ButterflyMX has become the leading smart intercom platform for multifamily and commercial buildings across the country. If your property is planning a ButterflyMX installation — or evaluating whether to upgrade from an existing intercom system — this guide covers what the process looks like and why the installer you choose matters significantly.
What ButterflyMX Does
ButterflyMX is a smartphone-based intercom and access control platform. At its core, it replaces traditional intercom systems with a panel that connects to residents’ phones.
For residents:
- Receive a video call on their smartphone when a visitor presses their unit number
- Open the building door from anywhere — no need to be home
- Grant one-time access codes to guests or delivery personnel
- Review a photo log of who visited while they were away
For property managers:
- Full audit trail of every entry event
- Manage the system entirely through a web dashboard
- Issue and revoke access credentials remotely
- Integration with leading property management platforms
For the building:
- Modern, architecturally clean panel design
- Eliminates wiring requirements for legacy intercom systems
- Positions the building as tech-forward for prospective residents
The Importance of Preferred Installer Status
ButterflyMX maintains a preferred installer program — a network of contractors who are factory-trained, authorized to install ButterflyMX systems, and able to provide direct manufacturer support to their clients.
This matters for several reasons:
Technical accuracy: ButterflyMX installations involve specific wiring configurations, network setup requirements, and software configuration that vary by building type. Preferred installers receive direct training from ButterflyMX on installation best practices.
Manufacturer support access: When issues arise post-installation, preferred installers have direct access to ButterflyMX technical support channels. An unauthorized installer has no such access — which means troubleshooting is slower and less reliable.
Warranty validity: Some hardware warranties are conditioned on installation by authorized contractors. Using a non-preferred installer may affect your coverage.
Ongoing updates: The ButterflyMX platform receives regular software updates. Preferred installers stay current with platform changes and can advise clients on new features and configuration adjustments.
What a ButterflyMX Installation Actually Involves
Site assessment: We review existing intercom wiring, panel locations, network access points, and system configuration requirements. For legacy system replacements, we document what’s being removed and what needs to be retained.
Wiring and infrastructure: Depending on the existing infrastructure, this may involve reusing existing cable runs, adding new runs, or both. For some building types, ButterflyMX’s cellular connectivity options reduce wiring requirements.
Panel installation: The ButterflyMX panel is installed at designated entry points. We ensure clean, code-compliant installation with appropriate weatherproofing for exterior applications.
System configuration: We configure the system in ButterflyMX’s platform — unit directory, access groups, integration settings, and management account setup.
Resident onboarding: We work with property management to onboard residents to the ButterflyMX app, ensuring everyone can use the system from day one.
Testing and handoff: Full system test across all entry points, management training, and documentation handoff.
Questions to Ask Your ButterflyMX Installer
Before committing to a ButterflyMX installation with any contractor, ask:
- Are you a ButterflyMX preferred installer? Can you verify this?
- What’s your warranty coverage on the hardware and installation?
- Have you done installations in buildings similar to mine?
- Who handles ongoing support after installation?
Innovative Developments LLC is a ButterflyMX preferred installer serving Maryland, Virginia, DC, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. We’re licensed, $5M insured, and back all installations with a 3-year hardware warranty.
Request a ButterflyMX installation quote for your property.