Why The Common Turnstile Is Still Effective

turnstiles commercial improved security

A turnstile is a form of gate that allows one person to pass at a time and in one direction only, controlling access based on the insertion of a coin or coins or on the usage of special cards or bar codes. Turnstiles are most commonly used in heavy traffic areas and in areas where people stand in a line, such as at the entrance to stadiums, public transport stations, museums, public toilets, public offices or beaches and they are considered to be the most efficient tools for controlling access. Here are the benefits of turnstiles:

  • Improved security – turnstiles are often used as first control points for restricted entry facilities. The solution provides complete protection – everyone intending to pass through the turnstile needs to carry either the required entry card or, if entry is authorized based on tickets, the person who wants to pass through needs to prove the purchase of a ticket, otherwise the turnstile just won’t open;
  • Flexibility – turnstile systems can accommodate a wide range of credential readers, from card readers and fingerprint readers to retina scanners, reducing the workloads of the security personnel and increasing security in sensitive facilities. Many systems can also be programmed to allow access to particular people only during specific periods of the day and the data related to the entries and exits can be transferred to HR departments, thus it becomes easier for the HR department to track work hours.

Common Uses for Bollards on Commercial Properties

stainless steel bollards

Bollards are short, sturdy vertical posts made from metal, steel, plastic, concrete or stone that are available in fixed and movable versions. The short poles can serve many purposes, mainly in the realm of access control, with the additional benefit of being efficient carriers for marketing materials, too. Here are some of the most common commercial uses of bollards:

  • Airports – these facilities use bollards extensively for delimiting areas where traffic is or is not allowed as well as for the regulation of traffic;
  • Storefronts located close to parking areas – bollards are the most common solutions used for delimiting the areas destinated to pedestrian traffic from the areas destined to parking cars;
  • Shopping centers – bollards are widely used in malls and shopping centers. The purpose of using bollards ranges from preventing accidents and property damage to signaling any changes in traffic patterns;
  • Warehouses – bollards are especially useful in these facilities, their usage serving the purpose of achieving enhanced security for the goods stored as well as for the people working on the premises;
  • Restaurants – these facilities also use bollards to delimit parking lots and sidewalks. The bollards installed by restaurants are likely to be used as carriers for the restaurant’s advertisements as well.

Trends in Residential Automated Gates

automated gates residential security

Automated gates are becoming increasingly common and popular, especially for residential applications. Here are the most common trends that shape the range of available products and services in the segment:

– Increasing offer and lower prices – while in the past automated security gates Denver homes have were luxury items available only for the owners of large, majestic mansions, today they are much more affordable and available to everyone. The continuous growth of the construction industry also contributes to the increasing demand and the higher production output;

– Diversified choice – the increased offer comes with a diversified product range as well. Modern automated gates come in plain as well as in ornamental versions, in many different styles and colors. The range of operating systems and the technologies used for access control have also diversified – the most common operation systems are hydraulic and electro-mechanic, with sliding gates being currently the most popular styles, while remote controls and intercom systems are the most common access systems;

– Installation and repair services – demand has intensified towards services of gate installation and repair as well. Automated gates use standard power supplies, but they are equipped with complex electronics that need to be configured by specialized technicians and the growth in the demand for such services has intensified the interest for the profession of gate installation and repair as well.

5 Tips When Choosing an Automated Gate for Your Home

sliding gate installation automatic

Automated gates no longer belong to the realm of luxury – today, they are affordable, convenient solutions that make entry and exit easier and that protect your home from burglars. Here are some tips to make it easier for you to choose from the wide array of products available:

  • Entrance type – the two major types of automated gates are sliding gates and swinging gates. Sliding automated gates are your best choice if your driveway is sloping towards your building, if you have limited space available and if you require extra security;
  • The style of your gate – automated gates come in solid panel versions as well as in versions made from wrought iron, multi-bar timber or steel. If privacy is important for you, your best choice is a solid gate, while if aesthetics take priority, you can choose one of the more ornamental options. The range of the colors and textures available with both major styles is very wide – you can choose classic hues, such as black, white, cream, brown or beige, but bolder colors are also available if you want to make a statement with your automated gate;
  • Operating system and access control – in terms of operating systems, you can choose from quieter and more weather-resistant hydraulic systems and more economical, but somewhat noisier electro-mechanical systems. You have several choices when it comes to access control, the most common options being remote controls, key-operated systems and intercoms.