Introduction

Turnstile gates are a significant cog in the wheel of safety and access control in most business premises. They are a staple in many places ranging from sports arenas and concert halls to corporate offices and amusement parks. These gates are much more than just entrance security fixtures; they are critical to managing foot traffic efficiently and preventing unauthorized access.

The need for effective security controls in business premises cannot be overstated. As deterrents for unauthorized access, turnstile gates play a crucial role in safeguarding business assets. They also help organize the entry and exit of personnel, reducing chaos and ensuring orderliness, especially when dealing with a significant number of individuals. In essence, these gates are tasked with maintaining a balanced flow of people, keeping a tab on incoming and outgoing traffic.

Understanding What Turnstile Gates Are

A turnstile gate, typically used as a pedestrian gate or door, leverages a mechanical gate with rotating bars to allow only one person to pass at a time. It can also incorporate ticketing systems and biometrics, making them an excellent choice for controlled and authorized entry. While they are used for security purposes, they often double up as ticket barriers, especially in mass transit stations.

There’s quite a variety of turnstile gates, catering to different needs and premises. Full-height turnstiles, often seen in high-security areas like banks and prisons, are difficult to breach. Half-height turnstiles designed for comfort and quick access control are common in offices and public transport stations. Tripod turnstiles, flap barrier turnstiles, and barrier-free optical turnstiles add to the variety, offering diverse options based on needs and budget.

Deciding On Your Turnstile Gate

Choosing a suitable turnstile gate requires a careful examination of several factors. Firstly, understanding the precise nature of your business and its security needs is fundamental. A high-security area might necessitate full-height turnstile gates. In contrast, a corporate office might prefer optical or half-height variants for quick, yet secure access.  Additionally, the available space to install the gate, the aesthetic appeal of the gate (especially for corporate environments), and your budget all need to be considered.

Comparison of different types of gates is crucial to make an informed decision. Full-height turnstiles provide maximum security but might be overkill for areas that don’t require stringent security checks. Half-height gates and tripod turnstiles offer quicker access and are much more cost-effective but might compromise a bit on the security aspect.

Installation Phase

Before you start the installation of your turnstile gates, ensure that you have thoroughly planned for it. Pre-installation layout and planning are key to seamless installation, factoring in the area where the gate is to be installed and its integration with the existing infrastructure.

It’s advisable to engage with professionals, who can conduct a site survey and draw up the plan for installation. The professional survey helps in identifying bottlenecks and potential hindrances during the actual installation, which can then be managed or eliminated well in advance. This proactive approach saves time and reduces the likelihood of installation glitches.

Engaging A Professional Installer

Having professional installers on board is vital, given the technical intricacies involved in the installation of turnstile gates. Professionals come with the right skillset, tools, and knowledge to handle the task efficiently.

When choosing an installer, consider their field experience, expertise, and customer reviews. Extensive experience often translates into a better understanding of the work, resulting in quality installation. Additionally, positive customer reviews can provide a sense of reliability and professionalism, aiding in your decision to hire them.

The Installation Process

The installation process begins with unboxing the equipment and examining it for any damage incurred during transportation. The equipment is then positioned as per the installation plan, anchoring it to the floor. Cables are routed, and the gate is then connected to the power source.

Depending on the type of gate chosen, a ticketing or biometric access system might need to be integrated, followed by testing for smooth functioning. Any required adjustment in terms of positioning or alignment is made, and finally, the turnstile gate is calibrated as per the manufacturer instructions.

Post-Installation: Maintenance And Servicing Guide

In order to keep your turnstile gate functioning efficiently, regular maintenance is a must. This includes routine checks to identify and rectify any wear and tear and ensuring that the gate remains clean and free from obstructions.

Regular lubrication of moving parts, checking the status of the power source, verifying the integration of access systems are common maintenance practices. For regular servicing, it’s advised to follow the manufacturer's instructions, which typically recommend servicing every 6 months to a year, depending on the usage.

Maximizing The Efficiency Of Your Turnstile Gates

To ensure your turnstile gates function at their best, always adhere to the recommended usage guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance, as mentioned above, also plays a vital role in enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the gate. Moreover, encouraging users (staff, visitors, etc.) to handle the turnstile appropriately can prevent unnecessary breakdowns or damages.

Case Study: Successful Turnstile Gate Installations

A prime example of a successful turnstile installation is that of a reputed sports stadium. Given the large volume of foot traffic the stadium had to manage during events, they decided to install full-height turnstile gates. These gates efficiently controlled the crowd while ensuring top-notch security.

A corporate office too, successfully installed optical turnstile gates, providing both efficient access control and an aesthetically pleasing entrance. From these instances, it’s clear that the correct choice and proper installation of turnstile gates can have a significant impact on business operations.

Conclusion

Understanding what turnstile gates are, choosing the right one, planning and executing the installation correctly, and ensuring regular maintenance – all of these aspects are key to the successful deployment of turnstile gates. Following this comprehensive guide can help make the process smoother and more efficient. And as always, should you need any more information or professional assistance, please feel free to reach out. Remember, an effective turnstile gate installation can significantly enhance your business’s safety, control, and overall operation. Make the right choice today!