Key takeaways
- Benefits of upgrading your security system include cutting down on operation costs, keeping tenants safe, and enabling automation.
- One way to upgrade your security system is to consider adding an access control system to your security ecosystem.
When was the last time you upgraded the security system on your property? It’s probably been a while. We upgrade our computers and smartphones regularly — perhaps once every couple of years. But with upgrading building security systems, it’s too often an afterthought.
There is a lot of merit in upgrading your building security systems. For one, property technology (proptech) is getting smarter and more secure each year. There comes the point where upgrading security systems becomes a necessity because the features and improvements in newer systems are just that much better.
For that reason, this post will outline the benefits of upgrading your security system, plus the best additions to your security ecosystem.
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5 benefits of upgrading your security system
Here are five benefits of upgrading your property’s security system:
- Cut down on operating costs
- Keep tenants safer and more secure
- Enable building automation
- Increase your property’s value
- Future-proof your building
1. Cut down on operating costs
As a property owner or manager, you know that keeping your building up and running costs a lot. From paying your staff to maintaining the property itself, it may seem like there’s no way to save. But did you know that designing a modern security system can actually reduce operating costs?
Sure, purchasing the technology may require a hefty upfront investment, but you’ll be making a profit off of it in no time. Today’s security systems use innovative technology that does much more than surveilling your property.
Furthermore, the two ways that upgraded security systems reduce operating costs include minimizing maintenance fees and reducing staff shifts.
2. Keep tenants safer and more secure
One common misconception that many property managers have is that residents want flashy amenities in their buildings. However, you have to go back to the basics. According to the National Multifamily Housing Council and National Apartment Association, renters in 2021 were most interested in security-related amenities such as video intercoms and smart locks.
However, a modern video intercom provides the property with robust security features. First, video intercoms enable video calling between tenants and visitors — which means tenants can see who’s at the door before letting them in. Additionally, a video intercom can take a time- and date-stamped photo of every person who enters the property, serving as an audit trail for staff to review at any time.
3. Enable building automation
When you look around inside a modern apartment, you may notice a slew of “smart” appliances, such as smart lights, smart thermostats, and smart refrigerators. Next to safety and security, the top amenity residents want is convenience.
That’s where building automation comes into play. Today’s tenants want their daily lives to be automated. They want building processes — such as adjusting the room temperature, opening the door for guests, or sensing movement or heat through infrared sensors — to happen automatically and to be controlled in one place.
Most importantly, smart building technology isn’t just exclusive to new apartment buildings. You can retrofit new technology into older buildings as long as you have an internet connection. Once set up, a tenant can video chat with a visitor through the building’s intercom system, grant them property access, and turn on the lights in their unit, all from one centralized mobile app.
4. Increase your property’s value
Not only do modern security systems simplify building operations, but they also help buildings become energy efficient. As society lives through the damaging effects of climate change, real estate investors will continue to place more value on properties that demonstrate a commitment to combating energy waste and carbon emissions.
5. Future-proof your building
Upgrading the security systems in your property now will help it withstand the test of time. In other words, if your building has enabled an IoT ecosystem today, you’ll have no problem installing the proptech devices of tomorrow.
Upgraded security systems and other proptech devices are, for many tenants, the expectation, not a perk. Technologies like blockchain and 5G are already taking the sector by storm. So, act today to be prepared for the inevitable future.
How do you upgrade your security?
Upgrading a security system is easy when you consider the catalog of access control and security products from ButterflyMX.
Founded in 2014, ButterflyMX has prided itself in user-friendly technology designed to make life easier and more secure for property managers, owners, and tenants.
Upgrading your security system is simple with these products:
- Bullet & Dome Security Cameras. Receive helpful insights on your property with high-definition cameras that offer both style and substance, capturing clear footage day and night. Choose from the Bullet Camera for precision monitoring or the Dome Camera for wide-angel viewing.
- Access Control System. Seamlessly manage who enters and exits your building with our state-of-the-art Access Control System that’s as easy to use as it is secure. Remotely grant or revoke access and empower residents to access the property using their smartphones.
- Video Intercom. Enhance communication and security with our sleek Video Intercom that allows tenants to see and speak with visitors before granting access from anywhere. What’s more, you can keep an audit of date- and time-stamped photos of each entry action.
- Smart Locks. Ditch the keys and enjoy the convenience of smart locks, which provide keyless entry options for residents and staff who don’t want to carry traditional keys.
How often should you upgrade your security system?
You should upgrade your security system every five to 10 years because technology evolves rapidly. Regular upgrades ensure that your system remains effective in protecting your property. Of course, you can reduce the frequency of having to upgrade by investing in a cloud-based solution, like ButterflyMX. Your security measures will require less maintenance and even get new features after installation.
Additionally, if there are significant changes in your property’s layout or if you’ve experienced a security breach, it might be wise to upgrade sooner. Lastly, regularly assessing your system’s performance can help determine the right time for an upgrade.
