How to choose gate access control security systems for your business?

A gate access control system is a smart and convenient way to secure your residence or commercial property. Gate control security systems are important access control systems that help security teams actively defend and monitor entry points, deter would-be criminals, and grant access to only authorized persons. With the right gate access control security system, all of your entrances can be easily secured by a sturdy gate and an access control system that can be quickly and easily opened with the touch of a button.

Choosing the right access control system for any gate and commercial property will require business owners to consider what gate access control system will suit existing security features and understand the requirements for the installation of the intended gate access control system.

In this blog post, you will learn about gate access control systems, how they work, and which access control gate system is best for business owners.

Gate access control systems work the same way as card readers and other access controls. The gate is electronically locked and connected to the access control server or IP network. The connection is through a hardwired system or a wireless connection, which is usually a cell signal.

When the proper credential is entered, an electronic signal is sent to the gate, unlocking it and allowing it to open so authorized personnel can enter. Usually, the credential is a PIN code or cards and key fobs. You can also open the gate from inside by pressing a button on the remote control.

When selecting an access control system for your security gate, it’s important to understand how these systems operate and the brands you can choose from. If someone enters your site and presents the card or key fobs on the reader, the gate opens once the correct code or credential is entered into the access panel at the gate or when access is granted from inside. The access panel communicates with the server to verify credentials and then sends an electronic signal to the door operator and control panel. The control panel, which is connected to the gate, opens the gate to allow entry.

If you are in Canada looking for access control for commercial property and choosing from the top brands like HID Global, Avigilon, and Brivo and offer reliable and advanced security gate access control solutions. Avigilon is the top-rated brand for access control, providing intelligent, flexible cloud-native, and on-premise solutions.

Brivo provides cloud-based access control systems for flexible and remote management, and HID Global specializes in innovative technologies like card readers and key fobs, mobile access, and biometric systems. Choosing a trusted brand ensures that your gate access control system is reliable, efficient, and tailored to your business needs.

When securing your business, the gate access control system is like the vigilant guardian standing at the entrance, ensuring that only the right people get in.

Let’s break down the essential components that make this possible:

The access card may be thought of as an electronic key. Authorized persons use it to access the gate the access control system secures. Each access card is uniquely encoded. Access cards are generally the same size as a standard credit card and can easily be carried in a wallet or purse.

The card reader is the most visible part of the gate access control system and mounts on the wall or door frame. Its main purpose is to read the credentials and send the information to the access control panel for verification. It’s like a secret handshake that tells the system, “I belong here.” These devices are crucial for identifying who is trying to gain entry to your job site.

Behind every great gate access control system is a software platform. This software is the control center where all the magic happens. It allows you to manage user credentials, set access levels, and monitor real-time activity. Think of it as a mission control room where you can oversee and manage the security of your entire business from a single screen.

Some gate access control systems also have a keypad and require the user to enter a PIN to open the door. However, PINs are easily transferrable and not as secure as cards, fobs, or other credentials. The keypad requires that a person desiring to gain access enter a correct numeric code.

When access control keypads are used in addition to card readers, both a valid card and the correct code must be presented before entry is allowed.

Mag lock hardware is the equipment used to electrically lock and unlock each door controlled by the access control system. There are a wide variety of different types of electric lock hardware. These types include electric locks, electric strikes, electromagnetic locks, maglocks, electric exit devices, and many others.

Access control panels are installed in each building where access control is to be provided. Card readers, electric lock hardware, and other access control devices are all connected to the access control panel. The access controllers are used to process access control activity at the building level.

Choosing the right access control gate for your building is like finding the perfect doorman who is always vigilant, reliable, and welcoming to the right people.

Let’s explore the different types of access control gates and how each can make your business more secure and efficient:

Gate entry keypads are among the most common outdoor gate access control forms, requiring users to type in a predetermined passcode or PIN to gain property access. Imagine the keypad entry gate system as the classic doorman who knows everyone by a special code. This system requires users to enter a PIN to gain access. It’s simple, straightforward, and effective.

You might feel a sense of nostalgia, like unlocking an old-school treasure box. However, just like sharing a secret code with friends, keeping the PIN secure is important to make sure that only authorized persons gain entry.

An RFID gate access control security system uses radio frequency identification technology to read data stored in a credential like a key card or fob. The data is then compared to a list of authorized persons in the database, and the fob or key card gate access system grants entry if there’s a match.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems are like giving each person a magic keycard. They just need to wave it in front of the reader, and the gate opens! Imagine the ease of just tapping your card to get in without fumbling for keys. Plus, if someone loses their card, you can deactivate it instantly.

Mobile access control for gate entrances works similarly to an RFID gate access control system, though smartphone app configurations eliminate the need for security teams to issue physical credentials. Cellular gate access control is like having a high-tech doorman who can recognize you from anywhere.

These systems use mobile phones to grant access, making it possible to control the gate remotely. It’s like being able to open the door to your home from the comfort of your couch, giving you peace of mind and unparalleled convenience.

intercom systems are commonly used for residential gate entry systems and are a helpful tool in apartment gate security entry management. Because granting site access using these configurations must be manually approved by a resident or security officer connected to the line, a gate access controller connected to an intercom device is a great way to ensure that only approved guests can enter the property.

Intercom systems are like friendly conversations with visitors before letting them in. Imagine hearing a familiar voice through the intercom or seeing a friendly face on the video screen and pressing a button to grant them access.

Vehicle detection systems are like having a valet who knows which cars belong to whom. These systems use sensors to detect approaching vehicles and automatically grant access to authorized ones. Vehicle gate systems regulate access to driveways, parking areas, and other areas where vehicles are allowed.

These systems are divided into two main types:

• Proximity card access control systems work by either presenting a card to a reader at the entry gate or using sensors to detect a credential card installed in the vehicle, allowing it to pass through.
• License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras for access gate security work by reading each vehicle’s license plate number as it passes by, comparing it against an approved list of users in the database, and granting or denying access accordingly.

Choosing the right type of gate for your business is important for ensuring security, controlling access, and managing traffic flow on your site. Different gates cater to different needs, from pedestrian control to vehicle access.

Here are some of the main types of access control gates used in businesses today:

Speed gate turnstiles are designed for fast and efficient pedestrian access control. These gates typically feature sliding or swinging barriers that quickly retract or open when a valid credential is presented.

Speed gate turnstiles are ideal for high-traffic areas such as office buildings, metro stations, and stadiums where rapid throughput is essential. They ensure that only one person can pass through per authorization, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Tripod turnstiles are a cost-effective solution for controlling pedestrian access at your site. They consist of three rotating arms that allow one person to pass at a time after presenting valid credentials. These turnstiles are robust and durable, making them suitable for environments with heavy foot traffic, such as sports venues, amusement parks, and public transportation hubs.

Full-height security turnstiles offer the highest level of security among turnstile options. These gates extend from the floor to the ceiling, creating a complete barrier that prevents climbing or bypassing. They are often used in high-security areas such as military installations, correctional facilities, and industrial sites where unauthorized access must be strictly controlled.

Security doors are specialized entry points designed to control access to buildings or specific areas within a facility. They can be integrated with access control systems, such as keypads, card readers, or biometric scanners, to ensure that only authorized persons can enter. Security doors are commonly used in office buildings, laboratories, data centers, and other sensitive areas where high security is required.

Rising barriers, also known as boom barriers or gate arms, control vehicle access to restricted areas. These barriers include a horizontal arm that rises to allow vehicles to pass and lowers to block entry. Rising barriers are often used in parking lots, toll booths, and gated communities to manage vehicle traffic efficiently.

They can be operated manually or automatically, and options are available to integrate access control systems such as RFID tags, license plate recognition, or remote controls.

Fenced barriers are typically used to secure large areas such as industrial complexes, logistics centers, and parking lots. Fenced barriers can include electronic sliding or swinging gates, often integrated with access control systems for enhanced security.

The combination of fencing and automated gates offers comprehensive protection for critical infrastructure and high-security sites.

If you want the best access gate control security system for your business in Canada, Spotter Security is here to help. Spotter Security is a security systems service provider with over 20 years of experience in the security industry, helping businesses from various industries protect their sites.

Spotter Security specializes in security camera systems, access control systems, alarm system installation, remote camera monitoring, maintenance, and management to keep you secure and protected.