The use of gates for security is common in all kinds of properties, whether they are multifamily apartments or commercial office buildings. In places where there is a gate, there must be a system to ensure the right people can get through it. Access control for gated communities is essential.
In addition to gate intercom systems and RFID readers, gated properties can also employ gate entry control systems. When it comes to choosing the right gate entry system for your property, what do you think about it? Discover how to manage gated properties' access and various gate access control systems in the following sections.
What is gate access control?
Managing access to a gated property is called gate access control. The purpose of this is to safeguard your property from unauthorized access while allowing tenants and permitted visitors to enter it. You can safeguard your property and tenants by controlling access to your gate.
Management of access at a gate requires a gate access control system, whether it's for an apartment building, a homeowners' association, a gated community, or a commercial building. Any entrance, whether for pedestrians or cars, can be fitted with a gate access system. An access control system for gated entrances is available in several types of technology.
Components of a gate access control system
Three main components make up a gate access system:
- Openers for gates
- Magnetic or electronic locks
- Passwords used by tenants to access the property
It is also possible for visitors to request property access through access control systems.
Wired vs. wireless gate access control systems
You can choose between a wired and wireless gate access control system. Wireless systems are easier to install and less expensive for property managers and owners.
Many entry gates are located hundreds or even thousands of feet away from the property to which they control access. Due to this, connecting the gate hardware to the control panel is equally complex as a wired access control system. A wireless gate access system does not require the infrastructure required by wired gate access systems. As a result, going wireless will save you both money and time.
Gate access control systems: what they look like
Gate access control systems come in various forms, each of which examines credentials and releases a signal to open security gates. Credentials are given to those authorized to access a building, such as tenants and building staff. Credentials such as fobs, keycards, fingerprints, and sensors placed in their vehicles, smartphones, or other devices could be used to verify their identity. Credentials are used to verify identity when authorized persons approach the gate.
When an access control system scans a credential, it crosses it with its database to determine whether it is valid. The gate opener is instructed to allow entry if the credential matches. In the market, you can choose an accessibility method that uses a keypad to achieve fully automated, touch-free solution options. In terms of the type and budget of the applications, the ideal choice will differ.
The Best Gate Access Control Systems
Keypads
The gate access control solution here probably stands out from the rest. The building can only be accessed by entering a PIN. Following verification of the PIN, the visitor will be able to enter the building. However, it has some disadvantages despite being quite simple. This makes PIN codes more difficult to remember from the customer's perspective. Considering it's not the most secure option, it can result in unauthorized access since people can share the password with others. As a result of a busy site that manages high traffic flow, a single person entering their PIN during peak times can cause congestion, causing visitors to be frustrated to no end.
Proximity Cards
It is slightly more convenient to use proximity card readers than keypads since the PIN cannot always be memorized. Visitors simply need to present their card within the reader's reading range. A proximity card transmits its number to the reader through the reader's operating field when it is held in close proximity to it. A short, temporary opening of the lock happens if the reader approves the card number.
RFID Gate Access Control System
By combining RFID technology with access control solutions, vehicles are able to be identified at long distances according to the control point's proximity. Most gates can be opened by simply moving slowly to the gate instead of stopping. In solar parks where permit holders are required to enter, drivers must stop at the entrance and present their cards to a reader. Using RFID-based access control can avoid this by allowing easy identification of automobiles without the need for hands-on operation.
An RFID tag is placed on the vehicle, and the reader will automatically open gates when the vehicle is identified and verified. The types of RFID tags - from windshield tags to heavy-duty tags - come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Long-range RFID readers can achieve a distance between 5 and 10 meters.
ANPR Gate Access Control
The automated vehicle number plate recognition system reads the number plates when they approach, then converts them into Solid IDs using the Wiegand format. Access control systems analyze this data. An RFID tag cannot be issued in most applications, so this solution is ideal. There have been many benefits associated with ANPR gate systems both for the operators of secure sites as well as consumers. As a result of its technology, queues can be eliminated at barrier levels and create a secure automated vehicle identification system for busy sites.
The input of the relevant vehicle's number plate gives you automatic access to secure sites or parking lots 24 hours a day. Pre-approved vehicles will be allowed to enter and exit any secure site at a free-flowing rate once the barrier is opened. You can also revoke or remove access at any time if you wish.
The ANPR camera can read vehicles from a distance of up to 10 meters, so it can accurately identify vehicles. By using deep learning algorithms, numbers are captured accurately even when harsh conditions arise, and plates with various font formats can be read quickly. An ANPR camera is the best choice if access is needed temporarily or incidentally. ANPR bollard is the most comprehensive solution, incorporating a control system and relay, so they are completely standalone and require minimal setup.
Choosing gate access control systems: factors to consider
What is the best gate access control for your gated property? There are so many types; how do you choose the right one? It is important to ask yourself whether you need a gate access system for your residential or commercial property before choosing one. Considering the number of people living or working in the building is a good starting point. If you want to accommodate that many tenants, choose a system that can handle them.
It is also important to consider where your gate will be located. To begin with, consider the wiring requirements of the system if your gate is located very far from your building. Would you like to install your gate access system outside?
Access control for outdoor gates
A system that can withstand the elements is needed since the gate will likely be outside. The best gate access control system for outdoor gates should have an IP65 rating to keep the system waterproof. In this way, your system can withstand the elements of rain, snow, wind, and sun.
Gate access control that works best
For any gate, regardless of the location or what it needs to be accessing, gate intercoms are the best choice. Gate intercoms allow visitors to be granted access much more easily than most access control systems. Your property managers will save time because tenants can open the gate remotely. With a gate intercom, facilities don't need gate attendants or designated staff members to handle guest access.
Tenants can also grant themselves access using gate intercoms. A gate can be opened through an intercom in several ways. In addition to using apps or PIN codes, tenants can also use an Apple Watch, an Apple Watch voice command, or Siri or Alexa to access their apartment.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to gate access control systems, as well as enhancing the quality of security and efficiency of access. From budget to the number of people visiting the site each day, picking the right system is very important. It is not uncommon for people to be nervous about new technology initiatives, but they like to see innovation. Implementing an access control system for gates can improve your business' efficiency, provide better security, and reduce costs.
