Access Control Installation

Key Takeaways

The five steps of installing an access control system involve planning and designing, installing hardware, configuring, inspecting and testing, and onboarding users.
You need an access control system to monitor unauthorized activity on your property and make access convenient for your tenants.
The best access control system for commercial and residential properties is ButterflyMX.
You should consider your property’s needs, a wired or wireless system, the type of credential you want, and the costs of an access control system.
You can find an access control installer by using a search engine to find a local company that specializes in access control installation.

It’s essential to have the right professional handle your access control installation. These systems are complex, requiring the right experience for a successful installation. Otherwise, your system may not work as intended — and you could even end up voiding your warranty.

For that reason, this blog details how to find the right installer for your system. In addition, you’ll learn what to consider when choosing an access control system and the step-by-step installation process. Plus, we include a checklist to help you along the way.

This post covers:

5-step access control installation guide
Why do I need access control?
What is the best access control system?
What to consider before an access control installation
How to find an access control installer

5-step access control installation guide

By knowing the access control installation process, you can better prepare yourself for the day of installation.

Here are the five steps to installing an access control system:

Design and plan the installation
Install the access control system
Configure the system
Inspect and test
Onboard users

1. Design and plan the installation

After hiring an installer, they’ll closely inspect your property to create an installation action plan and ensure your building’s infrastructure can accommodate your system of choice.

Planning is essential for mitigating problems during the installation phase. It also helps identify potential challenges your property may present during installation.

2. Install the access control system

After designing and planning, it’s time to install the hardware. Your installer will handle a variety of hardware, some of which will vary based on your system.

The hardware you may see during an installation includes:

Door controllers
Power supplies
Card or fob readers
Keypads
Locks
Wiring

The time it takes to install all the various components will vary depending on the building, but it can range from 30 minutes to a few hours per entryway.

3. Configure the system

Next, your installer connects the system to the internet (if applicable) and inputs the necessary information for your property. At this time, the installer will also set up the initial admin accounts for testing purposes before handing them off to your team.

4. Inspect and test

Throughout the installation process, your installer will perform inspections and tests. However, a comprehensive inspection and test can’t be completed until all the hardware is installed.

Your installer will use valid and invalid credentials to test readers and door functionality. Simultaneously, they’ll thoroughly inspect every aspect of the system for errors or malfunctions. If the installer comes across problems, you can expect them to address the issue right away. It may involve calibrations to the software or hardware adjustments.

Regardless, you can expect your installer to fully inspect and test your access control system thoroughly before handing it off to you.

5. Onboard users

Lastly, the installer will onboard you and show you how to use the system, including both the hardware and software. Training administrators on the system is essential for preventing future challenges for users.

The installer will walk you through the user interface so you can add or remove tenants and edit access permissions. Moreover, the access control system will have plenty of other settings you can adjust once you are more familiar.

Afterward, you can start onboarding other staff members who need to manage the system.

Why do I need access control?

If you’re a property owner or manager, you need an access control system to monitor unauthorized activity on your property and make access convenient for your tenants.

Access control systems are important for commercial and residential properties because they protect buildings, assets, and people.

What is the best access control system?

The best access control system for commercial and residential properties is ButterflyMX.

Features you’ll experience with ButterflyMX include:

Remote property management. The cloud-based ButterflyMX system simplifies property management. This means building staff can integrate their property management software with the intercom to streamline building administration processes. Additionally, you’re free to manage your property both onsite and from a remote location with the ButterflyMX OS and mobile app.
Sleek design. The ButterflyMX IP video intercom has a 156° wide-angle camera that captures a broad picture of the surrounding area. Furthermore, it has a sleek design that instantly increases your building’s curb appeal.
Highly-rated mobile app. The part of the system that tenants will use the most is the mobile app. The ButterflyMX intercom empowers tenants to use their phone app as a credential and grants remote access to their visitors.
Integrations with other systems. The ButterflyMX intercom system easily integrates with a number of smart lock brands, which makes it easy for residents to control access from the front door to their unit door from one place.

What to consider before an access control installation

When deciding to install an access control system, there is a lot to consider, such as:

Property needs. Identify the internal and external security risks you wish to protect against. Also, consider the number of entryways you’d like to control. Answering these questions will help you determine the security needs your access control system should address.
Wired or wireless. Access control systems can be wired or wireless, each with its own pros and cons. Wired access control systems can cost more to install in existing buildings but won’t run into connectivity issues as often. Wireless systems, also known as cloud-based systems, are better options for existing buildings because they’re generally cheaper and easier to install.
Type of credential. There are many different types of credentials an access control system may use: key card, fob, PIN code, mobile phone, and biometric scan. Of these options, it’s up to you to decide what you want. Ideally, choosing an access control system that accepts multiple credentials is best. For example, a tenant may use their mobile phone to unlock the building entrance if they’ve lost their fob.
Costs. Finally, as with all purchases, the cost is a major factor to consider. Of course, the most obvious are the upfront costs like hardware and labor. But you should also consider the ongoing costs after installation. Your access control system may have a subscription fee after launch for any software it utilizes. Further, some newer or less robust systems will require regular maintenance. So, while you pay less upfront, you’ll wind up paying more in the long run. This is why we recommend you go with a highly reputable, established option like ButterflyMX.

Learn more about ButterflyMX:

How to find an access control installer

You can find an access control installer by using a search engine to find a local company that specializes in access control installation.

Additionally, if you already know what access control system you want, try reaching out to the company about finding a certified installer in your area. They’ll put you in touch with an installer that’s been vetted and approved by their team.

By choosing a certified installer, you benefit from:

Highest quality installation.
Faster installation process.
Intact product warranty.

In some cases, the company may employ its own installers. That way, you can be sure the installers meet strict access control installation requirements.

How long does it take to set up access control on a door?

Installation of a door access control system can take between two and five hours. This is highly dependent on the hardware and whether it’s wired or wireless.

After that, you’ll also need to spend time setting up the software and filling out the database to include each tenant that will need access.