Key takeaways
- Boston has unique access control needs such as weather resistance, vehicle access, and visitor access.
- The best access control installers in Boston include Hayden Systems. Inc, Boston Gate Operators, and All-Pro Electric.
- You need to upgrade your Boston access control system if it is missing key features such as touchscreens, remote entry, and keyless entry.
- The best access control system in Boston is a combination of the ButterflyMX video intercom and vehicle access control system.
Boston is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the country, with nearly 400 years of rich history. As a result, it has some of the oldest commercial and residential properties in America. In fact, many Boston access control systems are out of date and need to be upgraded to improve security and functionality.
This post is your guide to all things concerning Boston access control. First, we’ll determine whether your access control system needs an upgrade. Next, we’ll review the best access control installers and repair services. Finally, we’ll discuss the best access control system available in Boston.
This post covers:
- When to upgrade your access control system in Boston
- How to choose a Boston access control system
- Top access control installers in Boston
- The best Boston access control system
When to upgrade your access control system in Boston
If your building’s access control system is over ten years old, it probably needs an upgrade. To be sure, examine your system for frayed wiring, glitches, or slowed processing speeds. If any of these are present, it’s time for an upgrade. However, these aren’t the only signs that your access control system is out of date.
Other signs that determine whether your building’s access control system needs an upgrade include:
- A lack of keyless entry.
- No cloud-based software.
- No mobile app.
- Complicated installation.
- Touchscreen capabilities or lack thereof.
In addition to the features mentioned above, the benefits of an upgraded access control system include:
- Upgraded building security at your Boston property.
- More control and tracking over who enters the building.
- Faster building entry.
- Mass appeal to millennials and younger renters.
- Fewer costs for staffing, doormen, and key replacement.
How to choose a Boston access control system
So, you’ve determined that your building needs a new access control system.
However, there are unique aspects of living in Boston that make some access control systems better than others. Much of what makes Boston unique for access control systems has to do with living in New England and Boston’s position as a central hub for all of New England.
When choosing an access control system in Boston, be aware of:
Weather
It’s no secret that New England is often subjected to extreme weather conditions, from heavy snowfall to extreme heat — sometimes in the same week.
You’re going to want an access control system that can withstand sudden and extreme temperatures. An IP rating of 65 or higher means that your outdoor system, such as a Boston intercom, will be able to withstand the worst that the northeast has to throw at it.
Visitors
Boston is a massive central hub in New England. In addition to being in close proximity to colleges and countless beaches (including the entirety of Cape Cod), it’s a hub to Logan Airport, one of the busiest international airports in the country. As a result, Boston sees a high volume of tourists and other visitors.
Your residents are likely to host many guests throughout their stay at your property. So, it’s best to choose an access control model that will allow temporary access for guests at your building.
What’s more, this temporary access can extend to delivery drivers, pet sitters, and other professionals that might need access to your residential units.
Watch this simple access control guide:
Parking garages
Over 66.2% of Boston households own at least one car. That’s a pretty high number for a city. Odds are, your building has a dedicated parking area, such as a lot or garage, that is near constantly full.
Furthermore, you’re likely constantly wary of unauthorized people parking in your lot. That can quickly become a full-time job if you’re not careful.
With a robust vehicle access control system, you can trust that every car parked in your garage is authorized to be there.
Top 3 access control installers in Boston
When it comes to installing access control systems in Boston and the surrounding area, you have several options to choose from.
Access control installers in Boston include:
- Hayden Systems Inc. They service both commercial and residential properties. In addition to access control installation, this company specializes in fire alarm and security system installation that includes CCTV cameras. They’re located just north of Boston in Rowley, Massachusetts.
- Boston Gate Operators. In addition to providing access control installation services for gates, this company offers remote monitoring, locksmith services, and office security. They’re located north of Boston in Danvers, Massachusetts.
- All-Pro Electric. This company offers all types of electrical installations, including access control systems, fire alarms, and CCTV cameras. They’re located just north of Boston in Bradford, Massachusetts.
The best Boston access control system
The best Boston access control system provider is ButterflyMX. They offer both a video intercom system for buildings and a vehicle access control system for parking lots and parking garages.
ButterflyMX is currently installed in more than 10,000 properties — and has more than 20,000 five-star ratings.
The ButterflyMX video intercom features:
- A modern feel. Thanks to the sleek touchscreen and mobile app compatibility, their touchscreen feels like the modern upgrade you need.
- Weather resistance. With an IP65 rating, they can withstand harsh New England weather conditions.
- Visitor access. Thanks to temporary PIN codes, visitors and delivery personnel can be granted entry to the building. They can also be monitored and tracked by these unique codes.
- Remote access. Residents can also grant access to guests and other visitors thanks to remote entry features that they can access from their top-rated mobile app.
- Keyless entry. Residents can enter with the tap of a finger on the mobile app.
- Cloud-based software. The ButterflyMX system updates automatically and hassle-free.
- Date- and time-stamped photo entry events. Every entry event is recorded with a picture to keep track of everyone who enters the building.
- Easy installation. The ButterflyMX system features no in-unit hardware or complicated wiring.
For your parking needs, the ButterflyMX vehicle access control system features a vehicle reader installed at the entry points to your parking lot or parking garage. Then, each authorized vehicle is outfitted with a vehicle tag that the vehicle reader scans upon entry and grants access to the parking facility. The vehicle reader keeps a date-and-time-stamped entry log similar to the ButterflyMX video intercom.
