Perimeter security may not be top-of-mind for every facility, but it is an important consideration for comprehensive security. For facilities with restricted access, good perimeter security is essential. Security gate access control systems can be crucial perimeter security components to manage access, provide a physical barrier, and prevent unauthorized vehicle entry. Here is a guide to security gate access control systems to help you consider what makes sense for your facility:

What is a Security Gate Access Control System?

A security gate access control system is a physical gate entry system that is designed to be a physical barrier that only permits authorized individuals or vehicles entry. Gate access control systems can range from simple automated security gates to more complex systems. They combine perimeter security and access control systems into one system for optimal protection as a component of a wider, comprehensive security network.

4 Standard Components of Security Gate Access Control Systems

Similar to access control systems with doors, configurations may vary, but there are some standard components of gate access control systems. Standard components of security gate access control systems include:

1. Gate entry system reader
2. Access credentials for each user
3. Gate controller
4. Software to manage the system

How Does Gate Entry Access Control Work?

The basic process for how gate entry access control works tends to follow these steps:

1. Credentials are presented.
2. The system checks the credentials.
3. Access is allowed or denied.
4. If configured to do so, security alerts may be triggered.

Credentials Are Presented or Entered Via the Reader

As with access-controlled doors, people, whether pedestrians or in vehicles, will approach the gate and present their issued credentials to the reader. Different types of access control readers and credentials for gates could operate on PIN codes, key cards, RFID fobs, fingerprint scanners, credentials via a mobile app, etc.

Credentials Are Checked, and Access is Allowed or Denied

The reader and controller work together with the software behind the system to check the presented credentials against the internal database. If the credentials are authorized and accepted, the controller sends the signal back to the gate system to allow access.

Security Alerts May Be Triggered, Based on System Rules and Configuration

If the credentials are no longer authorized or incorrect, the gate will not open. Depending on the system and the configurations, failed attempts could trigger alerts or automated actions. There may also be tampering alerts if someone attempts to force entry when access is denied. Gate security systems can also be enhanced with video security cameras, intercom systems, alarm systems, and more.

6 Types of Commercial Security Gates For Access Control

The property perimeter and surrounding areas are important environmental considerations during physical security assessments. Security gates are often essential for perimeter security and protection. Commercial security gates can be used for access control across a wide variety of facilities.

There are also several types of security gates to allow integrators and property managers to create the modern security solution they need. Depending on the gate system, features, and the facility, the gate system may be designed to combine multiple types. Here are a few of the most popular styles of commercial security gates for access control:

1. Standard key lock gates
2. Keypad entry gate
3. Key card or fob security gate
4. Mobile gate access control
5. Vehicle detection security gates
6. Gate entry via intercom

1. Standard Key Lock Gates

A standard metal key for locking and unlocking a security gate is one of the earliest security gate technologies. For some restricted access facilities with low traffic and limited needs, a standard key lock security gate can offer some perimeter security and minor levels of access control.

However, traditional locks and keys come with a lot of security risks and vulnerabilities. For modern security needs, using traditional locks and keys is one of the biggest signs it’s time to upgrade your access control system. Keys can get lost or stolen, or copied. Standard locks and keys are also time-intensive compared to other options.

Not only do they often require the person using them to exit their vehicle to lock or unlock the gate, which leaves them, the gate, and their vehicle exposed, but this is also not a viable option for high-traffic gates. Standard locks and keys just can’t keep up with the volume of higher traffic gates.

2. Keypad Entry Gate Systems

When it comes to modern security gates, touchscreen or keypad entry gate systems with PIN code credentials have been the most common. This can still be a good option for security gates, and even high-traffic gates, but they do have their downsides and can be difficult to manage and maintain with a lot of users and credentials.

PINs can be easily shared, which can grant access to unauthorized individuals. Multi-factor authentication, like using a PIN and another type of access credential, can help reduce this risk. Using biometric access control, like fingerprints, facial recognition, etc. can help ensure the right person is using those authorized credentials and being granted access.

3. Key Card or Key Fob Security Gate Systems

Key card or key fob security gate systems are equipped with RFID to allow programmed cards or fobs, or another type of electronic tag, to work as access credentials. Users simply swipe their card or fob near the sensor on the reader in order to present their access credentials. Because cards or fobs are individually programmed, they are not easily duplicated.

This helps make them a more secure option than standard keys or PIN codes. Although these are physical items that could be stolen, lost, or lent to someone else, their access can be easily and immediately revoked from within the software managing the database of credentials. The caveat is that lost or stolen key cards or fobs need to be reported in a timely manner, so that access can be revoked and new credentials issued, if needed.

If you’ll also be using RFID for access control on the doors to your facility, consider integrating and configuring card or fob credentials to also grant access on those doors. This helps ensure that users do not have to carry, juggle, or manage multiple key cards or fobs. Depending on your facility, it might make more sense to require a different type of access credential for the doors.

4. Mobile Gate Access Control Systems

A mobile gate, or cellular gate access control system, is designed with readers that allow authorized personnel to use a mobile app on their phone to gain access or present credentials for access. Depending on the gate and configuration of the system, authorized users may be able to use in-app controls to open the gate.

Or, the reader could use Bluetooth or NFC (Near-Field Communication) to open the gate when authorized users hold their phone to the reader. In this case, the gate works similarly to a key card or fob gate entry, only by using a specific mobile phone as the access credential.

Although they are potentially confusing to people who are not familiar with using them, mobile gate access does tend to give security teams better management and monitoring by tying credentials to individual phones. No physical credentials need to be created. Plus, credentials via this method are difficult for unauthorized users to access. Even if a phone were to be stolen, the credentials may not be able to be used, unless the phone were also unlocked and other security measures bypassed.

5. Vehicle Detection Security Gate Systems

Vehicle detection security gate systems are equipped with license plate recognition (LPR) technology to easily identify and allow or deny access to vehicles. In some cases, RFID proximity technology can also be used when installed in authorized vehicles.

This can be a great option for high-traffic security gates to help keep access restricted and still keep traffic moving, while also reducing the risk of tailgating. These are all things to consider when including vehicle screening in your security solution.

Enhanced perimeter protection and easier parking management are some of the security benefits of license plate recognition. Similar to other access control management systems, you can easily grant or revoke access via the management software. Also, you can configure alerts for failed attempts or denied entry, or for specific license plates or vehicles that your security team needs to be aware of.

6. Intercom-Based Gate Access Control Systems

Instead of specific access credentials, people attempting to gain access via the gate will communicate with security personnel via an intercom to verify identity or purpose. Usually combined with video surveillance or integrated into a video intercom system, security personnel will manually grant or deny access based on voice and video input.

In many cases, the intercom-based system is used with another type of access control to enhance overall gate security. If considering an intercom system as part of security gate access control, you do need to consider the personnel and technology needed to operate it. Cloud-based systems do allow for remote viewing and management, but will still require the right people managing them.

Why You Should Consider Security Gate Access Control

The biggest reason to consider security gate access control is to increase the safety and security of your facility and property. Security gates help:

• Control who enters your property
• Prevent unauthorized access
• Deter and prevent crime

Security gates help protect your facility, property, and property perimeter. A solid security gate access control system is a key component of comprehensive security for a facility. Security gates and effective access control are also ways to improve security for multi-site businesses.

9 Benefits of Security Gate Access Control Systems

Moving beyond a standalone gate to a security gate access control system offers several benefits, especially when seamlessly integrated with other security systems. Here are some key benefits of security gate access control systems:

1. Improved security
2. 24/7 security and access control
3. Better overall access control and entry management
4. Access logs and audit trails
5. Convenient and efficient visitor management
6. Crime deterrence and protection
7. Remote management capabilities
8. Integrations with other security systems
9. Scalability to suit a range of facilities and complexes

What to Consider With Security Gate Access Control Systems

The right security gate access control system, and specific features, configurations, customizations, and more, will depend on your property, facility, operations, and specific needs. Choosing the right security systems integrator will help you get the products, systems, and configurations you need for a comprehensive security solution for your facility, from the exterior perimeter and gate to the interior secure spaces and everywhere between. When it comes to security gate access control systems, the basics of what to consider include:

• The type of security gate
• The type(s) of credentials and entry readers
• Level of traffic and user volume
• Level of security required
• System and software components and requirements
• Additional features and available integrations
• Convenience and ease of use

Gate Security System Checklist

Similar to how a building vulnerability assessment checklist can help you identify gaps and vulnerabilities your security solution needs to address, a gate security system checklist can help you work through what your facility needs and what else you want to look for when installing or upgrading your security gates. Here is a gate security system checklist to get you started:

• Level of Security Required:
  • What is the required level of security for your property for appropriate access control?
  • Is your facility a restricted or high-security facility?
  • Will you need lockdown features and functions?
  • How will the gate access control system need to respond to unauthorized entry or a breach?
  • How will emergency personnel gain access quickly in case of an emergency?
  • How will it provide egress in an emergency?
• Credentials:
  • What types of credentials will you be using?
  • Can the security gate access control system support multiple credential types?
  • How easily can readers and credential types be updated or changed?
  • Will you need to be able to grant temporary access to visitors?
  • Can you revoke access credentials easily when needed?
• User Volume and Level of Traffic:
  • How many people or vehicles need to access the gate every day?
  • Are there specific times of day when the volume is particularly high?
  • If your facility is high-traffic, can the gate security system handle it?
• Convenience and Ease of Use:
  • Will the security gate system be easy to use for authorized users and visitors?
  • Will readers be installed at an accessible height for both pedestrians and cars?
  • Will the gate and system actually improve access efficiency?
  • Is the system easy and efficient to manage?
  • Does it have remote management capabilities?
  • Will it track and record access and activity logs?
• Network and Connectivity:
  • Will the gate system need to be wired, wireless, or a hybrid system?
  • Can your current network infrastructure provide reliable connectivity for security gate features?
  • Do you need to update your network or install signal boosters?
  • Do you have backup systems to keep security systems working during power outages?
• Configurations and Integrations:
  • What other security systems does your gate access control system need to communicate and integrate with?
  • Can it integrate with those systems?
  • How easily does the security gate access control system integrate into your existing security solution?
  • Are there additional features or custom configurations you need to explore and consider?
• Maintenance:
  • What type of maintenance will the security gate system require?
  • How much maintenance will it require?
  • Does the integrator you’re working with offer a support plan for ongoing maintenance?

Wired vs Wireless Gate Access Control Systems

In addition to physical components and features, you may also need to evaluate wired vs wireless systems. Similar to wired vs wireless nurse call systems, there are benefits and considerations for wired and wireless gate access control systems as well. The right fit will depend on your facility, needs, and budget. Here’s what to consider when evaluating wired vs wireless gate access control systems:

Wired Security Gate Access Control Systems

Here’s what to consider for wired security gate access control systems:

• Components must be physically connected and are powered directly.
• Installation usually requires structural work.
• Retrofitting wired systems to existing systems can be more challenging.
• The operation can be entirely within the local network.
• Extra security is recommended for on-site server rooms.

Wireless Security Gate Access Control Systems

Here’s what to consider for wireless security gate access control systems:

• Components do not have to be wired directly into the property and rely on battery power.
• Installation does not usually require structural work.
• Retrofitting wireless systems to existing systems can be easier.
• Cloud-based systems allow for remote monitoring and management.
• Wireless systems require strong and reliable wireless signals to work.
• Additional cybersecurity measures are recommended to protect the controller network.

Useful Integrations For Gate Entry Access Control Systems

A complete security gate access control system can be a security solution, but it is far more effective when integrated seamlessly into your existing security solution for comprehensive coverage of your facility. In addition to improving overall safety and security, one of the benefits of integrated security systems is that useful integrations can extend and expand capabilities.

In addition to smart integrations, there are also several ways AI is improving access control, which only gets better and more efficient with integrated systems for full context and monitoring. Good security systems are customizable, which means they can be integrated and configured to communicate and work together to provide the function and protection your facility needs. Here are a few useful integrations to consider for gate entry access control systems:

• Video Surveillance Systems
• Intercom Systems
• Alarm Systems
• Other Access Control Systems

Video Surveillance Systems

Many security gates have video features. Being able to integrate with video surveillance systems allows for video to be used for verification and license plate recognition. It can also be used to add another layer of perimeter protection to the area around the gate, while helping to protect the gate itself.

Additionally, integrated security cameras can offer recorded logs that can be used to provide more information should an incident occur. Plus, the extra layer of monitoring can provide insights into anomalies, emerging threats, and other additional insights that can be used to improve security and operations. This helps shift security from static infrastructure to active infrastructure and a proactive approach to protection, which are operational imperatives facility managers need for better physical security.

Intercom Systems

Intercom systems are useful integrations for security gates and other types of access control systems, even if the security gate is not mainly intercom-based. Audio and video intercoms allow security personnel and staff to easily communicate with users, verify verbally and visually, and also grant or deny temporary access to visitors

Alarm Systems

On-site sensors and existing alarm systems are essential integrations with security gates. Not only does this set up emergency response protocols and improve incident response times, but real-time communications and alerts can be configured for specific events that allow for more proactive incident response and optimal performance.

For example, alerts for jammed gates, equipment malfunctions, or tampering can ensure security gates are maintained and working consistently. Plus, if there is anything that indicates a potential security threat, like vandalism, unauthorized entry attempts, etc., alerts to the appropriate resources facilitate early detection, efficient monitoring, and proactive response.

Other Access Control Systems

Security gate systems can also be integrated with other access control systems, like turnstiles or those installed on doors. This ensures that the security gate is part of a single access control system and comprehensive security solution, instead of a system that operates separately. Not only does this make managing credentials and permissions easier, especially for configuring varying levels of access, but it also allows for more comprehensive and seamless access logs and audit trails.

Upgrade Your Perimeter Security With NEPPS

This is a basic guide to security gate access control systems. The right configuration of security products and systems will vary by facility based on its unique characteristics and needs. Working with an experienced security systems integrator can help make sure you get the right mix of products and systems for your facility, along with any customizations you need and the peace of mind that comes with proper installation. If you need to update or add security to your facility, contact NEPPS at 1-800-736-1456.