Assessment and planning are crucial stages in the implementation of commercial or industrial automatic gates and access control systems. These stages lay the foundation for a successful installation that meets the security needs of the property while aligning with operational requirements.
Here are the key elements to consider during the assessment and planning phase:
1. Property Layout and Traffic Flow
Assess the layout of the property to identify key entry and exit points, pedestrian pathways, and vehicle routes. You also need to analyse traffic flow patterns to determine the volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic at different access points throughout the day.
2. Security Needs and Threat Assessment
Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of security needs, considering factors such as the property's location, surrounding environment, and potential security threats. Consider the following environmental factors:
Landscape and Terrain
Evaluate the landscape and terrain of the property, including factors such as slopes, hills, valleys, and irregular terrain. Determine the degree of the land, whether it is level, uphill, downhill, or uneven, as this will influence the selection of gate types and installation methods.
Choose automatic gate designs that are compatible with the terrain, such as sliding gates for sloped or uneven surfaces and swing gates for level ground.
Weather Conditions
Take into account the prevailing weather conditions in the area, including temperature fluctuations, rainfall, snowfall, wind speed, and humidity levels.
Select materials and finishes for automatic gates that are weather-resistant and durable, capable of withstanding exposure to harsh environmental elements over time.
Impact on Gate Operation
Assess how environmental factors such as wind, rain, snow, or extreme temperatures may affect the operation and performance of automatic gates. Choose gate mechanisms and operating systems that are resilient and reliable, ensuring consistent operation and minimal downtime.
Erosion and Drainage
Evaluate the risk of erosion and water runoff on the property, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall or flooding while implementing proper drainage systems and erosion control measures to prevent water damage to gate mechanisms & electrical components.
Lastly, identify vulnerabilities and areas of concern that require heightened security measures, such as high-value assets, sensitive areas, or previous security incidents.
Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations, standards, and codes governing the installation and operation of automatic gates and access control systems in your jurisdiction. You also need to ensure that the proposed system complies with applicable safety, accessibility, and security standards to avoid legal issues and ensure occupant safety.
4. Operational Requirements and User Needs
Determine the operational requirements of the property, including hours of operation, peak traffic times, and user access preferences. Also consider the needs of different user groups, such as employees, visitors, delivery personnel, and service providers, when designing access control policies and procedures.
5. Integration with Existing Infrastructure
Evaluate existing infrastructure, such as fencing, lighting, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems, to ensure compatibility and integration with the proposed automatic gates and access control systems.
You need to identify any potential conflicts or challenges that may arise during installation or operation and develop mitigation strategies accordingly. Inter department communication is crucial in this stage.
6. Budget and Resource Allocation
Establish a realistic budget for the implementation of automatic gates and access control systems, taking into account equipment costs, installation expenses, and ongoing maintenance requirements. You can get a free quote & consultation from CM Gates & Barriers here.
Allocate resources effectively, considering factors such as manpower, timeframes, and external support services required to complete the project successfully.Â
7. Future Scalability and Expansion
Anticipate future growth and expansion of the property and ensure that the chosen automatic gates and access control systems are scalable to accommodate evolving security needs.
By designing the system architecture with flexibility in mind, it will allow seamless integration of additional features, upgrades, or expansions as needed.
8. Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration
Engage with key stakeholders, including property owners, tenants, security personnel, and relevant authorities, to gather input, address concerns, and ensure alignment with project objectives.
Foster open communication and collaboration throughout the assessment and planning process to facilitate consensus-building and decision-making.
By carefully considering these elements during the assessment and planning phase, property managers and developers can design and implement effective automatic gates and access control systems that enhance security, streamline access management, and meet the specific needs of the property and its occupants.
The Best Way to Plan
The best way is to involve experts & consultants such as CM Gates & Barriers in the planning stage. This way, you can ensure that your gate installation will go smoothly, without a headache and comply with safety regulations.Â