Access points are the foundation of your ButterflyMX system - they represent the doors, gates, and entrances that residents and visitors use to access your property. Proper naming is crucial for smooth operations, especially in complex multi-building properties or mixed-use developments.

What Are Access Points? 🚪

Access points represent physical entry locations in your building or property. They can control:

• Individual doors (main entrance, lobby, garage gate)
• Multiple doors working together (vestibule systems)
• Amenity spaces (gym, pool, clubhouse)
• Vehicle access points (parking gates, ramps)

Important: Access points appear exactly as named in both the ButterflyMX mobile app and your access logs, making clear naming essential for resident understanding and property management.

Pre-Installation Planning 📋

Work with Your Installer

Before installation begins:

• Walk the property with your installer to identify all access points
• Create a naming map showing each device location and desired name
• Provide clear instructions about how each access point should be labeled
• Consider future expansion when planning your naming convention

Coordinate with Your Team

• Share the naming plan with property management staff
• Ensure all team members understand the naming convention
• Designate a point person to communicate with the installer during setup

Naming Conventions for Different Property Types 🏘️

Single Building Properties

For simpler properties, use descriptive, location-based names:

• "Main Entrance"
• "Lobby Door"
• "Parking Garage"
• "Pool Gate"
• "Fitness Center"

Multi-Building Communities

For complex properties with multiple buildings, include building identifiers:

• "Building A - Main Entrance"
• "Building B - Lobby"
• "North Tower - Garage Gate"
• "South Building - Pool Access"

Mixed-Use Properties

For properties with residential and commercial spaces:

• "Residential Lobby"
• "Commercial Entrance - 1st Floor"
• "Office Tower - East Entry"
• "Retail - Main Street Entrance"

Campus-Style Properties

For large campuses or communities:

• "East Gate - Visitor Entrance"
• "West Gate - Resident Access"
• "Central Clubhouse"
• "North Pool - Building 1-5 Access"

Advanced Naming Strategies 🎯

Geographic Naming

Use compass directions or street references:

• "North Gate - Main Street"
• "South Entrance - Park Avenue"
• "East Parking - Resident Access"
• "West Lobby - Visitor Entry"

Functional Naming

Name based on primary use or user type:

• "Resident Main Entry"
• "Visitor Reception"
• "Service Entrance"
• "Emergency Exit - North"

Hierarchical Naming

For very complex properties, use a hierarchical system:

• "Phase 1 - Building A - Main"
• "Phase 1 - Building A - Garage"
• "Phase 2 - Building C - Lobby"
• "Amenity Center - Pool"

Installation Process 🔧

During Installation

1. Be present during the installation to verify naming
2. Confirm each access point name with the installer before they call support
3. Test the naming by checking how it appears in the mobile app
4. Document any changes made during installation

Installer Communication

When the installer calls ButterflyMX support for device programming:

• They will ask for the name of each access point
• Provide clear, specific names (avoid generic terms like "Door 1")
• Ensure the installer understands any special naming requirements

Post-Installation Management ⚙️

Reviewing and Updating Names

After installation, you can modify access point names:

1. Go to Access Management > Access Points in the ButterflyMX OS
2. Click on the access point name you want to change
3. Update the label to your preferred name
4. Save changes

Note: Name changes will be reflected in both the mobile app and access logs.

Common Naming Issues to Avoid ❌

Don't Use:

• Generic names like "Door 1," "Door 2"
• Technical terms residents won't understand
• Inconsistent naming patterns across similar access points
• Names that are too long for mobile app display

Do Use:

• Clear, descriptive names residents will recognize
• Consistent naming patterns throughout the property
• Location-based references residents can easily identify
• Concise names that display well on mobile devices

Complex Setup Considerations 🔄

Two-Door Controllers

When using two-door controllers, consider:

• Whether doors serve the same user group (use one access point)
• Whether doors serve different groups (use separate access points)
• How the doors function together (vestibule vs. separate entrances)

Access Group Integration

Plan access point names with access groups in mind:

• Names should clearly indicate which building/area they serve
• Consider how names will appear when creating access restrictions
• Ensure names support future access management needs

Multi-Phase Properties

For properties being built in phases:

• Include phase information in naming
• Plan for consistent naming across all phases
• Consider how names will scale as the property expands

Troubleshooting Common Issues 🛠️

Confusing Names

Problem: Residents can't identify which access point to use Solution: Use location-based names that match physical signage

Inconsistent Naming

Problem: Similar access points have different naming patterns Solution: Establish and document a consistent naming convention

Names Too Long

Problem: Access point names are cut off in the mobile app Solution: Keep names concise while maintaining clarity

Technical Confusion

Problem: Names reference technical aspects residents don't understand Solution: Use functional or location-based names instead

Getting Help 🆘

During Installation

• Contact your ButterflyMX Implementation Project Manager
• Work directly with your installer for immediate naming questions
• Reach out to ButterflyMX support for technical assistance

After Installation

• Your Client Success Manager can help with access point management
• ButterflyMX support can assist with name changes and troubleshooting
• Use the ButterflyMX OS help resources for self-service options

Best Practices Summary ✅

1. Plan ahead - Create a naming map before installation
2. Be descriptive - Use names residents will easily understand
3. Stay consistent - Apply the same naming pattern throughout
4. Think long-term - Consider future expansion and management needs
5. Test thoroughly - Verify names work well in the mobile app
6. Document everything - Keep records of your naming conventions
7. Communicate clearly - Ensure all stakeholders understand the system

Proper access point naming is an investment in the long-term success of your ButterflyMX system. Taking time to plan and implement a clear naming strategy will improve resident experience, simplify property management, and make future system expansions much easier.

Need help with your access point naming strategy? Contact your ButterflyMX Client Success Manager or reach out to our support team for personalized assistance.