NMHC Special Report: 2016 Product Showcase

November 23, 2016

Dallas News Operations & Technology Product GalleryMoreSouth

Exciting innovations include a cloud-based intercom, an online talent retention system, a resident move-in streamlining program and a pet-waste product.

Dallas—One hundred exhibitors converged at the recent NMHC’s OPTECH Conference & Exhibition. Some of the industry’s leading smart technology and data providers networked with conference guests and shared some of their most exciting innovations. Here are a few of the products poised to impact multifamily.

ButterflyMX (pictured) is disrupting the guest entry intercom game.

Butterfly MX

Butterfly MX is a cloud-based intercom format that offers functionality in new constructions and retrofits. It only requires three connections: the Internet, the door and a 100-volt power source.

Visitors find, search and call residents using the Butterfly MX touch screen. Residents receive video calls and text messages, as well as access the building’s front door and manage their Butterfly MX accounts on their smartphones–even when they’re not home. Building managers and staff interact with a web-based portal to communicate building-wide messages, update resident information and record access events with photographs and timestamp.

Installation is simple and involves no expensive wiring upgrades or in-unit video wall stations. These features are a win for developers, who can save tens of thousands of dollars by choosing Butterfly MX. Weather-resistant with automatic software updates, the Butterfly MX kiosk slays the competition when it comes to guest entry systems.

An online portal (pictured) offers access to property management compliance training, complete with an easy-to-use portal for monitoring student performance and setting educational goals.

Vision^X

Vision^Xfrom Grace Hill simplifies cultivating and retaining top talent. It combines compliance training courses and need-to-know professional skills in a customizable learning management platform specifically for property managers.

System owners can select and refine courses based on specific business needs. They can also monitor student progress, track performance and set benchmarks using Vision^X. Assessments help to ensure knowledge retention, while the most recent Fair Housing and property management compliance courseware equips students with essential learning. Vision^Xis ideal for a wide range of companies, from those new to online training to others who need to integrate richer data into property management operations.

Updater (above) takes the hassle out of the moving process and saves residents time.

Updater

Updater streamlines the move-in process for residents by expediting the time-consuming tasks involved in moving. Winner of last year’s NMHC LaunchPad competition, Updater can automatically update a resident’s new address for more than 15,000 entities, such as magazines, charities, loyalty accounts and alumni associations. It also helps residents set up telecom services and schedule installations in their apartments.

In conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service, Updater files official mail-forwarding forms online. It can even send digital notifications announcing a resident’s new address to friends and family. An added perk, Updater sends users discounts on moving service providers, including professional cleaners, movers and packaging companies.

Valet Waste pet waste stations (pictured) empower residents to clean up after their pets.

Valet Waste

Valet Waste pet waste stations are a must-have for any pet-friendly community. Signage informs residents of pet policies, while a dispenser provides biodegradable bags for collecting waste and a place for disposal. The bag dispenser holds two, 200-roll bags and is accessible via a locking front door. Attractive design features are meant to complement outdoor settings.

A pet waste station relieves maintenance personnel of the obligation of cleaning up after pets. It is a durable, low-maintenance way to add value to a multifamily community by keeping it clean, pleasant and safe.