Access control security solutions, such as security barriers and gates, are often purchased with the sole aim of improving a business’ security as they are ideal for restricting access to a premises and reducing the chance of crime.
Despite the obvious benefit of improving your overall business security, the installation of access control security solutions can have a range of unexpected benefits to your businesses which can have a positive effect on the business as a whole.
Improve punctuality and monitor staff
As a business owner it can often be difficult to accurately monitor your staff and employees which could be making your business less efficient and the installation of access control equipment can help solve this issue.
Biometric security, for example allows you to know which employees are currently in the business and reduce levels of absenteeism.
However, if biometric security isn’t a viable option the installation of a security barrier with keypad or intercom system will also be able to help you track and monitor your employees and is often the more cost-effective option.
Manage traffic flow
One of the lesser-known benefits of access control security systems, particularly security barriers, is their ability to manage traffic flow and improve the efficiency of your parking facilities.
Installing automatic traffic barriers not only allows you to restrict and monitor who enters and exits your premises but can also increase safety across the site as traffic will have to slow down for the barrier, therefore, making your facility more accessible to foot traffic as well as vehicular traffic.
Improve employee peace of mind
Working at a premises that you are confident is secure is highly reassuring, particularly if an area is experiencing a spike in business crime rates. The additional security provided by security gates and barriers can be hugely reassuring to employees and improve overall morale and day-to-day efficiency.
Improve corporate image
Finally, one of the most overlooked aspects of installing access control equipment is the opportunity to improve your image with both clients who are visiting the premises, and the public. The installation of a security barrier or turnstile can create a reception point for visitors and demonstrate that you are concerned with the safety of your business and everyone associated with it.
Furthermore, we offer a fully bespoke service meaning that all our security gates and barriers can be fully customised with regards to colour, meaning that your access control security systems can also reflect your brand identity.
What to consider when installing access control solutions?
Along with the benefits of installing access control security solutions, there are also many considerations. Starting with the obvious, the size and cost of the gates or barriers you require, you may also need to consider the following:
External environment
Before you invest in a new access control system, it can make a lot of sense to take a good look at your building. Focus on how it currently stands and think about whether or not you need to make any changes to it so that it continues to be suitable for use over the long term.
If you do then you probably want to make these changes first or, at the very least, keep them in mind when choosing your access control system. At this stage, you will also want to consider the size of the access control system you require. It is best to have measurements in mind, so you receive an accurate quote.
Furthermore, you should also consider how the gate or barrier will operate, which way it will open and anything that could cause problems with its operation. Whilst doing this, you could analyse your whole premises and look for any further concerns and consider new security options, such as security gates to secure the parameter of your business.
Define your wants and needs by priority
Basically, start with the end in mind. Your needs, by definition, are non-negotiable. This means that if you define something as a need then you must find the budget for it, even if that means taking out financing.
If something is a want, you do not, but depending on how much you want something, it may be worth your while to do so as it can be more challenging to upgrade access control systems once they are in place than it can be to upgrade digital assets.
Determine which forms of access-control systems could satisfy your requirements
Depending on your situation you may, in principle, be able to use any or all of turnstiles, barriers and gates (which are the three main access-control systems in use these days).
Of course, it may be the case that one of these options will stand out clearly above the others, but it is generally still highly recommended to take a good look at all of them in case there is something you missed.
In other cases, however, your options will be constrained by what your environment can support. With that in mind, here is a brief guide to each of these options and what they can mean in practice.
Turnstiles
Turnstiles come in two main forms, single and twin rotors. Turnstiles are very compact, but this compactness means that some people dislike using them while others may be unable to use them, for example, people with buggies or people who need mobility aids/wheelchairs.
This means that turnstiles may need to be combined with other access controls to comply with equality requirements.
Rising arm barriers
Rising arm barriers generally have an up-and-down motion rather than a side-to-side motion. This means that they can work in much more limited space than gates, they are also much quicker. However, they are only really effective against vehicles, pedestrians can usually get under or over them fairly easily.
Gates
Security gates are a great way to secure your premises, both from pedestrians and vehicles. They are robust and difficult to get around, ensuring high levels of security. However, security gates can require a lot of space to function, and this may not be suitable for all businesses.
Here at Newgate, we provide a range of access control security products designed to help businesses improve their premises security. For more information on our range of security systems, please contact the team at Newgate today.
