Fusing Innovative Technology in Turnstile Gates: What to Expect

August 10, 2019

Gone are the days when integrating digital display capabilities in turnstiles was considered high-end technology. Such tech is now considered standard.

New-age turnstiles hold immense promise and are expected to authorize user entry without even being tactile.

Rapidly advancing technology transforms everything it touches, and turnstiles are no different. Here are some of the latest and emerging technologies in the world of turnstile gates, along with insights into what to expect in the foreseeable future.

Integration with Wearable Technology

The ultimate objective of an effective access control system is to work efficiently with little or no struggle, while ensuring the desired level of security. Turnstiles that enable this are the future.

We live in times when everyone carries a smartphone everywhere they go. In the future, our phones will serve as an easy-to-use and a convenient means for gaining access to offices and other high-security areas. This will be done with the help of RFID technology and data chips embedded into handsets.

Similarly, smart watches will also be used for simplified access control and identity management, making it easy for turnstiles to recognize an authorized user and grant unhindered access.

Sophisticated Biometric Readers

Access control systems should ideally allow authorized users to perform their daily jobs without restrictions. This means users should not have to remove their jackets, empty their purses, and so on during security checks. Further, they should be able to enter their workplace feeling safe.

Biometric technology has evolved over the years, which is exemplified through its use at ePassport gates (operated by the United Kingdom’s Border Force) at airports. A chip embedded in these biometric passports can be used at the gate for facial recognition instead of having the passport physically checked. This ensures faster and more reliable security control.

Automated Border Control (ABC) systems feature self-service barriers which use the biometric data stored in the chip to verify a user’s identity. Such applications have developed to the extent that they’re slowly, but surely replacing traditional access control methods.

Modern 3D biometric readers are expected to allow access to authorized users by just waving their hand, providing the most advanced entrance control systems. Infusing this technology in turnstiles will mean minimal dwell time for users with no need for touch-based systems to permit access.

Remote Monitoring of Access Control

Currently, web-based security portals are used to securely monitor and manage entrance control functionalities, regardless of the location. These online tools are cloud-based and offer a cost-effective, convenient, and dependable means to ensure safety.

Further, demand for features such as remote access and maintenance without physical presence at the site is expected to rise, especially in establishments that want to minimize downtime.

Modern turnstile can help. These installations can be connected to the internet to remotely control and monitor the turnstile lanes on a computer connected to the same network.

Intelligent Speed Control Technology

Intelligent speed control technology empowers modern turnstiles to enhance user experience by providing a smooth and controlled rotation of the gates. The turnstile’s microprocessors automatically adjust the rotation to the user’s needs. For example, if the user pushes the turnstile gently, it will turn slowly.

This technology makes these turnstiles safer for the user, while lowering wear and tear in high traffic areas, leading to lower maintenance and higher longevity. The primary aim of this technology is to make turnstiles more dependable, safer, and user-friendly with digital maintenance functionalities.

Built-in Metal Detectors

While turnstile gates are known to perform full-body scans, modern turnstiles offer advanced security by integrating with metal detectors as well. This way, they are able to scan users for weapons as they pass through them. If a weapon is detected, these gates act as robust barriers that deny entry to that particular person, while also alerting security personnel to intervene, if necessary.

Conclusion

With increasing population and advancing technologies, security measures have evolved to plug several loopholes and gaps. IT is playing a prominent role in smartening turnstile technology. Turnstiles need to permit integration with existing access control and security systems and devices. This means that technical teams need to ensure that this process is as seamless as possible.

For higher adoption of advanced turnstile technology, access control systems need to be user-friendly and easy-to-use, while offering optimal utility and requiring minimal maintenance. The good news is, modern turnstile gates are all set to offer cutting-edge access control and more robust security in the times to come.