5 Benefits of Installing Turnstiles and Flap Barriers

Turnstile gates and flap barriers are an essential aspect of both modern building and store security, as well as general access control for venues.

If you are considering installing these systems in your building, you are taking a proactive step towards creating a more secure environment. These systems offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable investment for any venue looking to invest in entrance security.

In this article, we will delve into the advantages of turnstiles and flap barriers and why they are a necessary addition to any security plan. Whether you run a public venue, an office building, or any other type of facility, there are a wide range of benefits to these security gates that can help to ensure the safety and security of your premises and personnel.

What Are Turnstiles and Flap Barriers?

Turnstiles and flap barriers are automated systems made up of sensors, barriers and access control systems that allow or prohibit entry or exit. They come in a number of different materials. designs and sizes to suit different needs, venues and applications.

Flap barriers have two flaps on either side that serve as physical barriers, limiting pedestrian access to a venue.

Turnstile gates can be optical, which use infrared sensors to detect approaching people, and can operate with or without barriers. They can also be full height or waist high. Full-height turnstiles have durable rotating barriers that extend from the ceiling to the floor much like revolving doors and provide enhanced security. Waist-height turnstiles, on the other hand, have a tripod barrier arm that rotates at waist level.

Why Install Turnstiles and Flap Barrier Systems?

You might think that having automated doors with access controls on your premises is a good enough security measure, but turnstiles and flap barrier gates turn this up a notch and offer so much more:

1. Increased Security and Control

While automatic doors with access controls offer some security, they’re often prone to ‘tailgating’, wherein intruders or unauthorised persons follow immediately after those with authorised access when they enter or exit premises. This compromises the area’s security, and also makes it difficult to track the exact number and identities of those coming in and out of a supposedly secure area.

With turnstiles or flap gates, such instances can be eliminated. They allow for only one person to pass at a time, with the necessary valid credentials. After letting an authorised person pass, barriers close immediately. Some models can even detect tailgating, loitering or forced passage and trigger an alarm.

Letting just one person pass at a time gives security personnel time to inspect any suspicious characters, spot potential trouble and intervene if necessary. This also works well for crowd control. With automatic doors you could have any number of people passing through without valid access any time the doors open. With turnstiles and flap barrier gates, however, only one person at a time may pass, which allows you to more effectively control large numbers of people entering venues such as stadiums, amusement parks and sports venues.

2. Full Access Control Integration

Turnstile installations are a crucial aspect of modern building security and access control. Working in conjunction with CCTV cameras, automatic doors and other security equipment, turnstiles and flap barriers can effectively secure premises. If an intruder or unauthorised person is detected at the turnstile, an alarm can quickly be triggered, doors locked down and cameras turned on to detain the threat. With the integrated access control system, you’ll also be able to collect information such as the specific identities, and time and location of every person coming and going through exit and entrance points.

Additionally, turnstile entry systems provide an efficient and secure way to manage the flow of people in and out of a building. This helps to reduce long lines and waiting times, making it easier for authorised personnel to enter and exit the building.

Not only do turnstile entry systems provide a secure and efficient way to manage the flow of people in and out of a building, they also reduce the need for physical guards. This results in cost savings and improved overall building security, as the system can be monitored remotely and instantly respond to potential threats. The use of these systems also helps to minimise human error and reduces the likelihood of unauthorised individuals slipping through unnoticed.

3. Time and Cost Savings

With these systems in place there is a lesser need for security or front desk personnel to check and verify identification. Authorised persons can simply present their ID cards or biometrics and gain access. This saves you from having to pay personnel to constantly man exit and entrance points, and also saves time by streamlining the exit and entrance of persons.

Another cost-saving advantage of turnstiles and flap barriers is their low maintenance requirements. These systems are designed to be durable and long-lasting, so they can operate efficiently even with heavy usage. This results in lower maintenance and repair costs compared to traditional security systems. Additionally, the integration of turnstiles and flap barriers with access control systems and security equipment such as CCTV cameras can lead to a more streamlined and efficient security setup, reducing the need for multiple separate systems and their associated costs.

4. Operational Flexibility

Turnstile and flap barrier systems offer a high degree of flexibility and customization to meet the unique needs of your operation. Depending on your specific requirements, you can configure the system to allow for a one-way or bi-directional flow of people. For instance, during business hours when employees are entering the building, the turnstiles can be set to entry-only mode. This can then be switched to exit-only mode after hours when employees are leaving the building.

In addition to controlling the flow of people, turnstiles and flap barriers also offer the ability to lock down access points during non-operational hours. This provides an added layer of security and helps to prevent unauthorised entry. Alternatively, in the event of an emergency, you can switch the turnstiles and flap barriers to free pass mode, allowing people to move freely through the exits without requiring authorisation.

5. Additional Features

Turnstiles and flap barriers offer a highly effective way to monitor and manage the flow of people in and out of a venue. In addition to securing entry points, these systems can also be used to gather valuable data and insights about your visitors. For example, you can use turnstiles to count admissions and track the number of people in your venue at any given time. This information can be used to determine peak traffic hours and to ensure that your facility is staffed appropriately to meet demand. You can also use the data to determine if there are still people in the area after closing time, helping you to ensure the safety of your guests and employees.

Another important application of turnstiles and flap barriers is enforcing payment at venues. For example, at amusement parks and sports venues, turnstiles can be configured to only allow entry to those with a valid ticket or access key. This helps to prevent unauthorised entry and ensures that only paying customers can access your facilities. The same applies to public transportation terminals, where turnstiles can be used to control access to platforms and ensure that only ticketed passengers are able to board.

Need Help? Get In Contact!

To learn more about how turnstiles and flap barriers can benefit your business, or inquire about the best access control systems for your needs, get in touch with Rotech today on (07) 3205 1123.