Turnstiles are among the most popular forms of perimeter security across the UK. They provide businesses and organisations with a robust and highly secure way of managing access to a site – without the need for costly security staff. However, every business is different, and there’s no such thing as a one size fits all approach when it comes to perimeter security. Here are some points to consider before making a decision.
Location, Location, Location
The first thing you will need to discuss is the location that your turnstile will inhabit. Turnstiles are commonplace in football grounds, theme parks, sports stadiums, and military bases. However, the turnstiles used in these circumstances may be quite different to those at an apartment building, hotel, or even a train station. While for some businesses, security is paramount and aesthetics less important – for others, there is a need to balance out effectiveness with a welcoming and friendly vibe.
Fit For Purpose
What will you be using your turnstile for? There are a variety of different turnstiles available. As well as the environment of the turnstile, you need to think about other factors like traffic. For busy sites, with high numbers of footfall such as train stations – it’s important that access can be granted safely but also in a quick manner. Whereas for a warehouse holding sensitive or high-value goods, extra credential checks might be more important than flow rate.
Tailgating
Tailgating is when a person illegally gains access to a site – either by following in quickly behind an authorised visitor, or having a card passed back to them by another visitor who is in on the scam. This is a headache for many businesses, who only realise what has happened later on as they review CCTV footage. Or worse, when they have to clear up the mess left behind. You can combat tailgating with anti-passback features. They effectively prevent tailgaters ‘passing back’ security cards or fobs used for entry.
Cost
A good provider knows that businesses have to keep in line with budgets and should be able to provide you with a few different options.
Turnstiles can be integrated with a number of different access control options including proximity cards, tokens, keypad entry, and voice/video intercom control and can be customised to meet your needs. Whereas a more simple form of turnstile may cost you less.
While turnstiles can vary in cost, the important thing to keep in mind is the long-term savings they could provide. Turnstiles allow you to have better control over the entry points of your site, and provide a physical barrier that stops criminals and unwanted guests in their tracks. Not only this but turnstiles can often be controlled automatically and are an effective alternative to the hiring of in-person security guards.
Gateway Automation can help businesses and organisations to protect their assets from serious crime with minimum disruption while maintaining safe and comfortable working environments for clients. For a free no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey please contact Gateway Automation on 01522 682255. Alternatively, our brochure can be downloaded here
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