Retrofit Intercom System: Replace Your Old Intercom

 

 

If you’re a property manager, you know your building’s intercom system is one of its most crucial features. But what should you do if you need an upgrade? The answer: Join property managers nationwide in choosing a retrofit intercom system.

In this post, we list the top three most popular retrofit systems. Then, we explain what a retrofit intercom system is and the benefits you receive after an intercom system retrofit. Lastly, we review the type of intercom that’s easiest to retrofit.

This post covers:

• 3 retrofit intercom systems
• What is a retrofit intercom system?
• Benefits of retrofitting your intercom
• What’s the easiest way to retrofit my intercom?

 

3 retrofit intercom systems

The top three retrofit intercom system solutions include:

1. ButterflyMX
2. DoorBird
3. 2N

 

1. The ButterflyMX

ButterflyMX boosts security with video calling and provides wireless capabilities, making it easy to retrofit into any building.

Choose the ButterflyMX wireless intercom to enjoy:

• Integrations. The ButterflyMX intercom integrates with other access control solutions — from card readers to smart locks — to enable a seamless, unified access experience. ButterflyMX also integrates with other technology you probably already use, such as property management software.
• Top-rated mobile app. The ButterflyMX mobile app empowers residents to remotely unlock the door or gate, create Visitor Pass​ and delivery passes, review building entry logs, and more.
• Cloud-based software. Property staff can manage the intercom system remotely from any smartphone or computer thanks to ButterflyMX’s cloud-based software and web-based dashboard.

 

 

 

2. DoorBird

Another intercom system with retrofit capabilities is DoorBird. DoorBird sells a variety of intercom systems, and you may be able to use existing doorbell wiring to install a DoorBird IP video doorbell.

The DoorBird intercom features include:

• Wireless IP-based connections
• Add-on devices like cameras and door controllers
• RFID capabilities

 

 

3. 2N

There are many distributors around the globe, meaning the 2N intercom system is certainly a dependable option. They offer IP-based products with cameras, like video door intercoms and readers.

2N intercom features include:

• Intercoms for single-family, multi-tenant, and commercial buildings
• The choice between different models of intercom
• QR code support

 

What is a retrofit intercom system?

A retrofit intercom system is an intercom you install to replace an old or broken intercom. It could also be an intercom, which you retrofit into an existing building that didn’t previously have an intercom system.

An intercom system retrofit is often easy and affordable because it uses wiring and other infrastructure from a previously installed intercom.

Whether you’re a residential or commercial property manager, your property probably uses an intercom system that allows somebody inside the building to let in an outside guest without walking down to the front door. But there are many reasons why you might want to replace your current intercom.

Consider a retrofit intercom system if your current intercom:

• Needs constant maintenance.
• Is no longer functioning.
• Is outdated.
• Requires extensive wiring and/or in-unit hardware.
• Frustrates residents, leading to frequent complaints about the system.

 

What can I do with an old wired intercom system?

Retrofitting your old intercom system is the most common-sense solution when it has reached the end of its life.

When you hire an intercom installer, they can remove the old intercom system quickly. Your new intercom system unit is then free to be upgraded to include video, touchscreen, and wireless connectivity.

Once it’s removed, you can check around for technology recycling centers. These centers will make sure your old device doesn’t just rust in the back room.

 

Watch how ButterflyMX works:

 

Benefits of retrofitting your intercom

If your intercom system needs an upgrade, you should consider replacing your old system and retrofitting a new one.

The top reasons you should retrofit your intercom system include:

• Enhanced resident experience
• Improved security and convenience with new features
• Integration of your intercom with other building systems

 

Enhanced resident experience

Living or working in a building with a broken intercom is very inconvenient. Your tenants expect an intercom that lets them open doors remotely. So, if your system fails, residents might miss guests and deliveries entirely. Eliminate these chances by investing in new hardware and retrofitting your intercom system.

By converting to a new intercom, you’ll prove to your residents that you’re looking out for them and their well-being. Since finding a new tenant is much more expensive than keeping an existing one, establishing a positive relationship with your existing tenants is important.

Overall, replacing your old intercom with a new system that operates smoothly will significantly enhance the resident experience.

 

 

Improved security and convenience with new features

Younger generations have grown up in a world where technology and the internet are everywhere. Today’s best intercoms have made the internet a core part of their functionality.

These modern intercoms let tenants swipe to open doors with their smartphones, see who’s requesting access through a video call, and assign Visitor Passes to their guests. Altogether, today’s intercoms are more powerful and enhance building security and convenience.

Adding the tech-powered features of a modern apartment video intercom benefits you as much as it benefits your residents. The right upgraded intercom system makes smooth, intuitive access control an amenity of its own. You’ll be able to command higher rent prices because you’re offering more features.

 

Integration of your intercom with other building systems

An old analog intercom system hinders building management and operations in today’s internet-connected world.

Installing a modern intercom system means you can integrate it with other systems you use in your building, like smart locks and your property management software.

For example, when you integrate your intercom with your property management software, you can ensure that your intercom automatically updates whenever you change your rent roll. As a result, staff will no longer have to spend their valuable time on tedious manual data entry.

 

What’s the easiest way to retrofit my intercom?

The easiest way to retrofit your intercom system is to invest in a wireless intercom system.

The reason is that wireless intercoms don’t require installing new wiring or replacing old wiring — which can be incredibly expensive. You can save money retrofitting a wireless intercom by leaving the wiring in your walls!

Furthermore, the best retrofit intercom systems only need three connections: power, internet, and door strike. In these cases, you’ll be able to get a new intercom up and running without worrying about the quality of the wires connecting each in-unit device to the base station at the entrance.

Lastly, with next-generation technology in retrofit intercoms, residents can unlock the door, video chat with visitors, and digitally grant guests access right from their smartphones.

As a result, residents won’t need to be in their units to manage property access. Instead, they can manage access from anywhere!