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What is Gate Automation and How Does It Work?

An investment into security is one of the greatest assets a business can make. Automatic gates, including options such as swing gates, sliding gates, and cantilever gates, form one piece of the puzzle when it comes to your business’ security, enhancing features you may already have. Not only do electric gates add extra security, but they also offer additional benefits that you may not have considered.

Automatic Arm Barrier in-front of Car Park

This blog explores the benefits automated gates can have on your business and how they can add to existing security measures you may have installed. For further advice or to enquire about automated gates for your business, contact our team at ai security today.

The Advantages of Automated Gates

The Advantages of Automated Gates

Automated Sliding Gate in-front of home

Gate automation systems certainly aid in the security of your business, but that’s just the beginning.

Gate automation experts play a crucial role in providing comprehensive solutions, ensuring quality service and safety in their installations.

Security

First and foremost, automated gates provide security for your premises and the people and products it contains. The sight alone will deter criminals, as it implies the presence of highly sophisticated security measures. Their imposing height combined with their technology, including electric gate openers, take an authoritative stance, letting any possible intruders know you take your business’ security seriously. Automated gates provide excellent security for you, your employees, and your equipment and assets.

Additionally, integrating access control systems further enhances security by ensuring only authorized individuals can enter, thereby increasing the overall safety and functionality of your gate automation.

High security automated gate integrated with bullet camera

Privacy

Automated gates tower over your premises, keeping stickybeaks from watching you and your employees’ day-to-day activities. Regardless of the industry your company is in, privacy  is worth its weight in gold. This is especially true for business that deal with sensitive or confidential information.

Ease of Use with Electric Gate Openers

 Electric Gate Openers

Manual gates can be a hassle to open and close every time you, an employee, or a delivery person needs to use them, but gate motors can eliminate this inconvenience. Sliding gates, in particular, offer ease of operation and versatility. The time needed to stop your car, get out, open the gate, drive through, stop again, close the gate… it all adds up, and quickly. Multiply this by however many times employees or visitors need to come and go, and. That adds up to a significant loss of productive time. Automated gates save time and therefore money, and also allow you to stay in the comfort of your car in awful weather.

Durability

Automated gates are built specifically to your premises, ensuring they conform to every specification including dimensions and materials. When it’s a particularly windy day, for instance, you can rest assured your automated gate will withstand the elements. This durability results in less time spent on maintenance for your automated gates.

Increased Value for Residential and Commercial Properties

With the addition of automated gates, your premises will increase in value due to its enhanced security. By incorporating electric gate kits, a business can command a higher price for its products and services. This is because of the added security automated gates provide. Customers can have confidence their product is safe and secure within your premises and can’t be stolen or tampered with by a member of the public.

Sliding gate in-front of high value home

Lowered insurance

In many cases, automated gates will allow you to pay less on insurance premiums. The security they provide you also provide your insurance company with the knowledge you have additional security that your neighbours or competitors may not. The automated gates will reduce your probability of a break-in or burglary, which generally classes your business as lower risk, decreasing your insurance premiums.

Makes a good impression

As you know, you only have one chance to make a good first impression. Automated gates, including swing gates, give off an air of sophistication, elegance, and style, none of which ever go astray. Forming a positive first impression for your customers sets the tone for a professional encounter, increasing your chances of making that sale before you even speak.

Integrating Security Gates with Access Control Systems and Other Measures

Automatic Arm Barrier in-front of parking structure

Automated gates and automation systems provide excellent security, as do other measures including CCTV, security alarms, and access control. When these forces are combined, it significantly enhances your business’ security. Adding automated gates to your premises adds an extra layer of security that complements your existing features. The chances of a break-in or burglary decrease with each security measure you have installed, so why not start at the start? These systems are suitable for various property types, including commercial properties, ensuring comprehensive security solutions for diverse needs.

Enquire About Gate Automation Installation from Gate Automation Experts

If you’ve been considering adding automated driveway gates to your business, we hope this guide has been helpful in recognizing all the great benefits they provide. Cantilever gates, a specific type of automatic gate, offer unique benefits such as enhanced durability and ease of installation. At AI Security, we install, maintain, and repair security systems including gate automation, giving you the greatest confidence and peace of mind. To find out more on gate automation, contact our knowledgeable team at AI Security today.

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Gate Automation FAQs

What is a gate automation system?

A gate automation system is a system where a gate opens and closes automatically without manual operation. It has a motor, sensors and a control system. Can be operated with a remote control, keypad, smartphone app or through sensors that detect vehicles or people approaching. Gate automation systems are used for residential, commercial and industrial properties to increase security, convenience and access control.

How much does a gate motor cost?

The cost of a gate motor varies depending on the type, brand and features. On average a gate motor can cost between £200 to £1,000 or more. Basic models for residential gates will be at the lower end of this range while heavy duty motors for larger or more complex gates will be more expensive. Additional costs will be for installation, accessories and maintenance.

How much does an electric gate cost in the UK?

The cost of an electric gate in the UK can vary greatly depending on the gate size, material, design and features. A basic single swing electric gate can cost between £1,000 to £3,000 while a double swing or sliding gate can cost between £2,000 to £7,000 or more. This will include the gate itself, the automation system and installation. Custom designs, premium materials and advanced features like intercoms or integrated security systems will add to the cost.

How does an automatic gate work?

An automatic gate works by using a motorised mechanism to open and close the gate without manual operation. Here’s a general overview:

  1. Activation: The gate is activated by a remote control, keypad, sensor or smartphone app.
  2. Motor Operation: The motor (powered by electricity) opens or closes the gate. The type of motor depends on the type of gate (sliding, swinging or lifting).
  3. Control System: The control system controls the gate movement, makes sure it opens and closes smoothly and stops when fully open or closed. May also have safety features like obstacle detection to prevent accidents.
  4. Sensors: Sensors can detect vehicles or people approaching the gate and trigger the opening or closing.
  5. Safety Mechanisms: Automatic gates have safety mechanisms like infrared sensors or pressure sensitive edges to prevent the gate from closing on a vehicle, person or object.
man using a computer

Install Security Measures

Contact the
ai security team

Contact the
ai security team

If this article has raised any questions about the safety or security of your small business, now is the time to act. Call ai security today to learn more about CCTV, access control, fire alarms, security barriers and gates, and more.

Our Security Clients Across The UK

At AI-Security we cover London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and Kent. We will ensure that no matter where you are, your intruder alarm system is installed to provide maximum security and protection for your property.

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We’ll inspect all of your security systems and create a customised maintenance plan to keep your premises safe. As a part of your complimentary first visit, we’ll also quote any repair works to resolve existing faults.

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