Gate Automation
Automated gates can provide controlled vehicle or pedestrian access to commercial premises, allowing authorised users to open and close a gate without manual operation. Gate automation can be incorporated into a suitable existing gate or planned as part of a new gate installation, depending on the site and the gate arrangement involved.
Automatic gates can support wider site security and access control at business entrances, car parks and other vehicle or pedestrian access points. Pedris can help businesses consider gate automation as part of a wider approach to commercial premises security.
Commercial Gate Automation
Automated gates play a practical role at many commercial premises, including business entrances, commercial car parks, private access roads, industrial sites, warehouses and yards. They can also be used at service entrances and restricted areas to manage staff and visitor access.
The appropriate automated gate arrangement depends on the gate itself, the entrance, site layout, traffic levels and access requirements of the business. As part of our wider physical security services, Pedris can help businesses assess how gate automation might fit their premises.
Types of Automated Gates
There are several forms of automated gate, and the right choice depends on the property and available space.
Automatic Swing Gates
Used where a suitable gate opens through a swinging movement.
Automatic Sliding Gates
Used where a sliding gate arrangement is appropriate and space allows.
Vehicle Access Gates
Automated gates that control vehicle entrances to commercial sites.
Pedestrian Gates
Automation can also be used for suitable pedestrian access points.
Automatic Gates for Commercial Premises
Gate automation is used across a wide range of commercial premises, including offices, commercial buildings, industrial sites, warehouses, logistics facilities, car parks, business parks, yards, managed properties and other restricted access areas.
Automated gates can provide a defined entrance while allowing authorised users to control access without manual operation. To find out more about how requirements vary across different environments, visit our sectors page.
Gate Automation and Access Control
Automated gates can work alongside access-control systems, using access cards, keypads, remote controls or other methods to allow authorised users to open the gate for vehicle or pedestrian access. This can support controlled opening at restricted entrances, helping manage who is able to enter a site.
The exact control method depends on the gate and system installed, and not every automated gate supports every access control method. Pedris can help identify a suitable combination for the premises.
Automated Security Gates
Automated gates can form part of a wider physical security arrangement, controlling vehicle access at perimeter entrances, restricted areas, commercial yards and industrial premises. It is worth noting the distinction between the gate itself and the automation or control system: a security gate is the physical barrier, while automation is the equipment that allows it to open and close without manual effort.
As part of our wider physical security services, Pedris can help businesses consider both the gate and its automation together.
Gate Automation and Integrated Security
Automated gates can work alongside other security systems where this suits the premises. Practical examples include automated gates combined with CCTV systems to provide oversight of the entrance, or paired with access control and intercom systems to manage and communicate with those seeking entry.
Automated gates can also complement security barriers and security bollards, or work alongside an intruder alarm system as part of overall premises security. Not every customer requires every system, and the right combination depends on the site.
Gate Automation Installation
Installing gate automation properly starts with assessing the existing gate and checking its suitability for automation. This includes considering the gate's movement, assessing available space and selecting suitable automation equipment for the arrangement.
Installation involves positioning control equipment, connecting any relevant access-control equipment, configuring the system and testing operation to confirm the gate works as intended. An existing gate may require assessment before automation is installed, to check that it is suitable for the equipment involved. Pedris can support businesses through this process as part of our wider physical security services.
Automating Existing Gates
Some existing gates may be suitable for automation, while others may require modification or replacement depending on their construction, condition, weight, movement and available space. Converting a gate to automatic operation is not always straightforward, and an assessment is important before recommending an automation solution.
Pedris can assess an existing gate to determine whether it is a good candidate for automation, or whether an alternative arrangement would be more suitable. We cannot guarantee that every existing gate can be automated, as this depends on the specific gate involved.
Gate Automation Maintenance
Automated gates contain mechanical and electrical components that may require inspection and maintenance. This can include checking gate movement, checking mechanical components and controls, identifying wear, addressing faults and maintaining any associated access-control equipment.
Pedris offers security system maintenance covering automated gates and associated equipment alongside other commercial security systems.
Benefits of Gate Automation
Controlled Vehicle Access
Provides controlled vehicle access and convenient authorised entry to a site.
Reduced Manual Operation
Reduces the need for manual gate operation, supporting a defined site entrance.
Integration With Security
Integrates with access control and complements wider physical security measures.
How to Get Started
1
Discuss Your Gate
We take time to understand your existing or proposed gate, entrance, site layout and access requirements.
2
Plan the Automation
We assess the gate and determine the appropriate automation and control arrangement.
3
Install and Configure
We install the automation and associated equipment, configure the controls and test operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gate automation?
Gate automation is the equipment and controls that allow a gate to open and close without manual operation, typically for vehicle or pedestrian access.
Can an existing gate be automated?
Some existing gates can be automated, depending on their construction, condition, weight and movement. An assessment is needed before confirming suitability.
What is the difference between automatic and automated gates?
The terms are generally used interchangeably to describe gates fitted with automation equipment that allows powered opening and closing.
Can automatic gates be used for commercial premises?
Yes, automatic gates are widely used at commercial premises to control vehicle and pedestrian access to entrances, yards and car parks.
Can gate automation work with access control?
Yes, automated gates can be integrated with access-control systems so that authorised users can open the gate using cards, keypads or other methods.
Can automated gates work with CCTV?
Yes, CCTV can be used alongside automated gates to provide oversight of the entrance and support wider site security.
Are sliding or swing gates better for automation?
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on the available space and how the gate needs to open at the specific site.
Do automated gates require maintenance?
Automated gates contain mechanical and electrical components that may benefit from ongoing inspection and maintenance to keep them operating correctly.
Discuss Your Gate Automation Requirements
If you would like to discuss an existing gate, a proposed gate, your site entrance and access requirements, our team is happy to help. Get in touch to talk through your premises and how gate automation might fit alongside your wider security gates and access control arrangements.