Considering an alternative to Kastle Systems?

Two different approaches to commercial security

Most commercial and multifamily properties in the DMV operate under one of two security models. Both can secure a building. They are structurally different in ways that matter for hardware ownership, vendor flexibility, and how the cost components are bundled.

Bundled managed security is the model offered by Kastle Systems. The provider bundles hardware, platform software, monitoring, and service together into one subscription with multi-year terms. The provider owns the hardware. Property managers pay one monthly fee for everything. The provider handles end-to-end.

Unbundled infrastructure is the model offered by licensed low-voltage contractors. The property owns the hardware from day one. The intercom and access control platforms (typically ButterflyMX, Brivo, Openpath, and others depending on the property) are contracted directly between the property and the platform vendor. AI camera analytics like Coram AI replace much of what traditional monitoring used to do. Service contracts are separate from hardware purchase, with the customer choosing the term and tier that fits their needs.

We are an authorized ButterflyMX installer and a Coram AI partner. Most of our multifamily and commercial projects in the DMV are built on these platforms, with additional access control or camera integrations as the property requires.

Side-by-side comparison

The structural differences that actually matter

When property managers reach out to evaluate alternatives, the conversation usually circles around four real differences. Contract length is rarely the central issue. The bigger questions are about what you actually own when the contract ends, how locked-in the platform choices are, and how transparent the cost components are.

Hardware ownership

Under the bundled model, the hardware on your walls is the provider's asset. You are paying for access to it. When the contract ends, the hardware is removed or rendered inoperable, and any future system requires replacement from the new provider.

Under the unbundled model, the hardware is your asset from the install date. You can switch contractors without replacing equipment. You can let a service contract lapse and the hardware continues to function. The capital you put into the install becomes a property asset that stays with the building.

Platform separability

Under the bundled model, the platform software, the credentials, and the hardware are all part of one ecosystem. Replacing any piece typically means replacing the whole system.

Under the unbundled model, the platform vendor (ButterflyMX, Brivo, and others) has a direct relationship with the property. The platform fees are paid to the platform company. If the property wants to change contractors, the platform relationship continues uninterrupted. If the property wants to upgrade the platform later, the hardware can typically be reused or upgraded incrementally.

Cost transparency

Under the bundled model, hardware, software, monitoring, and service are combined into one subscription line item. Property managers often have difficulty knowing what they are actually paying for, what features are included at their tier, and what changing any one component would cost.

Under the unbundled model, each cost is separately visible. Hardware is a one-time install cost. Platform fees come directly from the platform vendor and are the same as what any other property pays for that platform. Service contracts are priced per door or per service tier with the customer choosing what they need.

AI replacing traditional monitoring

Modern AI camera analytics platforms (Coram AI is the one we partner with) have changed what monitoring needs to look like. Instead of paying for human eyes on screens, AI analyzes the camera feeds in real time and alerts staff or designated contacts only when something specific happens: loitering, tailgating at access points, after-hours activity, perimeter intrusions, vehicle license plates, package theft, or other configurable events.

This replaces a significant portion of what traditional monitoring services used to provide, at a fraction of the cost. For most multifamily and commercial properties, this approach handles event detection and incident logging better than passive monitoring did, while removing the recurring per-camera monitoring fees from the cost structure entirely.

How a transition typically works

Switching from a bundled managed service to unbundled infrastructure is more straightforward than property managers often expect, but it does require planning.

Step 1: Audit the existing system

Document every door, camera, controller, intercom, and credential currently in use. Identify what is provider-owned (will need to be replaced) and what is property-owned or generic (may be reusable).

Step 2: Review the existing contract

Most managed security contracts have specific language about termination notice, hardware return, and end-of-service dates. The contract terms determine the earliest practical switch date.

Step 3: Design the replacement system

We walk the property and design a system that meets the building's needs. Typical components for a multifamily property include ButterflyMX for the entry intercom and visitor management, an access control platform for unit doors and common areas (ButterflyMX Access, Brivo, or others depending on property requirements), IP cameras with Coram AI analytics for event detection and search, and a structured cabling backbone.

Step 4: Phased installation in occupied buildings

In an occupied building, the new system gets installed in parallel with the existing one. Doors are switched one at a time. Residents and staff never lose access during the transition. We did this with a 200-unit Arlington condominium: full intercom and access control replacement in 6 weeks, zero residents disrupted.

Step 5: Decommission the old system

Once the new system is fully operational and tested, the old hardware is removed, returned to the provider per contract terms, and the bundled service is cancelled.

What service contracts cover

Most properties want some level of ongoing support after install. We offer service contracts at three tiers, with the customer choosing the term that fits their needs.

Basic Support

Configuration changes, software updates, remote troubleshooting via phone and email, and a quarterly system health check. Suitable for properties with internal facilities staff who handle most day-to-day issues.

Standard Service

Includes Basic plus on-site service with same-business-day response, hardware repair labor included (parts at cost), and an annual security review. Suitable for most multifamily and commercial properties.

Premium Managed

Includes Standard plus a dedicated account manager, 4-hour emergency response, 24/7 phone support, and priority scheduling. Suitable for higher-end multifamily, Class A office, and properties where downtime is operationally expensive.

Each tier is available on month-to-month, annual, 3-year, and 5-year terms. Multi-year commitments receive meaningful pricing discounts. Properties that want maximum predictability typically choose 3 or 5 year terms. Properties that want flexibility while evaluating the relationship typically start with annual.

What it costs to switch

Costs vary significantly based on building size, current state of infrastructure, and chosen platforms. Some honest ranges based on the projects we have done:

• Small commercial (under 50 doors): typically $30K-$80K for full access control + intercom replacement
• Mid-size multifamily (100-300 units): typically $75K-$200K depending on scope (intercom, common areas, parking, unit doors)
• Large multifamily (300+ units): $150K-$400K+ depending on scope and complexity

Compared against typical bundled service costs for a mid-size multifamily property, the breakeven point on a transition is often 2-4 years. Properties planning to hold longer than that almost always see better long-term economics with property-owned infrastructure, even when factoring in optional service contracts.

When the bundled model is actually the right choice

Honest assessment: bundled managed security is the right fit for some properties.

• Properties with no internal facilities or IT capacity to coordinate with a contractor on anything beyond minimal touch
• Property management companies that explicitly prefer single-vendor accountability over infrastructure ownership
• Buildings on a short ownership horizon (1-2 years) where transition costs do not amortize
• Properties that have an existing strong relationship with their bundled provider and are not experiencing service or cost concerns

If any of these describe your property, staying with Kastle (or going to Kastle for a new install) probably makes sense.

Why property managers work with us

Innovative Developments is a licensed low-voltage contractor serving commercial and multifamily properties across Maryland, Virginia, DC, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. We are an authorized installer for ButterflyMX and a partner for Coram AI. We carry $5M general liability insurance. Every install includes a 3-year manufacturer hardware warranty and a 1-year installation warranty. We specialize in occupied-building installations where residents cannot lose access during the project.

We send a written scope and pricing within 2 business days of the site walk. No obligation. You keep the report whether or not you hire us.