The comprehensive guide to barriers and gates offers insight into their types, uses, installation, and maintenance.
Security ranks high on the priority list for businesses, yet many focus primarily on online security, overlooking the significance of physical security. Gates and barriers are vital security measures, acting as deterrents and controlling access to premises.
The purpose of gates is to prevent unauthorised access to your property. This may seem obvious, but it is easy to forget. CCTV and other security measures are certainly helpful, however, gates are also a vital part of any business' security system.
In conjunction with a fence, gates serve as a means of defining the boundaries of your property. Therefore, you can prevent people from entering when you do not want them to and control access when you want them to. In the event that people frequently visit your business during the day, you may decide to leave the gate open during the day, and lock them at night. As an alternative, you may prefer to keep them closed, allowing only staff and pre-arranged visitors access. There are a number of security options available to you, including security code and intercom entry system, or hiring a security guard. The nature of your business, the size of your organisation, and your budget will play a significant role in this decision.
For businesses prioritising security, selecting gates with low profiles allows for easy opening while maintaining necessary security levels. Depending on site needs, arm barriers can effectively restrict vehicle access while permitting pedestrian entry, whether operated manually or automatically. However, for enhanced protection against intruders, additional security measures should be considered, such as using security gates at night alongside traffic control barriers during the day.
It's important to recognise that even the most secure gates may not deter determined intruders entirely, so implementing complementary security measures is advisable.
Gates and barriers aren't just about keeping thieves out—they also prevent casual or accidental trespassing and serve as deterrents. Depending on your location and foot traffic, you may face issues with teenagers or others trespassing for fun rather than with malicious intent. While they may not pose a significant security risk, they can cause vandalism and create messes that you'll want to avoid. Additionally, properties near public footpaths may experience accidental trespassing if boundaries aren't clearly defined, leading to confusion and annoyance rather than security threats.
In addition to providing a physical barrier to entry to your premises, gates and barriers also provide psychological barriers. The presence of a barrier makes it clear to anyone passing where your property begins and ends. it is not necessary to install full security gates in order to achieve this goal. If you operate a business where easy access is of the utmost importance throughout the day, and security is less of a concern, then a arm or hoop barrier will be sufficient to discourage casual trespassers.
Maintain a positive image of your company
Installing gates or barriers serves not only to prevent unauthorised entry but also to convey a professional image. An unfenced, unsecured boundary can undermine your business's credibility, potentially leading customers to question your seriousness. Depending on your business's nature and location, inadequate security measures may even raise doubts about your legitimacy as a business entity.
To instill confidence in your customers, it's crucial to invest in strong, visible security gates that send a clear message about your commitment to security. By presenting a professional image through the installation of gates, you demonstrate your dedication to safeguarding your premises and ensuring access only to genuine customers and employees. This commitment to security can enhance your customers' trust in your overall business operations.
In addition, having gates that control vehicle access gives your customers (and your employees) confidence that their vehicles will be safe while on your property. It is imperative to take these precautions if you tend to receive a large number of visitors by car.
Invest in barriers to protect your business
It is unlikely that installing gates was one of your top priorities when you started your business. As your company has grown, so have your assets, both financial and capital. You may have begun working from a small, rented office, but as you have increased in size, so have your assets. There is a need to protect these assets with appropriate security measures, such as gates or barriers.
There is no doubt that you wish to safeguard your valuable property from damage and vandalism. Additionally, you should safeguard the contents of the building, such as your information technology system, equipment, stock, and any paper records that contain confidential information. The installation of gates or barriers naturally contributes to the protection of all these objects, as they provide protection against burglaries. Protection of these assets is an integral part of maintaining the success of the business that you have built.
Businesses often underestimate the importance of safeguarding their employees when considering security measures. A satisfied and secure workforce fosters a conducive environment for business growth. Without an effective security system in place, intruders can easily breach premises, exposing employees to direct confrontations or the aftermath of vandalism and theft. Demonstrating genuine concern for employee welfare is paramount in maintaining morale and productivity. Contented employees are not only more productive but also tend to stay with the company longer.
Moreover, installing gates or barriers can also protect other security equipment, such as cameras, from damage or theft. Security cameras are valuable targets for thieves, who may seek to disable them to facilitate their criminal activities. By implementing the right gates or barriers, access to these cameras can be restricted, adding an extra layer of protection to your premises.
User-friendly
Gates and barriers stand out as some of the most straightforward and cost-effective security measures to implement. Unlike electronic security methods such as cameras and alarms, which can be both time-consuming and costly to install and maintain, gates and barriers offer a simple and relatively affordable solution to safeguarding your premises.
With gates and barriers, securing your premises can be as simple as locking them at the end of the day and reopening them in the morning—a task that's integral to gaining access to the building and unlikely to be overlooked. Establishing clear procedures ensures that a designated keyholder is always available to manage gate or barrier access, minimising the need for additional security personnel.
In contrast, electronic security measures require complex installation, ongoing monitoring, and maintenance to ensure reliability. Alarms may be prone to accidental activation, while cameras demand constant attention. Compared to physical barriers, electronic security measures are more susceptible to errors and malfunctions.
The cost-effectiveness of barriers translates into significant savings for businesses. Installation costs are generally lower, and there's often no need for security guard services, particularly with electronically controlled gates or barriers. This reduction in ongoing expenses can lead to substantial long-term savings.
Even if full security gates are unnecessary, the absence of barriers can still impact your bottom line. Employees may be diverted from their duties to manage uncontrolled access to the premises, resulting in lost productivity and increased labour costs over time. Implementing gates or barriers can help mitigate these distractions and minimise associated expenses.
Whenever you are calculating the cost of installing security gates or barriers at your premises, it is imperative to include everything in your calculations. You should also consider the cost of lost employee time, possible thefts, vandalism, and reputational damage. It makes perfect sense to spend a bit of money now installing gates or barriers that will protect your business against financial loss.
A guide to choosing the right Gate or Barrier
Now that you understand the importance of having gates or barriers in place, it's essential to choose the right one for your needs. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
By carefully considering these factors, you can select the right gates or barriers to effectively meet your security needs while maintaining the desired appearance for your premises.
When selecting gates or barriers, it's essential to consider the need for regular pedestrian access, vehicular access, or both. Evaluate how you will manage these scenarios and look for solutions that offer quick and easy operation, especially if there is significant traffic flow.
Budget constraints are a common consideration for most companies. Determine the funds available and weigh them against potential losses that may occur if the chosen gates or barriers do not provide sufficient security. While cost-effective options are desirable, investing in robust security measures may outweigh potential losses in the long run.
Consider whether the installation of new gates or barriers will require staffing. If so, assess if your current budget can accommodate the additional personnel needed to operate and monitor the gates or barriers effectively.
Ensure that you have adequate space for installing the chosen gates or barriers and that they complement the aesthetics of your building and fencing. The appearance and functionality of the gates or barriers should align with your overall security objectives and enhance the visual appeal of your premises.
