Using gate access control, businesses and communities put a physical barrier to protect their area from unwelcome pedestrians or drivers who do not possess the proper credentials to pass. As opposed to employing access control measures only at doors, gates enhance security in larger areas or those requiring vehicle access security, offering a more comprehensive safety solution. When paired with additional security technology like cameras, sensors, and alarms, gate access control systems keep your most important spaces more secure.

How Gate Access Control Systems Operate

Gate access control systems protect valuable assets in both commercial and residential settings. Within a gate access control system, a connected gate and access control reader operate seamlessly with one another to let authorized users into secured areas, either by walking or driving in their car or truck.

The access control system works by storing the authorization rights of selected individuals in a database. When one of those individuals presents their correct credentials, the reader triggers the gate to open. If an unauthorized person tries to enter, the gate will remain closed, and they may even set off a security alert or alarm system.

Key Components of Gate Access Control Systems

A gate access control system uses the following components:

• Access Readers: Depending on the type of credentials used, they can be checked by a keypad, card or RFID reader, biometric scanner, phone system, smart reader, or license plate recognition system.
• Access Controllers: The reader sends a signal to the controller, which then accesses the active directory of authorized users and validates access privileges for the specific user identity. The controller cross-references the current credentials with its database to confirm allowed access, then sends a signal to unlock and open the gate.
• Gate Lock: Typically either magnetic or electric, the locking mechanism keeps the gate closed unless proper credentials processed through the access controller signal it to unlock.
• Gate Opener: The opener is the physical sliding, swinging, lifting, or folding mechanism that opens up the gate when signaled.
• Keys: Credentials come in a variety of forms to match the specific access reader used, ranging from pins and passwords for keypads to physical cards, RFID tags placed in your vehicle, virtual access cards on smartphones, and even license plate recognition processed by video-enabled readers. Even a person’s face or fingerprints could be used as a credential, depending on the system.
• Management Software: The system stores and manages its active directory of authorized users, tracks and records attempts at access, and alerts security personnel about suspicious activity using software. If the system is cloud-based, then authorized personnel can use a web interface or app from anywhere to change settings and manage the overall system.

Types of Access Control Gates

The mechanical operation of commercial access control systems comes in a variety of types to fit the performance requirements of the area being protected. Designing a gate system involved in access control for commercial property management, for example, would need to choose a type and size responsive to key factors like the floor area of the building, its physical environment location (urban vs, suburban), number of tenants coming in and out, and the amount of available parking spaces available.

Swing Gates

Swinging arms push or pull gates using a motor to allow entry and exit. In this type of gate security system, the openers can be activated either manually or automatically once the electronic lock is opened pending system authorization.

Slidelock Gates

Slide gates move horizontally to the side of the entry along a track to let authorized individuals into an area. In a less busy location, a single-slide model may be used to allow one-at-a-time entry. In a congested area, double-slide models allow multiple vehicles to enter simultaneously.

Bi-Folding Gates

When a gate must operate within a limited space, a bi-folding model proves beneficial. Instead of swinging or sliding, bi-folding gates have hinges in the middle that allow them to simply fold into themselves, providing an opening for entry. When they are not being used, the hinges in the center can be locked for added security.

Access Methods

Similar to gate types, the specific access method that will work best in a location depends on the conditions of the area needing to be secured and the people who will use it. For instance, in an office access control system, consider the size of your office, the work required to manage each type of access, and the underlying access system employed for the building, so you can attempt to have only one credential provide access to both.

Intercom Systems

An intercom system is well-suited for protected areas that get a lot of temporary visitor traffic, such as residential communities. The intercom allows visitors to find and call the specific person they wish to visit, who can then provide them access with a push of a button.

Intercom systems require a visitor to interact with a human before getting access, which provides some level of human audio verification to gain entry. More modern intercom systems incorporate video, allowing the resident to view and verify who is coming to see them before they get access. Photo and video monitoring also capture records of people attempting to gain access and lets residents or security personnel see visitors before allowing them entry. It also can capture visual and time verification of any individual entering.

RFID Systems

Keycards, fobs, or tags can feature “radio frequency identification technology,” abbreviated to RFID, to transmit embedded radio signals to access readers to gain entry. RFID systems are easy to use without training and offer quick entry for authorized occupants.

However, physical cards or fobs are easy to lose, may break or malfunction, and — worst of all — are easy to copy and clone, thus posing a security risk. Managing and tracking activity can also be less accurate with RFID credentials, since multiple people can use the same card to enter and all be tracked as the same person, regardless of driving in different cars.

Mobile Applications

Mobile app-based access systems are easy to use as entrants simply present their phone to a reader without an added keycard or fob. These apps use more encrypted technologies like Bluetooth and NFC to transmit access authority, so they are nearly impossible to copy. They can work by tapping, or waving their phone at the reader, or even having it scanned while still in a user’s pocket if the signal is strong enough, as with Bluetooth.

These are not only the most secure but also the most convenient access method for those seeking entry as well as the administrators managing access authority since mobile apps can be instantly activated or deactivated remotely. Additionally, users typically always have their smartphone with them to get inside. Mobile applications are also an ideal solution for optimizing multi-location corporate facilities’ access control, as the user can rely on their unique identification via their phone to access multiple facilities.

Mobile apps are also more accurate and secure. Users are not likely to lend their phones to others for entry. Additionally, it is easier for smartphone-based systems to track who enters and leaves — and when — since they can easily differentiate between entrants.

Importance of Security Integration

Commercial gate access control works best when combined with other security technologies, such as video cameras and alarms. Further, systems are more effective when they are included with the same access control as the building for not only greater convenience and efficiency, but also higher security since there are fewer credentials to manage or lose.

When you are managing access control with Kastle, you get a fully integrated physical security system that protects your property 24/7. Integrated security features, in addition to gate entry, can more effectively safeguard communities and businesses further through:

• Building Access Control: Linking gate and building access into one system from “street to suite” creates frictionless user convenience but also streamlines administrative workload in managing access rights – there is only one active directory to manage and one credential to track for each occupant, for the entire property.
• Video Surveillance: Strategically placed security cameras allow security professionals to observe entrants. If an unauthorized individual enters and causes any damage, a video recording can serve as evidence.
• Visitor Management: Enabling office tenants or apartment residents to schedule and assign temporary access to visitors that syncs with the overall access system, enhances security with one authoritative source for access rights, and activity data for unified tracking and oversight. It also takes burden off administrative staff by enabling occupants a secure DIY method of managing visitor traffic.

Best Practices for Selecting a Gate Access Control System

When choosing the right gate access control solution for a gated property, consider your unique needs as discussed above. Your choices will depend on factors including the amount of space available, the level of security needed, budgetary constraints, and compatibility with your current systems. Ultimately, the methods you choose should meet the needs of the people using the system on both sides.

Whether you need to protect a school or university, commercial office building, industrial facility, warehouse, or residential area, Kastle has the experience and expertise to help you secure your space. Learn more about Kastle and what makes us the leader in managed security.