For residents and workers in NYC buildings, access control is a major part of their daily routines. As a result, every lock, gate, and intercom on your property is an opportunity for you to make your tenants’ lives better and more secure.
This post explains what access control is and why it’s important in New York. Then, we go over what you should look for in an access system for your own property. After, we help you find an access control installer in NYC. Finally, we outline the best choice for access control systems in NYC.
This post covers:
- Choosing an access control system in NYC
- NYC properties that require access control
- 5 best NYC access control installers
- NYC access control repair
- Best NYC access control system
Choosing an access control system in NYC
Controlling access is about more than installing an intercom system. Whether it’s in the heart of Manhattan or Brooklyn, the property you manage may be residential, commercial, or mixed-use. In any case, NYC property managers should seek the following features in an access control system to provide the best possible experience for residents.
The best access control systems feature:
1. Cloud-based software
When a system is cloud-based, your staff can edit residents’ access permissions from anywhere, with any device. They can do this even if they’re off-site.
In addition to increased convenience, cloud-based software takes some of the work off your plate, too. Do you keep tenant information on an onsite server? If so, you’ll have to pay for server upkeep and security. Instead, let a cloud-based access system handle it for you.
2. Multiple credentials
The best access systems don’t limit residents to just one way of opening the door.
There are many different types of credentials, including:
- Keys
- PINs
- Smartphone apps
- Key fobs
Each comes with pros and cons. For example, with key fob entry systems for buildings, a resident might easily lose a fob. Or, their phones might be out of battery when they reach the door.
Cover all of your bases by giving your residents multiple ways to open the door.
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
3. Integrations
You may be adding new hardware to an existing access control system, or you might want to use old hardware with a new central hub. Either way, integrations are an important factor that set the best NYC access systems apart.
For example, you might decide to install an additional keypad or smart lock in your building.
If your new equipment can’t integrate with your existing system, then you’d need to keep track of multiple systems. This increases the chances of error and the amount of time it’ll take to fully update somebody’s access permissions.
But integration-friendly access hardware ensures that the changes you make affect every device on your property.
4. Reasonable cost
The cost of installing an access control system in NYC ranges from about $500 to $10,000 or more. Installation pricing depends primarily on which type of access system you install.
- NYC intercom installation costs anywhere from about $500 up to $20,000 or more, depending on the system and your building’s infrastructure. Wireless intercoms are cheaper to install than wired systems.
- Key fob/key card system installation costs roughly $500 to $5,000 per door. You’ll also have to factor in the cost of fobs, which usually cost between $1 – $5 per fob.
- Vehicle access control system installation costs anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 or more. Certain systems, like license plate readers, will likely cost more to install than vehicle readers that scan windshield tags.
NYC properties that require access control
New York City is the most populous city in the United States. As a result, most properties in NYC house multifamily apartments, businesses, and mixed-use spaces. To get the most out of an access control system, consider your property’s unique features.
Properties in NYC that need access control include:
NYC apartment access control
A feature-rich access control system isn’t just a luxury in today’s rental market — it’s a necessity.
Residents get lots of visitors to their apartments. Whether their visitors are friends, service providers like dog walkers, or delivery couriers, residents depend on access control systems to help those visitors get into the building.
The best access control systems come with features like smartphone-based unlocking and delivery access codes. These allow a resident to open the door for their visitors even if they’re across town.
Commercial access control in NYC
These days, remote work is a fact of modern life. And for commercial office managers, that might mean embracing flex office plans to appeal to tenants. It might even mean converting some floors to residential or mixed-use to keep your occupancy levels high.
Whatever the case, the right commercial access control system makes onboarding and removing tenants from your system a breeze. Choose a system with features like cloud-based software or an integrated system that pushes changes to every keypad, lock, and door on your property at once.
5 best NYC access control installers
The best way to install an access control system in NYC is to contact the manufacturer. From there, you can request a certified installer.
Manufacturer certifications ensure that your intercom installer has the expertise required to install the access system correctly. Plus, you can take advantage of company policies like warranties. However, if you go with an installer who isn’t certified, you risk voiding the warranty.
If you’re set on finding an installer yourself, you can always ask them whether they’re certified before you hire them.
The best access control installation companies in NYC include:
1. Vertex Security
Google Rating: 4.8 / 5
Vertex Security is an NYC-based installation company that serves all five boroughs. And while their installation work is top-notch, they also offer other services that will increase your property’s security.
They can help you out no matter where you are in the building construction and maintenance process. Further, Vertex offers security assessments that help you decide which hardware you’ll need in an existing building. They can also offer assistance during the earlier stages of planning a building to increase the security of your property from the get-go.
2. Lock City
Google Rating: 5 / 5
Based in Great Neck, Lock City offers repair and installation services across New York City and Long Island.
Lock City has a handle on today’s most cutting-edge access control systems.
In addition to installing analog hardware, they can install electronic access hardware like:
- Alarm systems
- Locks
- Cameras
They also specialize in wiring and cabling to ensure that your property’s internet and data needs are met.
3. Cismycro Business Solutions
Google Rating: 5 / 5
Cismycro Business Solutions is a Queens-based installation and repair company that caters specifically to businesses and commercial properties.
In addition to standard installation duties, Cismycro will also integrate your existing access control hardware. So, you can manage all of your devices using the same dashboard — even if they’re from different manufacturers.
4. Paragon Security
Google Rating: 4.8 / 5
Paragon Security is based in the West Village. Founded in 1988, Paragon serves customers across the NYC area, including Jersey City, Hoboken, Connecticut, and beyond.
Paragon handles many types of security-related installations, from residential security and alarm systems to commercial and more. Contact Paragon Security if you want to install safes so employees or residents can store valuables.
5. ASM Integrators
Google Rating: 5 / 5
ASM Integrators sets itself apart with a specialized focus on fire alarms and fire safety. With offices in Flushing, Long Island, and Hoboken, ASM stands ready to serve the entire NYC metropolitan area.
In addition to installation services, ASM Integrators also offers inspections. They also offer real-time fire monitoring to further increase the safety of your property. Additionally, they have the credentials to back it up, including FDNY approval and UL certification.
Learn more about access control with ButterflyMX:
NYC access control repair
If your access control system isn’t working properly, you’ll need to invest in access control repair in New York City.
Here’s how to find an NYC access control system repair company:
- Online reviews. The easiest way to get a handle on a repair company’s skill is to look online. Check out sites like Yelp or Google reviews to see what past customers have said about the company you’re looking into.
- Referrals. Let your friends and colleagues know that you’re in the market for a repairperson — they might chime in with some of the repair services they’ve hired in the past.
- Past customer testimonials. If you’ve already found a few repair companies, you can narrow the list down even further by asking for customer testimonials.
Best NYC access control system
The best access control system in NYC is ButterflyMX.
Whether you’re looking for access control service in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx, ButterflyMX has the best products for your building.
ButterflyMX offers everything from video intercoms to fob entry systems to vehicle sticker readers. This allows us to tailor an access solution for your unique NYC property.
What’s more, ButterflyMX is based in New York City, with its headquarters in Flatiron. So, you can trust that we understand what NYC buildings need regarding access control.
The benefits of the ButterflyMX access control system include:
- A quick access experience that improves the resident experience and allows you to charge higher rent and enjoy lower vacancy rates.
- Smartphone capabilities empower residents to open doors and gates with their phones.
- A vast network of certified installers and repairpeople.
- Offering your residents multiple ways to open doors and gates, including the smartphone app, PIN codes, and fobs.
- Delivery Pass functionality, which allows your residents to send access codes to carriers and conveniently grant access to delivery couriers.
- Integrations with dozens of smart locks and property management systems.
- Allowing buildings in NYC without a doorman to vet visitors and maintain security.
