In today’s civilized society the art and science of shielding ourselves and our properties from harm has developed a great deal. Just look at the numbers, variety, and types of doors, locks, alarms systems, video monitoring devices, and other technology intended particularly to keep us safe and safeguard our privacy and personal possessions/vehicles. The technology and commerce that came up around residential and commercial security and entrance control is massive. In the remainder of this article, we want to take a closer look particularly at commercial property security entrance control, a developing and always changing sphere. The initial commercial buildings probably had straightforward hinged doors and uncomplicated deadbolt locks. Throughout the workdays we know that these doors would customarily be open and would usually be staffed by a doorman or security guard, or maybe not. Until recent time many lobbies and entrances (even the big metropolitan areas like New York) would have an open access lobby, possibly with a registration/security desk to assist direct visitors. Even as recently as the late 1990’s, some of the most protected buildings had very little in terms of security technology, preferring instead to use security officers to verify ID as people passed by toward the elevators. But the drastic enhancements and concern in access control over the past 50 years has prompted more focus on the technology of entrance control. What is Entrance Control? Entrance control can be seen as a compartment of the greater access control industry. Access Control refers to the idea and business of defending premises and information from unauthorized persons. It encompasses all the technology and hardware of card readers, door strikes, specially developed software, intelligent video and entrance control equipment. Entrance control includes all the secure doors, turnstiles, optical lanes, and security portals that operate within access control systems. The industry of access control has developed considerably over the past 20 years, certainly a business that can be measured in the billions of dollars. In our definition, entrance control includes all of the products that you think of for security entrances: Security Revolving Doors, Security Portals (mantraps), Turnstiles, and Optical Lanes (Optical Turnstiles) with/without barrier arms, wings or panels. All of these products have various uses to eliminate tailgating and piggybacking, and their appropriate applications according to security level desired, required throughput, architectural needs, proximity to staffed location, and architectural/design influences. Relevant Trends Some of the trends that have inspired the importance and expansion of entrance control lately include; employers’ growing concerns to deliver a secure environment for their employees, the risk of terrorism, and the likelihood domestic disputes carrying over to the workplace. In addition, technology has changed to the point where combining a reliable entrance control system with the building’s access control environment is far easier and seamless. The events of September 11, 2001 increased the importance and urgency of entrance control as responsible building owners and corporate leaders realized the need to know “who is getting in.” History & Types It appears that the first use of entrance control equipment dates back to the late 19th century. The first entrance control devices were likely the simple “ballpark-type” mechanical turnstiles. They evolved from the farming industry, where “stiles” were used to allow people to pass while keeping sheep or other livestock penned in. Turnstiles use ratchet mechanisms to allow the rotation of the stile in a single direction, or to allow just one person at a time. They were among the first security entrance control devices, and contemporary versions are still used extensively today. Optical turnstiles operate much like regular mechanical turnstiles, except that they rely primarily on electronic (infrared) beams, and audible/visual interfaces to manage entry. Instead of physically restraining a person, the optical turnstile uses sounds and lights to notify others to attempted entry by unauthorized individuals. They are also suitable for the disabled in that they are barrier free. Some reports credit the original “optical turnstiles” to Omega Corporate Security of Walnut Creek, California, where they were developed for Charles Schwab Co. in San Francisco. Security revolving doors sprung from the revolving door industry. Standard revolving doors were developed more than a century ago, in the late 19th century. . Some reports say that the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia may have had the very initial revolving door (or “revolving storm door” as it was originally named). Others claim the first revolver was at a restaurant in Manhattan’s Times Square in 1899. Security revolving doors require security authorization (by card or other credential) before allowing passage. A variety of sensing technologies inside the door ensures that only one authorized user enters the compartment, creating a virtually infallible method of entrance control while providing a very desirable throughput rate. The roots of security portals go back to “man traps’ that were used in the early 1800’s to capture poachers and trespassers. Today’s security portals are based on a 2-door design which requires stringent credentialing and single-person authorizing before a person can be admitted to the secure area. Using Entrance Control Today Almost every commercial office building has established some type of entrance control, particularly if an access control system is in place. Entrance control systems help protect the building occupants, provide a secure and safe workplace, possibly also improve the appeal of an employer’s workplace. Today’s products are aesthetically pleasing, provide different amounts of security, and are easily integrated with all forms of access control and authentication methods (access card, biometrics, PIN code, etc.). There are a number of experienced manufacturers of entrance control products that can help you complement your access control system. Choose from a selection of quality products in an appropriate design and configuration to help you identify “Who is getting in?” Contact your local integrated security supplier for suggestions.
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Introduction One can only envision the earliest and creative caveman who most likely rolled a massive, heavy stone in front of his cave entry at night to defend his family and keep out unwanted intruders. Entrance control has come a long way since those days.
Boon Edam is a global entrance solutions manufacturer that offers an extensive selection of Revolving Doors and Security Access products, including manual and automatic revolving doors, security revolving doors and portals, optical turnstiles, standard waist high and full height turnstiles and access gates. To learn more, visit Boon Edam at www.boonedam.us.
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