler repair guys in.
Major disruptions to your free time are part of the costs of managing a property, though, right?
They don’t have to be! You’ve installed a Butterfly entry system at the property. So, without leaving the game table, you open an app on your phone, and in a few clicks you’ve set up a temporary code that you send to the technicians. A few hours later, while you’re brushing your teeth, you get an update from them: Everything’s up and running again.
Happy tenants, happy family, happy you.
Something just like this happened to Paul Xuereb, vice president and property manager at Tri-Star Equities, a major New York property management firm. They had just installed a ButterflyMX intercom system at the property, which they chose because it was affordable and had the most intuitive app. He had already heard from tenants that they liked how easy it was to use and had fewer problems with missing packages. Notably, his elderly residents said it made it easier for them to grant access to their families, nurses, and caregivers.
But Xuereb says it was the Saturday night boiler breakdown that convinced him to get Butterfly systems for all his properties.
An Introduction to the ButterflyMX Entry System
ButterflyMX, or just Butterfly, is your new favorite property management tool.
At its core, ButterflyMX is a video intercom system that allows remote administration and control of your entryways. But it’s also a complete, customizable, multi-layered security system that includes:
- Smart locks
- Security cameras
- Elevator controls
- Front-desk stations
- Package room access controls
- Hands-free vehicle access devices
With ButterflyMX, you can create a seamless access control system that is easy to manage and offers a hi-tech, enjoyable experience for your residents and their guests.
A Favorite Access Control & Intercom Solution for Apartment Buildings
ButterflyMX is growing quickly as it is becoming a favorite intercom choice for multi-family buildings. In one quarter of 2019, 1 in 3 multi-family buildings chose Butterfly when it came time for a new intercom system. And 9 out of 10 multi-family building property managers chose Butterfly when they wanted a video intercom system.
Currently, Butterfly is in some 17,000 buildings comprising over 250,000 units. Around 1.5 million people use a Butterfly access point every day.
ButterflyMX’s Simple Technology
One reason we love ButterflyMX is its simplicity. The intercom units only need three connections:
- Power
- Internet
- Door strike
There’s no need for an expensive and disruptive rewiring project, and the devices mount without major modifications to your building. You enroll and disenroll users from the app.
Leveraging the Cloud
ButterflyMX is a cloud-based access control system, meaning you interact through an app like you do any other app on your phone. Imagine being able to speak to visitors, unlock your doors, or create temporary passes without having to interrupt your spin session. You can also stop trying to coordinate physical key management with all the different couriers; all they need is their code.
Two-Way Audio and Video
Residents can interact with visitors through video or voice anywhere they have their phone. They don’t even have to be home! Video can be especially useful in verifying the identities of visitors claiming to be from utility or service companies.
The Best Reasons to Choose a Butterfly Intercom System
For Residents and Tenants:
- Enhanced security Residents love seeing who is at the door and often report feeling safer with a modern access control system. In fact, about ⅔ of tenants say they would pay a higher rent if the building had video doorbells or keyless entry.
- Convenience Residents feel empowered when they don’t have to run to the wall-mounted intercom or hope they’re home when a courier comes.
- Resident experience Butterfly systems are just cool, and users feel like they’re living in a modern building with a management company that knows how to stay relevant.
For Property Managers
- Convenient management tools The cloud-based app gives you insights and information anywhere at any time.
- Easy credentialing and access control Getting rid of keys means less concern with loss or theft or old keys breaking off in the lock. Instead, you can set up and revoke access in mere minutes.
- Improved retention and curb appeal As more digital natives enter the housing market, electronic access control systems are becoming more and more an expectation. Install a Butterfly system on your multi-family building and you’ll see greater tenant retention and more interest from prospective tenants.
What Butterfly Users Have to Say About Them
Butterfly boasts a lot of happy customers, which you can read more about on their site. There are several clear themes that make Butterfly stand out:
- They work Butterfly intercoms are well-built systems that work from day one.
- They’re easy Managers and tenants find Butterfly very easy to use
- They’re a great product People aren’t just satisfied with their Butterfly intercoms, they love them.
- Their customer service is amazing If you’ve ever worked with a vendor or contractor, you know how important customer service is to the overall experience. Property managers love their Butterfly reps and praise their responsiveness and helpfulness.
Our Favorite ButterflyMX Features
The Butterfly security system gives you a lot of options to customize your access control system to your building’s and tenants’ needs. Our favorite features are the ones that improve the overall building experience for your tenants, guests, and visitors.
Video Intercom Technology
Older intercom systems often create cumbersome interactions because of their clunky designs. The doorbell is jarring, you have to push the right buttons at the right time or you won’t hear one another, even when you do hear one another, the sound quality is wretched, and the door alarm buzzer is jarring and unpleasant.
With a video intercom, you can see one another’s faces and talk as conveniently as you do on FaceTime. For property managers, there’s the added benefit of users being able to visually confirm the identities of visitors at the door.
Remote Door Controls
Residents love this, though some property managers get nervous when they hear about it. Yes, with the ButterflyMX app, you can unlock the door from anywhere in the world with a swipe of your finger, but this is a benefit, not a cause for concern!
Think about it from your tenants’ perspective. A guest rings the bell while you’re in the kitchen? You don’t have to walk down the hall to the intercom, just swipe on your phone to let them in. Forgot to get someone to water your plants while on vacation? No need to worry about keys; you can let them in without leaving the hotel pool.
For you as the property manager, remote access means fewer opportunities for would-be thieves to try to trick residents. Plus, it’s also easy to let someone in if they forgot their PIN or if they’re taking a self-guided tour.
Virtual Keys
This may be the best feature of the Butterfly system. You can set up access codes for couriers or maintenance and cleaning staff right in the app. Your tenants can create time-bound access codes for their guests, including dog walkers and house cleaners.
There’s no need to meet to exchange keys or to hide a key under a rock. Plus, you know exactly who is using their codes and at what time.
Package Room and Delivery Controls
As we’ve already noted, Butterfly allows you to credential couriers so they can leave packages indoors. With package delivery increasing about 15% per year, we can expect to see a corresponding rise in package theft.
Butterfly has a specific solution for package rooms that time stamps and video records deliveries and notifies residents. It also records when residents pick up their packages, so it can reduce in-building theft as well.
Sidewalk-to-Sofa Access Control
Butterfly calls itself a sidewalk-to-sofa solution because its devices work seamlessly with one another at every security point. This is especially useful for apartment and office buildings with elevator access controls that normally require the resident to meet their guest or the presence of front desk staff. Butterfly’s elevator controls allow guests to use the same credentials to get into the building and to get to the right floor. You don’t need to generate a visitor pass or get up to swipe a key card.
Top-of-the-Line Security Features
We trust Butterfly because they’re more than a pretty user interface. They’ve done the work to create a secure system that gives you peace of mind.
- Cloud-based software Butterfly systems automatically update to improve the software or to address emerging security concerns.
- Encrypted data All your residents’ communications through the system are encrypted to prevent digital theft.
- Wide-angle camera The video intercom camera has a 156° field of vision, which is just a little less than a single human eye.
- Real-time data Butterfly devices log every entrance and exit with a date, time, and user ID.
Customizable Options for All Users
The most popular way people use Butterfly in apartment buildings is through the app, meaning they literally use their phone like a hands-free key. But Butterfly gives you plenty of other options.
If you like key cards or key fobs, you can certainly get those. If someone’s phone dies or is on the fritz, they can use a PIN to get in. Or you can upgrade to a facial recognition system.
But what if someone doesn’t have a smartphone?
We haven’t been avoiding this question, just waiting for the right time. It’s true that around 9% of people in the U.S. do not have a smartphone. That’s no problem for Butterfly: Those residents will receive a phone call from guests and can use their phone’s keypad to admit them.
Become a Leader Among Multi-Family Building Managers in Your Area with ButterflyMX
We hope it’s clear why we love ButterflyMX’s range of electronic security products. We think property managers and owners who upgrade their multi-family buildings (or commercial, student housing, or gated community structures) with a Butterfly system will become leaders in their area. A ButterflyMX system sets your property apart, improving your residents’ experience and attracting new tenants who will feel greater satisfaction with their living situations.
Call us today to learn more about how you could upgrade to a ButterflyMX video intercom and security system.
ButterflyMX Intercom Systems for Apartment Buildings
What is a ButterflyMX intercom system?
ButterflyMX is a cloud-based video intercom and access control system designed for apartment buildings, student housing, gated communities, and commercial properties. It allows residents and property managers to manage building access remotely through a smartphone app, PIN codes, key fobs, or other credentials.
How does ButterflyMX improve apartment building security?
ButterflyMX strengthens security by combining video verification, encrypted cloud-based software, real-time entry logs, and customizable credentials. Property managers can instantly issue or revoke access, monitor entry activity, and reduce risks associated with lost keys or unauthorized duplication.
Can residents unlock the door remotely with ButterflyMX?
Yes. Residents can see and speak to visitors through live video and unlock the door from anywhere using their smartphone. This allows them to grant access to guests, delivery drivers, or service providers without being physically present at the building.
Is ButterflyMX suitable for buildings without existing wiring infrastructure?
One of the major advantages of ButterflyMX is its simplified installation. The system typically requires power, internet, and a connection to the door strike. This minimizes the need for expensive rewiring or disruptive construction projects.
How does ButterflyMX help with package delivery security?
ButterflyMX allows property managers to credential couriers with time-limited access codes. The system can also support package room access controls with video recording and time stamps, reducing package theft and improving delivery accountability.
Can property managers create temporary access codes?
Yes. Managers can generate temporary or time-based access credentials for maintenance technicians, cleaning crews, contractors, or prospective tenants. These credentials can be created and revoked directly from the app in minutes.
Does ButterflyMX work if a resident doesn’t have a smartphone?
Yes. Residents without smartphones can receive a phone call from a visitor and use their phone’s keypad to grant entry. Additional options such as PIN codes, key cards, or fobs can also be used depending on system configuration.
How does ButterflyMX compare to traditional intercom systems?
Traditional intercom systems are often limited to audio-only communication and require residents to be home to grant access. ButterflyMX offers two-way video, remote unlocking, cloud management, and real-time data logging, making it more flexible and convenient for both residents and managers.
Is ButterflyMX secure from a data standpoint?
ButterflyMX uses encrypted communications and cloud-based software that automatically updates to address emerging security concerns. Entry events are logged with time and user identification for accountability and audit purposes.
Can ButterflyMX integrate with other building systems?
Yes. ButterflyMX can integrate with smart locks, elevator controls, vehicle access devices, front desk stations, and security cameras to create a comprehensive sidewalk-to-sofa access control solution.
Why do property managers choose ButterflyMX?
Property managers value ButterflyMX for its ease of use, remote management capabilities, improved tenant satisfaction, reduced key management headaches, and modern curb appeal that helps attract and retain residents.
How can Anderson Lock help with ButterflyMX installation?
As a certified ButterflyMX partner, Anderson Lock provides consultation, system design, professional installation, and ongoing support. Our team helps ensure your building’s intercom and access control system is properly configured, secure, and code-compliant.