Retrofit Intercom System: Replace Your Old Intercom

 

 

If you’re a property manager, you know that your building’s intercom system is one of its most crucial features. But what should you do if you’re in need of an upgrade? The answer: Join property managers around the country 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 go over 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 is the best intercom system on the market because it boosts security with video calling. Moreover, ButterflyMX’s wireless capabilities make 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 virtual keys 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

 

Read the full DoorBird intercom review »

 

3. 2N

There are many distributors around the globe, meaning 2N 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

 

Read the full 2N intercom review »

 

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 you retrofit into an existing building that didn’t previously have an intercom system.

Quite often, an intercom system retrofit is easy and affordable to complete 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 some kind of intercom system that allows somebody inside of the building to let in an outside guest without having to walk down to the front door. But there are a lot of 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?

When your old intercom system has reached the end of its life, retrofitting it is the most common-sense solution.

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, here’s why 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 is failing, that might cause residents to 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. The best intercoms today 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 virtual keys to their guests. Altogether, today’s intercoms are more powerful and enhance both security and convenience at buildings.

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 a greater number of features.

 

Integration of your intercom with other building systems

In today’s internet-connected world, an old analog intercom system hinders building management and operations.

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 make changes to 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 you to install new wiring or replace old wiring — which can be incredibly expensive. You can save money retrofitting a wireless intercom by simply 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 having to worry 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 access to guests 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!