Automatic Doors
Automatic doors can provide convenient and controlled pedestrian access at commercial entrances, helping people move through busy premises with ease while supporting a professional, welcoming first impression. From office reception areas to retail entrances, automatic door systems are a familiar part of many public-facing buildings.
The right automatic door solution depends on the building, footfall, accessibility requirements, door configuration and operational needs of the premises. As part of our wider physical security services, Pedris can help businesses consider automatic doors as part of a controlled approach to commercial entrances.
Commercial Automatic Doors
Automatic doors play a practical role at many commercial premises, including office entrances, retail premises, healthcare facilities, education settings and hotels or hospitality venues. They are also widely used at reception areas and for internal controlled entrances within larger buildings.
The appropriate automatic door arrangement depends on the building, the entrance in question and the intended use of the space. A busy retail frontage will have different requirements to an internal office corridor, so each installation should be considered on its own merits rather than applying a single standard approach across every entrance.
Types of Automatic Doors
Automatic doors come in a number of forms, and the right choice depends on the entrance and how pedestrian access needs to be managed.
Automatic Sliding Doors
Suited to pedestrian entrances where a sliding operation offers convenient, space-efficient access.
Automatic Swing Doors
Used where a swinging door arrangement is appropriate for the entrance and available space.
Automatic Entrance Doors
Designed for commercial entrances where convenient pedestrian access is required for visitors and staff.
Automatic Internal Doors
Automation can also be applied to suitable internal doors within commercial buildings for controlled movement.
Automatic Doors for Commercial Premises
Automatic door requirements vary considerably across different commercial environments. Offices and business parks may prioritise a professional reception entrance, while retail premises often need doors that cope well with high footfall throughout the day.
Healthcare, education, hospitality and managed properties may each have different reasons for considering automatic doors, depending on the building layout and how visitors, staff and the public move through public-facing areas. To find out more about how requirements vary across different environments, visit our sectors page.
Automatic Doors and Accessibility
Automatic doors can make pedestrian entry easier at high-traffic entrances, offering hands-free access where appropriate for the building and its users. This can be a useful consideration where accessibility forms part of the wider entrance design.
Every building and set of building users is different, and the suitability of a particular automatic door arrangement should be considered on its own merits. Installing an automatic door does not automatically make an entrance compliant with accessibility legislation, and businesses should seek appropriate professional advice on their specific legal obligations.
Automatic Doors and Access Control
Where controlled entry is required, automatic doors can work alongside an access control system to manage authorised access. This might include access cards, fobs or keypads used to restrict entry to particular staff entrances, restricted areas or controlled internal doors.
The exact control arrangement depends on the automatic door system and the access-control equipment involved, and not every automatic door is compatible with every access-control system. Compatibility should always be considered for the specific site and equipment being used.
Automatic Doors and Integrated Security
Automatic doors can form part of a wider security arrangement, working alongside other systems where appropriate for the premises. Practical examples include automatic doors combined with access control for authorised entry, with CCTV systems for oversight of the entrance, or with intercom systems to allow communication with a visitor before access is granted.
Depending on the site, automatic doors may also be considered alongside intruder alarms or security gates as part of a broader approach to premises security. Not every customer requires every one of these systems, and the right combination depends on the site and its objectives.
Automatic Door Installation
Installing automatic doors properly starts with assessing the existing entrance, checking door suitability and considering pedestrian flow through the space. This helps identify a system that suits the building rather than simply fitting a standard product to every entrance.
From there, an appropriate automatic door system can be selected, taking account of available space, sensor and control positioning, and any access-control equipment that needs to be integrated. The system can then be configured and tested to confirm it operates as intended. Every entrance is different, so installation should be planned on a case-by-case basis. Pedris can support businesses through this process as part of our wider physical security services.
Automating Existing Doors
Businesses that already have suitable doors may be interested in automatic door conversion rather than a full replacement. Some existing doors may be suitable for automation, while others may require modification or replacement depending on their construction, condition, size, movement and operating requirements.
Assessing the existing door carefully is an important step before recommending an automatic door retrofit, and not every existing door can be automated. Converting doors to automatic operation should always follow a proper assessment of the specific door and entrance in question.
Automatic Door Maintenance
Automatic doors contain mechanical, electrical and control components that may require ongoing inspection and maintenance. This can include checking door movement, checking sensors where applicable, identifying wear, addressing faults and checking controls, along with maintaining any associated access-control equipment.
Pedris offers security system maintenance covering automatic doors and associated equipment alongside other commercial security systems.
Benefits of Automatic Doors
Convenient Pedestrian Access
Supports easier movement through busy entrances, including hands-free entry where appropriate.
Supporting Accessible Design
Can support accessible entrance design as part of a wider approach to building access.
Professional Commercial Entrances
Presents a professional entrance that can integrate with wider building security when required.
How to Get Started
1
Discuss Your Entrance
We take time to understand your existing door, building, pedestrian flow and operational requirements.
2
Plan the Automatic Door Solution
We assess the entrance and determine the appropriate door type, automation and control arrangement.
3
Install, Configure and Test
We install the automatic door system and associated equipment, configure the controls and test operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are automatic doors?
Automatic doors are powered door systems that open and close automatically, providing convenient and controlled pedestrian access at commercial entrances.
Where are automatic doors used?
They are commonly used at office entrances, retail premises, healthcare facilities, education settings, hotels and other public-facing commercial buildings.
What is the difference between automatic sliding and swing doors?
Sliding doors open by moving sideways along a track, while swing doors open by swinging on a hinge. The right choice depends on the entrance, available space and pedestrian flow.
Can an existing door be automated?
Some existing doors may be suitable for automation, while others may require modification or replacement. An assessment of the specific door is needed before recommending a solution.
Can automatic doors work with access control?
Yes, automatic doors can be combined with access-control equipment such as cards, fobs or keypads to manage authorised entry, depending on the systems involved.
Are automatic doors suitable for offices and commercial buildings?
Automatic doors are widely used in offices and commercial buildings, though the appropriate arrangement depends on the entrance, footfall and operational needs of the premises.
Can automatic doors support accessible entrances?
Automatic doors can support accessible entrance design and hands-free access, though installing one does not automatically make an entrance compliant with accessibility legislation.
Do automatic doors require maintenance?
Automatic doors contain mechanical, electrical and control components that may benefit from ongoing inspection and maintenance to keep them operating correctly.
Discuss Your Automatic Door Requirements
If you would like to discuss your existing entrance, pedestrian access requirements and automatic door options, our team is happy to help. Get in touch to talk through your premises and how automatic doors might fit alongside your wider physical security and access control arrangements.