Looking for a modern solution to replace your old buzzer system? You’ve probably come across ButterflyMX in your search. This smart access control system has been making waves in the property management world, but what exactly is it?
In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ButterflyMX. Whether you’re a property manager, building owner, or just curious about modern intercom systems, this guide will help you understand if ButterflyMX is the right fit for your needs.
What is ButterflyMX, and how does it work?
ButterflyMX is a cloud-based access control and intercom system designed primarily for multifamily residential buildings, offices, and mixed-use properties. Think of it as the smartphone version of your old building buzzer system – but much smarter.
The butterfly system works by replacing traditional intercom panels with sleek, tablet-like devices that connect to the internet. When visitors arrive, they can call tenants through the ButterflyMX app on their phone, or use the building directory on the intercom panel itself.
Here’s where it gets interesting: instead of relying on landlines like old systems, ButterflyMX uses internet connectivity to route calls. This means tenants receive visitor calls directly on their smartphones, no matter where they are. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on vacation, you can answer the door and grant access remotely.
The system also generates temporary access codes for visitors, delivery drivers, and service providers. These codes work for specific time windows, so you don’t have to worry about unauthorized access later.
What makes ButterflyMX stand out is its focus on solving real-world problems. No more missed deliveries because you weren’t home. No more giving out permanent codes that compromise security. No more frustrated visitors who can’t reach you. Learn more about what the ButterflyMX system offers.
What hardware does ButterflyMX include?
The ButterflyMX hardware ecosystem includes several key components designed to work together seamlessly.
1. Intercom Panels
The main intercom panels are the most visible part of the system. These weatherproof, tablet-style devices replace traditional buzzer systems at building entrances. They feature high-definition cameras, two-way audio, and touchscreen interfaces that visitors use to contact residents.
The panels come in different sizes and configurations depending on your building’s needs. Some include keypads for PIN entry, while others rely purely on the touchscreen interface.
2. Door Controllers and Electric Strikes
Behind the scenes, ButterflyMX includes door controllers that manage the actual locking mechanisms. These work with various types of electric strikes, magnetic locks, and automatic door operators.
The butterfly access control system is flexible enough to work with most existing door hardware, which can save money during installation.
3. Package Room Solutions
For buildings with dedicated package rooms, ButterflyMX offers specialized hardware. This includes smart locks for package room doors and integration with package lockers from various manufacturers.
4. Elevator Controls
In high-rise buildings, ButterflyMX can integrate with elevator systems to provide seamless access. Residents and authorized visitors can use the same credentials to access both the building and specific floors.
How does ButterflyMX connect tenants, visitors, and property managers?
The magic of ButterflyMX happens in how it connects everyone involved in building access. It creates a digital ecosystem where tenants, visitors, and property managers can interact efficiently.
1. Tenant Connection
Tenants download the ButterflyMX mobile app and link it to their unit. When visitors call from the intercom panel, tenants receive the call on their smartphone – complete with a live video feed from the door camera.
Tenants can see who’s at the door, talk to them, and grant access with a simple tap. The app also lets tenants create guest passes for expected visitors, send access codes via text, and manage deliveries. Check out this guide on how to use ButterflyMX for more details.
2. Visitor Experience
Visitors interact with the system through the intercom panels or by using access codes texted to them by tenants. The interface is intuitive – they can search for residents by name or unit number, place calls, and receive access instructions.
For regular visitors like dog walkers or cleaning services, tenants can create recurring access schedules through the app. Learn about creating visitor passes for seamless guest management.
3. Property Manager Dashboard
Property managers get their own web-based dashboard where they can oversee the entire system. They can add or remove tenants, monitor access events, generate reports, and troubleshoot issues remotely. Find out more about the property management dashboard.
Is ButterflyMX different from a traditional intercom or key fob system?
Yes, ButterflyMX represents a significant departure from traditional building access systems. Understanding these differences will help you decide if the upgrade is worth it.
Traditional Systems
Old-school intercom systems typically use landline connections to route calls from the front door to individual units. Tenants need to be home to answer, and the audio quality is often poor. Key fob systems require physical proximity – you need to be at the door with your fob to gain access.
These systems are also difficult to manage. Adding new tenants requires programming new fobs or updating directories manually. There’s usually no record of who entered when, making security investigations challenging.
The ButterflyMX Difference
The butterfly intercom system puts everything in the cloud. Calls go to smartphones instead of landlines, so tenants can answer from anywhere. Video calling means you can see who’s at the door before deciding whether to let them in.
Management becomes largely automated. New tenants can be added remotely, and their access can be activated or deactivated instantly. The system maintains detailed logs of all access events.
Perhaps most importantly, ButterflyMX enables features that were impossible with traditional systems. Temporary access codes, guest passes, delivery notifications, and remote door unlocking all become standard capabilities.
The intercom system for home use has evolved dramatically, and ButterflyMX represents where the technology is heading. If you’re having issues with your current setup, this intercom troubleshooting guide might help determine if it’s time to upgrade.
How secure is ButterflyMX?
Security is obviously a top concern when choosing any access control system. ButterflyMX takes several approaches to protect buildings and residents.
1. Encryption and Data Protection
All communications between the hardware, mobile apps, and cloud servers use bank-level encryption. This means even if someone intercepts the data, they can’t read or use it.
User data is stored in secure cloud infrastructure with redundant backups and regular security audits. ButterflyMX is SOC 2 Type II compliant, which means they’ve been independently verified to meet strict security standards.
2. Access Controls
The system uses multiple layers of authentication. Temporary access codes expire automatically, and guest passes can be limited to specific dates and times. Property managers can instantly revoke access for any user.
Unlike physical keys or fobs that can be copied, digital access credentials are much harder to compromise. If a tenant’s phone is stolen, their access can be disabled remotely within minutes.
3. Audit Trails
Every entry attempt is logged with timestamps, photos, and user information. This creates a comprehensive audit trail that can be invaluable for security investigations.
However, no system is perfect. ButterflyMX relies on internet connectivity, so network outages can affect functionality. The company provides backup access methods for these situations.
What does the ButterflyMX mobile app allow tenants to do?
The ButterflyMX mobile app is where tenants interact with the system daily. It’s designed to be intuitive while offering powerful features.
1. Basic Access Functions
Tenants can answer door calls with live video, grant access to visitors, and unlock doors remotely. The app shows a clear video feed from the door camera, making it easy to identify visitors.
2. Guest Management
One of the most popular features is guest pass creation. Tenants can generate time-limited access codes for visitors and send them via text or email. These codes work only during specified time windows and automatically expire.
For regular visitors like dog walkers or housekeepers, tenants can set up recurring access schedules. The system will automatically grant access during predetermined times.
3. Delivery Coordination
The app includes features specifically for managing deliveries. Tenants can create delivery passes for expected packages, and delivery drivers can use these to access the building and package rooms.
When packages arrive, tenants receive notifications through the app. Some buildings integrate with smart package lockers, and the app can provide locker access codes.
There are multiple ways to open doors with ButterflyMX, and even options for those who prefer using ButterflyMX without a smartphone.
Can ButterflyMX integrate with other building systems or smart devices?
Modern buildings often use multiple technology systems, so integration capabilities are crucial when choosing an access control solution.
1. Property Management Software
ButterflyMX integrates with popular property management platforms like Yardi, RealPage, and AppFolio. This allows property managers to sync tenant information automatically, reducing manual data entry and potential errors.
2. Smart Home Devices
The system can work with various smart home technologies. Some tenants integrate ButterflyMX with their home automation systems to trigger lights, alarms, or other devices when visitors are granted access.
3. Building Automation Systems
In commercial and mixed-use buildings, ButterflyMX can integrate with broader building automation systems. This might include HVAC controls, lighting systems, or security cameras.
4. Package Management
The system integrates with package locker providers like Luxer One and Package Concierge. This creates a seamless experience where visitors can access both the building and package storage areas using the same credentials.
How does ButterflyMX handle package deliveries and visitor management?
Package delivery and visitor management are two areas where ButterflyMX really shines compared to traditional systems.
1. Package Delivery Solutions
The traditional approach to package delivery in multifamily buildings is problematic. Delivery drivers either can’t access the building, leave packages in unsecured lobbies, or interrupt tenants at inconvenient times.
ButterflyMX solves this with delivery passes. Tenants can create time-limited access codes specifically for expected deliveries. These codes work only during business hours or other specified times.
2. Visitor Management Features
Managing visitors becomes much easier with ButterflyMX. Instead of giving out building codes that never change, tenants can create specific guest passes for each visitor.
These passes can be customized with specific date ranges, time restrictions, and even recurring schedules. A dog walker might get access every Tuesday and Thursday between 2-4 PM, for example.
3. Real-Time Notifications
The system sends notifications when visitors use their access codes, so tenants always know when someone enters the building on their behalf. This provides accountability and peace of mind.
What types of buildings use ButterflyMX most often?
ButterflyMX is designed primarily for multifamily residential buildings, but it’s found applications in various property types.
1. Multifamily Residential
This is ButterflyMX’s primary market. Apartment buildings, condominiums, and mixed-use residential properties make up the majority of installations.
The system works particularly well in buildings with 20-500 units. Smaller buildings may not need all the features, while very large buildings might require more robust enterprise solutions.
2. Student Housing
College and university housing presents unique challenges with high tenant turnover and complex visitor management needs. ButterflyMX’s ability to quickly add and remove users makes it popular in this sector.
3. Commercial and Office Buildings
While less common, some office buildings use ButterflyMX for visitor management and employee access control. The guest pass features work well for managing client visits and contractor access.
4. Mixed-Use Properties
Buildings that combine residential, retail, and office spaces benefit from ButterflyMX’s flexible access control. Different user types can be granted access to specific areas of the building.
How much does ButterflyMX cost, and are there ongoing subscription fees?
Understanding the cost structure is crucial for budget planning. ButterflyMX uses a subscription-based pricing model rather than a one-time purchase.
1. Hardware Costs
The initial hardware investment varies based on building size and configuration. Basic intercom panels typically start around $1,500-$2,500 per door, though prices can vary based on features and installation requirements.
A typical installation for a 50-unit building might range from $10,000-$25,000 for hardware alone.
2. Monthly Subscription Fees
ButterflyMX charges monthly fees per unit, typically ranging from $10-$25 per unit depending on the features and service level selected. This covers cloud hosting, mobile app access, software updates, and customer support.
For a 50-unit building, monthly subscription costs might range from $500-$1,250, or $6,000-$15,000 annually.
3. Installation and Setup
Professional installation is usually required and adds to the total cost. Installation fees vary based on building complexity, existing infrastructure, and local labor costs.
4. Long-Term Value
While the monthly fees represent an ongoing expense, many properties find that ButterflyMX pays for itself through reduced management overhead, fewer lockouts, improved tenant satisfaction, and enhanced security.
What are the pros and cons of choosing ButterflyMX over competitors?
Like any technology solution, ButterflyMX has both advantages and limitations compared to alternative systems. Here’s a comprehensive comparison:
| Pros | Cons |
| Mobile-first approach – Tenants can manage access from anywhere using smartphones | High ongoing costs – Monthly subscription fees can be expensive, especially for smaller buildings |
| Video calling – Live video feed provides security and convenience over audio-only systems | Internet dependency – Network outages can disrupt building access and functionality |
| Advanced package management – Delivery passes, package room integration, and real-time notifications | Technology requirements – Requires smartphones and tenant comfort with mobile apps |
| Easy to use – Intuitive mobile app interface and property management dashboard | Limited offline functionality – Backup access methods are less convenient than primary system |
| Comprehensive audit trails – Detailed logs of all access events with timestamps and photos | Installation complexity – May require infrastructure upgrades and professional installation |
| Flexible guest management – Time-limited access codes and recurring visitor schedules | Tenant adoption challenges – Some residents may struggle with technology or prefer traditional methods |
| Remote management – Property managers can add/remove tenants and troubleshoot issues remotely | Subscription lock-in – Ongoing monthly fees with no option for one-time purchase |
| Integration capabilities – Works with property management software and building automation systems | Feature complexity – May offer more features than smaller buildings actually need |
