Most people would be surprised to know that about 10% of all malicious data breaches tend to occur due to compromises in physical security. It doesn't matter if the security is for an educational institution, commercial property, hotel, enterprise, or hospital; having a poorly equipped physical access control solution can result in massive losses.
Security is an important aspect of every property, as having an access control gate can ensure you restrict entry from unauthorized persons.
This article will explain gate automation and the 4 benefits of access control gates for your commercial property. Let’s begin!
What Is a Gate Access Control System?
Security and IT teams can install gate access control systems for a plethora of reasons, including:
- User Convenience: When you have an access control solution, you don’t have to worry about employees creating a new access pass whenever they want to open the gate. With a gate access control solution, they must present their credentials to an access card reader.
- Eliminate Tailgating: according to a survey, around 71% of security personnel state that their organizations were likely to experience security breaches due to tailgating. 40% of security personnel also stated that having a gate access control system can help properties eliminate tailgating instances. This is because a gate system can help security teams closely monitor users' access activities from a remote location.
- Prevent Malicious Attacks: gate access control can help prevent malicious attacks by enabling only authorized persons into the building. This helps reduce the occurrence of vandalism, theft, and other violent crimes.
What Are the Types of Access Control Gates?
Depending on the requirement, IT teams and property managers can integrate a wide array of access control systems, such as telephone entry systems, gate intercom systems, mobile gate access control, vehicle detection systems, keypads, and RFID access control.
Telephone Entry Systems
A telephone entry system like the Security Brands Ascent X1 helps visitors to request access from property owners remotely. While the telephone entry system can function on the same principle as a gate intercom access control system, it isn’t as user-friendly or convenient as gate intercoms.
Gate Intercom Systems
This access control system enables users to open swing gates by directly talking to the swing gate operators to confirm their identity. Once their identity is confirmed, then the swing gate operators can open the gate for them. To achieve this, the gate intercom system uses a video intercom which facilitates video calling between the swing gate operators and visitors.
Alternatively, a smartphone-based gate intercom enables tenants or property owners at a gated community to open gates via their smartphones for themselves and their visitors from a remote location. While this gate access control system works effectively, it isn't suited for large-scale commercial properties such as enterprises, educational institutions, hotels, and firms.
Mobile Gate Access Systems
The Mobile Gate Access Control System enables users to utilize their BLE- or NFC-enabled smartphones to open the electric gate. The important components of this access control solution are the NFC or Bluetooth reader, the access control system mobile app, and the NFC or Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.
Vehicle Detection Systems
This access control system is quite sophisticated as it can detect cars from a predetermined distance, enabling designated area access to authorized vehicles. There are two types of vehicle detection systems: automatic number plate recognition and proximity cards.
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): this system requires the driver to register their vehicle's registration number with the ANPR database. This gate access control system uses optical recognition technology to scan the plate and match it to the database.
- Proximity Cards: this system requires a driver to register their proximity card. When a vehicle attempts to enter a garage door, the system recognizes the proximity card, which then triggers the garage door to open.
Keypads
Numerous properties utilize keypad access control solutions because they are easy to integrate and maintain. This automated gate system, like the LiftMaster Wireless Keypad, uses a hardware device and a keypad at the gate.
With this access control solution, users must enter a PIN or designated code into the keypad to access the property. This gate access control system verifies a user's identity by authenticating if the entered PIN is registered with the database before opening the swing gate. The security gate doesn't open if the PIN isn't valid.
One negative to this type of access control gate is that it can be difficult for people to enter their pin without getting out of their vehicles. Nevertheless, keypads are great for indoor security gates as they enable personnel to move from one area to another.
RFID Gate Access Control Systems
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that utilizes radio waves to create communication between an RFID tag and a reader/scanner. When you present your RFID tag—typically given in the form of a digital or physical fob or keycard—the reader communicates with the access control solution's backend database to authenticate your credentials. The gate access control system will not open the security gates if the scanner reads incorrect credentials.
Benefits of Access Control Gate
Increases Property Value
While most people consider integrating a gate access control system for purely security purposes, it can have the added benefit of increasing your property value. Installing an access control system, especially if you live in a gated community, can help boost your property's value, making it a lot more enticing to potential buyers.
Security Is Enhanced
The major reason why property owners install access control gate solutions is to protect their assets, employees, family, and residents. These access control solutions keep miscreants and criminals at bay while also considering emergencies.
With an access control solution, you can select which areas of your commercial property are off-limits in an emergency or forced lockdown.
Provides Unmatched Convenience
Gate access control enables a painless entry and exit process, allowing you to gain access to your property without leaving your vehicle.
Allows Property Monitoring
When you integrate a gate access control system into your property or home, you have the dual purpose of deterring criminals and creating an inbuilt monitoring tool. Most systems enable you to track all the entries and exits into your building, so you have a clear idea of the people visiting your property and their reasons for visiting.
Access Control for Gated Communities
In conclusion, an access control gate is a great way to increase security for your business or home. By installing an access control gate, you can rest assured that only authorized personnel will be able to enter the premises. If you have any questions about access control gates, or would like to learn more about our products and services, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to assist you.
