Access Control: Business & Residential

“Six thieves walk into a car dealership” might sound like the setup to a joke, but luckily for Ground Effects Automotive, a dealership in Warren, MI, they got the last laugh. The thieves attempted to steal luxury cars and make their getaway through the dealership’s gate. Much to their chagrin, the gate was so strong it prevented the automobiles from crashing through. Five of the six thieves were arrested at the scene, but even more importantly the incident demonstrated the importance of gate access control. 

Gated security is the first level of defense for residential communities and commercial businesses. Often overlooked for their simplicity, gates can effectively slow down criminals or prevent crime altogether. In residential communities and HOA neighborhoods, gates help cultivate safety, protect property, and manage visitors. Gates for commercial buildings benefit property owners, managers, and their employees in much the same way by protecting property, people, and assets. Whether you’re looking to install a new gate or update your existing perimeter security, this article will help you understand the new gate security technologies, how you can improve your gate’s access control in 2025, and more.  

What is a Gate Access Control System? 

Gates are just one component of a gate access control system – an electronic system that not only controls ingress and egress, but helps security teams monitor who enters a residential community or commercial business. The addition of a gate access control system helps security teams keep track of who enters their property and when access occurred. But there are several other benefits as well. 

The Components of Gate Access Control

1. Gate 
2. Credential Reader
3. Credential
4. Access Control Software
5. Controller

A basic gate access control system consists of five key parts: the gate, credential reader, credential, access control software, and controller. When a visitor or resident arrives at the gate, they show their credential to the credential reader. The reader sends the credential data to the controller, which verifies that the credential is valid. Once the credential is verified, the gate opens. For more information about how access control works and the types of access control available for businesses and communities, take a look at our guide to access control.  

The Benefits: Why Communities and Businesses Use Gate Access Control

So why use a gate access control system instead of just a gate? It’s a valid question and in some situations a gate access control system might not be necessary. However, most residential communities and commercial businesses need security solutions that address current challenges, not just the type of threats commonly seen in the past. Take a look at some of the ways gate access control systems fortify perimeter security: 

1. Better Security and Safety: Gates can be tampered with, causing your security to become vulnerable. Conversely, business and HOA gate systems use several security components, providing you with backup. If one component malfunctions, you can rely on the rest of your system for security. For example, if the gate track or hinge gets damaged, the door can stay open while the motion sensors and video security remain operable.
2. Integrations: You can sync gated access control with your broader security infrastructure. For example, your security team can use a virtual guard system, installed at your gate, to visually monitor the entrance. This means you can identify anybody attempting access. 
3. Record and Log Data: Gates provide a barrier to the outside, which is beneficial for stopping or deterring unwanted foot traffic. However, for the determined trespasser gate access control systems 
4. Credential Copying: Many pedestrian gated entrances require a metal key to open. These keys are easy to duplicate, thereby posing a security risk. With an electronic entry system, you can eliminate easy credential copying by implementing key cards, key fobs, or smartphone credentials.
5. Improved Property Value: Gated communities are sought for their exclusivity and luxury. Since more people want to live in these communities it raises the demand and the property value.

Types of Gate Access Control Systems

Whether upgrading your current gate security or installing gate security for the first time, it’s important to know your options. Several types of gate access control systems exist. They are often categorized by the type of credential used to interact with the system (e.g., RFID Gate Entry, Keypad Gate Entry, etc.) or by a feature used with the gate like an intercom system. 

Let’s dive in and discuss a few types of security gates as well as their benefits and drawbacks.

RFID Gate Access Control Systems

Overview: RFID gate access control systems are a popular option for managing entry into gated communities, commercial properties, and private facilities. These systems use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, which includes RFID cards or fobs, as well as mobile credentials. In the case of mobile credentials, digital badges are distributed and stored on users’ smartphones. To gain access, the user shows their smartphone to the reader. The phone communicates through Bluetooth or NFC. 

Benefits: RFID gate access control is faster and more convenient than keypad systems, since users don’t need to remember or type in a code. Mobile-based RFID options, like Bluetooth or NFC, make access more convenient for everyone. With mobile RFID, users simply present their smartphone — no need to roll down the window or remember codes. Credentials can be customized by user, making it easier to manage access permissions and revoke them if needed. Additionally, RFID access control makes visitor management more secure. Security teams can distribute temporary, time-based credentials to visitors via the internet. 

Drawbacks: While RFID systems improve convenience, they can also introduce security risks. Credentials can be lost, stolen, or cloned. Additionally, RFID hardware costs more to install than keypads.

Keypad Gate Access Control Systems

Overview: Keypad gate access systems are one of the most common types of access control systems. Used by commercial properties and residential gated neighborhoods, keypads provide a simple way for residents and visitors to gain access. Keypads are often installed on a gooseneck post or pedestal, though some communities opt for more aesthetically pleasing installation – like embedding keypads in brick walls. Users gain access by entering a PIN into the keypad, which can either be an individual PIN or a PIN shared by the whole community. 

Benefits: Keypad gate access control is easy to use and most people are familiar with how these systems work.

Drawbacks: Using a master PIN for an entire community leaves the community more susceptible to security breaches. Additionally, keypads are made with physical buttons, leaving them vulnerable to damage. If damage does occur, it means you’ll be spending valuable time repairing it. 

Two-way Intercom Gate Systems

Overview:
Two-way intercom gate systems provide a way for security teams, residents, or property managers to communicate directly with visitors before granting access. These systems are sold as audio-only intercoms or video intercoms. Visitors use the intercom panel at the gate to call a resident or management office. Once verified, the visitor is remotely given access. 

Benefits:
Intercom systems add an extra layer of security by requiring verbal or visual verification before entry is granted. Video-enabled intercoms allow residents to see who is at the gate in real time, increasing safety. Additionally, many video intercoms integrate with monitoring smartphone apps, giving residents the convenience and security of granting access remotely, even when away from home.

Drawbacks:
Wired intercom systems are costly to install. Also, audio-only intercom systems may leave your security vulnerable as there’s no way to verify the visitor’s identity.

Types of Security Gates

Imagine you live in a gated apartment complex. Every morning there’s a mad rush of people trying to leave the apartment’s parking lot to get to work. However, without fail, you’re always stuck in a line of cars waiting to exit. Why? Well, your apartment’s management team chose swinging security gates. While these gates make it feel like you’re stepping into a lavish kingdom, they also take FOREVER to open and close. Some also open inward, making it unsafe for cars to get close.

The point is that the type of gate you choose for your residential community or business property matters. Make sure that you choose a gate customized to meet your budget, aesthetic, traffic flow, and security.

5 Common Types of Gates for Commercial and Residential

• Swinging gates- These open and close like the front door of your home. Thinking of putting one in your parking lot? Make sure your residents know where to wait while the gate opens – these gates require a lot of clearance to open properly. On the plus side, they’re easy to install and maintain. 
• Bi-fold swing gates- These are the accordions of gates. These gates fold on hinges as they pull apart. They require minimal space and open and close quickly. 
• Cantilever slide security gates- Lay out the rail! These gates open on a track. However, instead of using wheels, cantilevers slide. They’re practical for wide openings and snowy conditions. 
• Slide security gates- Slide gates use wheels and move along a track. They are often used at wide gated entrances since the gate needs room to operate. 
• Vertical lift gates- As one of the most secure gates available, the vertical lift gate uses hydraulic operators to function. Unlike the other gates in this list, vertical lifts open upward using rollers or rails.

Checklist: Top 5 Features in Gate Entry Systems

The world is changing very rapidly, and so are the threats to security and safety. As you begin shopping for your gate system, it’s worth looking beyond the basics and considering the latest technology designed to keep your property secure. Some of the most prominent security features include:

1. Visitor Verification and Management: Make sure that only the people you want on your property have access.
2. License Plate Recognition (LPR): Verify and track all vehicles that enter your property
3. Video Surveillance: On-premises and cloud-based video cameras and video management systems can integrate with your business or HOA gate system, giving you real-time monitoring and fast emergency response.
4. Remote User Provisioning: Cloud-based access control allows you to assign and manage user permissions from anywhere.
5.  Integrations/Automation: Make sure your gate access control integrates with your community’s entire security infrastructure. 

If you’re not sure where to start, a security integrator, like Safetouch, can walk you through the options and help you find solutions best for your property. However, before you run and pick up the phone, let’s take a look at how gates and visitor management work together. 

Gate Security for Guests: Visitor Management Starts at the Gate

Visitors…why can’t they just stay home, amiright? 

Whether you’re trying to secure the latest tract housing community or a portfolio of commercial highrises, you will need a way to efficiently monitor visitors. Software-based visitor management systems have made registering and tracking guests easier. But if visitor management is a new idea to you, check out some of the helpful tips below.

Voice Verification

Any guest should be verified before they enter. Technology such as two-way intercom systems allow security teams, residents, or tenants to make sure the person at the gate is trustworthy. If the person attempting access is there to do harm, voice verification provides a buffer. 

Video Verification

Video verification is an even more precise way of verifying your guests. Two options for video verification are virtual guard systems and standalone surveillance cameras. Many surveillance camera systems come with mobile apps or can be integrated with access control systems that do. These mobile apps allow security administrators to monitor and manage their security from afar. For example, if a food delivery person arrives at a gate to an apartment complex, even if the security team is working remotely, they can use the app to screen and verify the person.

Virtual guard systems use a video camera and two-way intercoms positioned at the gate to transmit audio and video to third-party security agents. The advantage of using virtual guards is financial and practical. Virtual guarding ensures an off-site security guard is watching your gate, but eliminates the need to hire and staff your own live security guards. Check out how SafeTouch’s virtual guard services can help your residential or business security needs. 

License Plate Recognition

License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate visitor verification at the gate. When a vehicle arrives at a gate, AI scans its license plate and confirms it with the system database. If the resident or security agent has inputted the license plate information, the gate opens and the vehicle can enter. LPR helps identify suspicious vehicles and streamline visitor management. 

Temporary Access Credentials or Codes

Temporary visitor credentials are time-based access tokens, QR codes, or personal identification numbers (PINs). Several cloud-based access control companies offer guest digital credentials that can be stored on smartphones as well. This form of verification is convenient for everyone involved. Residents and tenants can be given access to distribute credentials, security teams can quickly and electronically send badges, and guests gain access without waiting in long queues.

Though crime decreased in every category according to a 2024 FBI report, it’s still important to give the people on your property the best safety and security experience available. Make sure your visitor management operations keep unwanted visitors away. 

Gate Security Customized by You 

You know your security needs better than anyone. Make sure you purchase a gate security system customized for your unique community or property. With over 30 years of industry experience, Safetouch can help you assess, purchase, and install your gate security system. Looking for a way to monitor your security without hiring security guards? Our trained monitoring staff will keep an eye on your property 24/7. And with a guaranteed response time of 45 seconds or less, we’ll always have your back. Give us a call at 888.895.SAFE (7233) to speak with a SafeTouch expert today!