Pedestrian Access Control Products
The EZ Lane SL2000 sits comfortably at the crossroads of elegant refinement and technological superiority. This swinging barrier optical turnstile combines the security of a physical barrier turnstile with the sophistication of optical beam detection to prevent tailgating and unauthorized entry with ease. Installing and integrating this UL listed and CE marked optical turnstile is a breeze, too. The SL2000 can be integrated with virtually all access control software and hardware while enjoying the convenience of dedicated inputs for fire and life safety systems. Beyond this, the SL2000 comes standard with browser-based lane configuration software that allows you to use any networked computer, tablet, or smartphone to adjust and fine-tune many of the SL2000's features and functionalities.
You can equip the SL2000 with our optional LaneAdmin browser-based remote lane monitoring and scheduling software to take even more control of your turnstile entry solution and make changes remotely on the fly. This application provides a virtual desktop of all your installed turnstiles, providing you with a convenient method to view and control the day-to-day operation of your turnstiles including one-time passage, changing turnstile operational modes, and reversing directions of traffic flow all from your web browser.
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The CP3000 is our barrier-free optical turnstile with a slim cabinet profile. This barrier-free optical turnstile combines technological advancement with aesthetical refinement. With no physical barrier and unparalleled optical technology, the CP3000 ensures fast throughput while simultaneously detecting and alarming when unauthorized entry occurs.
This compact and modern counting turnstile is a TCP/IP enabled device, allowing it to instantly communicate data with other networked devices. The CP3000 can even be integrated via a momentary dry contact for simple and direct integration. The CP3000's included browser-based configuration software transforms any networked device with access to a web browser (PC, smartphone, tablet, laptop) into a remote lane configurator. Instead of plugging into individual turnstile lanes, simply use your personal device to install software updates and access your CP3000's core settings.
Step up your operations and monitoring with our optional LaneAdmin browser-based software. LaneAdmin integrates remotely with any networked CP3000, instantly providing a virtual desktop view so your attendants or security team can perform operational functions such as processing one-time passages and changing operational directions.
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The EZ Lane SL2000 sits comfortably at the crossroads of elegant refinement and technological superiority. This swinging barrier optical turnstile combines the security of a physical barrier turnstile with the sophistication of optical beam detection to prevent tailgating and unauthorized entry with ease. Installing and integrating this UL listed and CE marked optical turnstile is a breeze, too. The SL2000 can be integrated with virtually all access control software and hardware while enjoying the convenience of dedicated inputs for fire and life safety systems. Beyond this, the SL2000 comes standard with browser-based lane configuration software that allows you to use any networked computer, tablet, or smartphone to adjust and fine-tune many of the SL2000's features and functionalities.
You can equip the SL2000 with our optional LaneAdmin browser-based remote lane monitoring and scheduling software to take even more control of your turnstile entry solution and make changes remotely on the fly. This application provides a virtual desktop of all your installed turnstiles, providing you with a convenient method to view and control the day-to-day operation of your turnstiles including one-time passage, changing turnstile operational modes, and reversing directions of traffic flow all from your web browser.
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The CP3000 is our barrier-free optical turnstile with a slim cabinet profile. This barrier-free optical turnstile combines technological advancement with aesthetical refinement. With no physical barrier and unparalleled optical technology, the CP3000 ensures fast throughput while simultaneously detecting and alarming when unauthorized entry occurs. This compact and modern counting turnstile is a TCP/IP enabled device, allowing it to instantly communicate data with other networked devices.
The CP3000 can even be integrated via a momentary dry contact for simple and direct integration. The CP3000's included browser-based configuration software transforms any networked device with access to a web browser (PC, smartphone, tablet, laptop) into a remote lane configurator. Instead of plugging into individual turnstile lanes, simply use your personal device to install software updates and access your CP3000's core settings. Step up your operations and monitoring with our optional LaneAdmin browser-based software.
LaneAdmin integrates remotely with any networked CP3000, instantly providing a virtual desktop view so your attendants or security team can perform operational functions such as processing one-time passages and changing operational directions.
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At a Glance: Managing Turnstiles to Combat Coronavirus Spread
Some turnstiles require hands-on operation where contact is unavoidable
Proper turnstile management can help cut down on COVID-19 exposure.
We have 5 key tips for minimizing COVID-19 spread with your turnstile access control system
Introduction
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in nearly half of the U.S. states, it is imperative that we continue to do our part to stave off this disease. This is not a new concept for most as social distancing and mask wearing has become the new normal in our every day lives. But there is one crucial area that businesses often overlook in in their coronavirus prevention plans: their turnstiles.
With coronavirus actively detected on metal surfaces for up to 5 days, we must not forget to clean and disinfect our turnstiles and ADA compliant security gates just like any other surface, piece of equipment, or furniture in our businesses. Just like everything else in your facility, access control products have the potential to become major germ and pathogen hotspots if they are overlooked in your cleaning routine.
We created this quick 5 tip guide to help facilities managers, custodial staff, and business owners alike prevent COVID-19 spread at their turnstiles and gates. After all, access control systems outfitted with turnstiles and ADA gates should be your first defense against pathogen spread, not your most prominent risk factor.
1. Implement Turnstile Social Distancing Policies
Social distancing—as I'm sure you already know by now—means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people around you in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze. A generally understood acceptable distance to achieve safe social distancing is 6 feet. Business owners and facility caretakers should make it a priority to implement turnstile-related social distancing policies and further reiterate that social distancing doesn't just apply in the building, but at the building's entryways and various access control points as well.
Oftentimes during peak traffic periods, personnel tend to crowd each other as they rush to get through a turnstile or gate. If you can imagine how eager everybody at your company is to leave on a sunny Friday afternoon when the clock hits 5:00 PM, you can probably picture the impatience and crowding that could happen at your company's turnstile access control system.
Just like how standing up right when a plane lands won't allow you to disembark any quicker, crowding a turnstile lane will not allow more people to pass through per minute. Ensuring your personnel understand this fact will help them better abide by your COVID-19 social distancing guidelines at your turnstiles. By keeping a safe distance and passing through your facility's turnstiles 6 feet apart, you can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other pathogens, too.
2. Opt for Hands Free (Touchless) Access Control Options
Unlike waist high and full height turnstiles, there are other turnstile and gate options (like optical turnstiles and ADA gates) that provide hands free “touchless" operation. These products use motorized gate closers and sophisticated optical sensors to detect when a user wants to gain access. These units open and close on their own without needing your touch to encourage their opening.
These touchless turnstiles are great for preventing COVID-19 spread because the more you can minimize contact the better. Though they are more COVID-friendly than their hands-on counterparts, they should still be cleaned and disinfected even if they pose a significantly lower risk because you can never be too safe!
A simple solution for full height turnstiles is our full height turnstile Safety Sleeves. These sleeves provide a non-metal barrier between users and metal turnstile arms. This is advantageous because the fabric in turnstile Safety Sleeves holds coronavirus for a much shorter time than metal (which at times can hold active coronavirus traces for up to 5 days). Also, they can be easily zipped off, cleaned, and zipped back on in no time: making regular turnstile cleaning much more efficient.
3. Wash Your Hands Regularly
I get it; you already know that washing your hands is extremely important in the fight against COVID-19 and you are probably sick of hearing about it (excuse the bad pun). But, certain turnstiles with the highest level of security, like waist high turnstiles and full height turnstiles, are inherently hands-on. Users must push through these turnstiles to gain entry, creating an unavoidable point of contact.
By keeping your hands properly washed (the CDC recommends washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds), you lower the risk of passing on traces of coronavirus to anything you touch, including your company's turnstiles and gates. Even if you have come in contact with traces of coronavirus, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds will render any remnants of coronavirus harmless by dissolving their fatty outer layers.
Ensuring proper hand washing regiments at your facility is one of the most important tasks you can accomplish in the fight against COVID-19 at your company. Hand washing keeps more people safe and lessens the likelihood of contracting the virus from surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, and your turnstiles.
4. Disinfect Your Turnstiles Regularly
The same reasoning behind washing your hands can be extended to regularly disinfecting the various surfaces at your facility. Keeping the virus off surfaces helps lower the risk of virus transmission through touch and is a generally good practice for providing a safe work environment in general.
Facility managers should set up a schedule to regularly clean and disinfect their turnstiles and security gates because these access control products are inherently high-trafficked, high-touch surfaces. Between shifts, during lunch, and on the weekends are all good times to quickly clean and disinfect your access control products because the lack of people traffic makes it easy to get the job done efficiently.
We recommend following the CDC's guideline for cleaning and disinfecting hard, non-porous surfaces. Further, many of our customers have seen success using disinfecting wipes to expedite the turnstile disinfecting process. Just be sure to follow all cleaning product directions and use them as intended.
5. Assign Employees to Specific Turnstiles
For facilities with more than one turnstile or gate, contact tracing may become arduous in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak. Users could use one turnstile upon entry, a completely different one on exit, and yet another on the next day. This complicates the contact tracing process tremendously as there are multiple opportunities for contact when people go through a different turnstile each time they enter your facility.
To ensure proper and effective contact tracing efforts, we recommend our facility managers and business owners to assign employees and other entrants to specific turnstiles. For instance, if you had 4 turnstiles at your office, you would divide your employees up into four groups (preferably these groups would be people that work close to each other or are in the same department) and each group would use their own assigned turnstile day in and day out.
By assigning users to specific turnstiles, the contact tracing process in the event of an outbreak will be much more accurate, effective, and possibly lifesaving. After all, there is no reason to make the process any harder than it needs to be, so setting simple policies like assigning people to turnstiles will pay for themselves over time.
At a Glance: ADA Compliance Means Access for Everybody
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of disabled individuals
The ADA has specific laws regarding turnstiles and security gates at entrances
Hayward Turnstiles ADA Gates provide handicap access without compromising security or requiring an alternate entrance
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a piece of civil rights legislature that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and guarantees that they have the same opportunities as everybody else when it comes to participating in the mainstream of American life. Such protections include the abilities to enjoy employment opportunities,
goods and services and participate in government programs and services.
Signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, the Americans with Disabilities Act (commonly shortened to ADA) is an “equal opportunity" law for people with physical or mental disabilities modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Act is the world's first ever comprehensive declaration of equality for people with physical and mental disabilities and was a collaborative effort of people from both political parties along with individuals from multiple branches of both state and federal government.
The access control industry–relating to turnstiles and ADA gate installations specifically–and the ADA are directly related because of the tendency for access control products to be used at entryways. As the ADA rightfully states, people with disabilities must be granted the same access as their peers, so ensuring that your turnstile access control system allows easy access to disabled entrants is imperative for ADA compliance.
What Are the Requirements for ADA Compliant Turnstiles and Security Gates?
Though revolving turnstiles (full height turnstiles and waist high turnstiles) provide the highest level of security by creating a physical entry barrier, their design inherently excludes people with disabilities from entering through them because both their lane width and barrier features do not allow easy access for individuals in wheelchairs, with walkers, or on crutches. Because of this, employing a revolving turnstile as the only entrance into a facility does not comply with ADA requirements.
To meet ADA requirements, an “accessible turnstile, gate, or opening must be provided" at a facility's entrance either as an alternate entrance to a revolving turnstile or as a stand alone access control entrance option. A handicap accessible turnstile or gate that meets ADA compliance must have at least a 32-inch wide clear opening to allow wheelchairs and walkers to pass through without conflict. Further, openings more than 24 inches deep must provide a clear opening of 36 inches, so it is best to be mindful of architectural drawings to uncover instances where 36-inch clear openings are required instead of 32-inch clear openings.
ADA compliant turnstiles and security swing gates should always at minimum provide a 32-inch clear opening if they are the only means of handicapped accessible entry into a facility. Still unsure? Our Hayward Turnstiles access control experts are always here to answer any questions relating to ADA compliance, so contact us today with any questions.
Handicapped Accessible Turnstiles and Gates at Hayward Turnstiles
Most of the time, when you employ an access control system complete with entrance turnstiles, heightened levels of security and being able to control who can enter your facility are your main goals. These turnstiles are not always ADA compliant. Adding a side “alternate" entrance for handicapped accessibility would defeat the purpose of your access control system entirely as anybody could simply walk through the side entrance, lowering your overall level of security and control.
There is a solution for this problem, though. Many companies elect to install ADA compliant swing gates directly next to waist high turnstiles (or full height ADA gates next to full height turnstiles) to provide an alternate entrance into their facilities without compromising entrance security or forcing disabled entrants to go all the way to the side of the building just to enter through some alternative entrance.
All of our Hayward Turnstiles ADA compliant gates, both full height and waist high, feature at least a 32-inch clear opening, with many of them featuring up to a 36-inch clear opening. Our gates are designed to match our full height and waist high turnstiles, too. So installing a gate next to your turnstile will look seamless.
At a Glance: Will Coronavirus Change Access Control and Entrance Security?
With novel coronavirus cases rising daily, we can't help but look to the future and wonder what the new normal will be. We can only speculate at this point as we haven't had to deal with a viral outbreak of this magnitude since the 1918 Influenza outbreak. But, one thing is for certain; this novel coronavirus outbreak will sit fresh in our minds for years to come, popping into our thoughts whenever we go in for a handshake or attend a crowded social gathering. There is no denying the monumental impression this microscopic virus will leave on the world.
If there's a silver lining to this novel coronavirus pandemic, though, it's that we now understand the all-too-real threats that lurk in the microscopic world around us. We have now seen firsthand what works, what doesn't work, and what preparedness–or lack thereof– looks like in a global pandemic situation. Looking forward, I can't help but wonder: will coronavirus change the access control and security spaces?
Put simply: yes, I think it's safe to say that coronavirus will change the access control industry. Why? Because access control has never been more important. If you think about it, the whole idea of quarantining to flatten the curve is basically just a huge access control effort with people actively controlling who they come into contact with and who they do not. Pathogens are now just another risk factor on the long list of reasons to monitor and control access into and out of your facilities.
Looking forward, there will be a shift in the access control industry: one that favors tighter security, hands-free entry control, and new sanitization technologies. As access control remains a facility's first line of defense against unauthorized entrants, it too will now function as a facility's first line of defense against pathogens.
Uncovering Long-Forgotten Risks
In the overview, I touched on the H1N1 outbreak of 1918. This strain of influenza, colloquially referred to as the Spanish Flu, was particularly harsh: infecting over a third of the world's population with at least 10% of carriers succumbing to the unrelenting disease. The Spanish Flu pandemic was like a scene out of a horror movie. But like all things, our memory of its severity faded over time. In fact, I bet a viral pandemic wasn't even on your list of worries just a few months ago, and why would it be?
Well, things have obviously changed over the past few months. The long-forgotten risks of a deadly viral pandemic have taken center stage again after almost one hundred years. We are now experiencing first-hand how a microscopic virus can create some very real macroscopic threats. And somehow I don't think we will be forgetting the events of the past few months any time soon.
The threats that a viral outbreak poses are especially apparent in offices, factories, entertainment venues, and really anywhere where people gather in large numbers and come into close contact with each other over extended periods of time. Anything from touching doors, to using the same sinks, or even just sitting in the same office can help a virus spread. Because of this, many organizations have chosen to work from home or close their doors entirely to stave off the deadly disease.
Business owners feel like they do not have the proper controls in place to simultaneously keep business going while keeping the virus at bay. Closing the doors for any period of time could prove detrimental to some smaller businesses, so savvy business owners are looking for new ways to keep viral threats at bay and minimize risk without having to shut down.
What Does This Mean for Access Control?
COVID-19 has functioned as a wakeup call for most. Companies have seen firsthand how quickly and violently this novel coronavirus can spread from their factories into their offices and beyond. Above all, facilities with sophisticated access control solutions implemented are uniquely at risk. Just like door handles and bathroom sinks, access control systems like turnstiles and security gates are inherently high-trafficked. In fact, many turnstiles and gates require users to push through with their hands to gain entry. These inherent characteristics of an access control system should not be overlooked in a global pandemic context.
Now more than ever, facility managers should practice proper turnstile and gate maintenance, making sure to clean and sanitize all access control products on a regular basis. Coupled with keeping units clean, users should practice proper hygiene by washing their hands and avoiding touching their faces after going through a turnstile or gate, for example.
So, what does this all mean for access control anyway? Well, given the recent eye-opening coronavirus pandemic, access control is no longer only about controlling who is allowed access into your facility, it is now also about controlling what is allowed access into your facility–with that what being pathogens and other potentially deadly contaminants.
Hands-Free Operation: The Future of Access Control is Touchless
As this novel coronavirus continues to progress and spread across our world, we must think ahead. We owe it to ourselves to better prepare for the next outbreak, even if one never comes. I know I am not the only person who believes this because our Hayward Turnstiles access control specialists have seen a massive influx of inquiries from potential customers looking for touchless turnstiles and gates that feature hands-free operation. These potential customers are planning for their futures and taking responsibility into their own (washed) hands.
Now, I know that most people don't know the subtleties of access control turnstiles and security gates. But, I can assure you that there are hands-free options available. In fact, here at Hayward Turnstiles, we offer completely motorized ADA compliant gates and optical turnstiles that provide a completely touchless entry experience. Both of these types of units control access into and out of your facility while simultaneously halting the spread of germs and harmful viruses. What could be better than that?
All is not lost for our customers with higher security needs that require hands-on units like full height turnstiles. We offer a line of full height turnstile safety sleeves that act as a barrier between your turnstile and its users. Simply remove safety sleeves at the end of each day, wipe them down, and reinstall them for a quick and easy sanitization. These safety sleeves can be purchased right on our website from our convenient full height turnstile safety sleeve store.
Conclusion
The novel coronavirus outbreak has been an eye-opening event for us all. Though we never used to worry about a future viral outbreak, we most certainly do now. COVID-19 and other pathogens create a unique threat to access control turnstiles and gates because of their inherent exposure to high traffic and touching. Because of this, many organizations are now preparing their access control systems for the future by implementing hands-free turnstiles and gates that allow for touchless entry. Though nothing can replace proper cleaning and active transmission prevention, touchless operation is a step in the right direction.
As we are starting to see–and we will soon see more clearly– access control is no longer simply about controlling the traffic of visitors into and out of your facilities, it is now also about controlling the transmission of disease into and out of your facilities.
At a Glance: A Partner Program That Emphasizes Mutual Gain and Collaboration
A good partnership is one that is beneficial to all involved parties
The Hayward Turnstiles Partner Program thrives on mutual benefit by generating new business opportunities for all involved
Trade discounts, business opportunity referrals, and co-branding are some of the features of our Program
Our production capabilities are expanding so we are actively seeking out new partnerships with access control integrators
Good candidates for our Partner Program come in many shapes and sizes
5 Elements of a Strong Business Partnership
1.Collaboration: A strong partnership always starts with collaboration. Both companies should come together to work out a partnership agreement that satisfies the needs of both companies and makes everybody involved happy.
2. Mutual Benefit: A strong partnership should mutually benefit both parties. Each company should be better off after partnering than they were before they were associated with each other.
3. Transparency: A strong partnership is one rooted in trust. Partnership agreements should be completely transparent with an emphasis on defining terms plainly and on minimizing ambiguity.
4. Compatibility: A strong partnership depends on compatibility. The skills and capabilities of one party should complement those of the other party nicely to form a cohesive value-adding team.
5. Shared Vision: A strong partnership exhibits a shared vision between all parties involved. A partnership with aligned goals is much more productive than one where parties involved work towards separate ends.
The Hayward Turnstiles Partner Program Is Beneficial in More Ways Than One
Our new Partner Program is unlike any other partnerships found in the access control industry. Instead of simply offering a trade discount and being done with it, we go the extra mile for our partners. Our partners enjoy a relationship seeded in mutual benefit where, along with industry-leading trade discounts, they can count on us to provide referrals and funnel new business opportunities their way.
Being a turnstile and ADA gate manufacturer only, we often encounter customers that require turnkey services complete with both products and installation. Since we don't do installation, this is when we reach out to all our partners in that potential customer's general geographical area to provide them with an opportunity to gain that potential customer's business. This creates a two-way road between ourselves and our partners where we reach out to them with new business because we do not install and they reach out to us for products because we offer some of the most competitive trade discounts in the industry (off our already industry-leading MSRP).
Beyond our win-win partnership structure, we are also proud to offer co-branding opportunities for our partners. With the strongest digital presences in the industry, the Hayward Turnstiles website brings in more qualified and relevant traffic than any other turnstile-related website in the country. As a partner, we are willing to display logos, descriptions, and contact information right on our website for all of our visitors to see. Further, by linking back to your website (called a backlink), our strong web presence will even rub off onto the performance of your website, improving your search visibility and allowing you to get more qualified traffic online.
We Are Actively Recruiting Access Control Integrators and Turnstile Installers
As Hayward Turnstiles continues to grow, we are now able to handle increased volumes and, as a result, more projects at once. Because of this, we are looking to add to our network of partner installers and integrators in all areas of the country to better prepare for this increased number of projects going on at once. We want to make sure we always have an installer available when a customer needs one, so the more installers and integrators we can strike up a partnership agreement with the better.
What Does a Strong Candidate for Our Partner Program Look Like?
Projects in the access control industry often deal with high security engagements, military or government contracts, risk mitigation, and other serious applications. So, it certainly pays to be picky when choosing installers for a project. Customers want an installer that is competent, trustworthy, and easy to work with. This is why we prescreen all of the candidates for our Partner Program to ensure that only the most qualified access control integrators install our products. After all, when we recommend an integrator to a customer, that integrator is now an extension of the Hayward Turnstiles brand.
What a strong candidate for our Partner Program looks like can vary greatly. Obviously, we only choose seasoned installers with countless successful installations behind then and great customer service, but these installers don't necessarily have to be hardcore enterprise level access control systems integrators. For example, many of our partners are fence companies. They primarily install fence lines, but they have extensive experience integrating full height turnstiles and full height ADA gates with their fence systems because full height turnstile solutions and fence lines often go hand-in-hand. Though they may not be the most adept at integrating complex systems, they are masters at installing and integrating all things related to fencing. Further, many of our successful partners are large construction companies. They have the knowledge and personnel available to install all types of turnstiles and gates at their construction sites whether they are for securing the site or part of the building specification. Again, these construction companies may not be your run-of-the-mill access control systems integrator, but they have the experience and the wherewithal to install products correctly.
Though many of our partners are full-fledged access control systems integrators, installers in adjacent industries can also succeed in our partner program. Therefore, the main aspects we look for in a strong candidate for our Partner Program include:
Proven track record installing turnstiles and ADA compliant gates
Impeccable customer service both on site and accessibility off site
Trustworthiness and easy to work with/get in contact with
Sounds like a job description application, right? Well fear not, we won't have HR contact you or some head hunters bother you. You can reach out to us at any time to spark up a conversation about your candidacy for our partner program. I promise you won't have to wear a suit and survive a group interview.
At a Glance: Different Types for Different Applications
There are five main types of pedestrian access control products
Some turnstiles are a better fit for certain applications than others
It is important to choose the correct type of turnstile or ADA gate for your specific project needs
We have created a simple table to help guide your initial decision making efforts
No two projects are the same, so it is important to consult an access control expert before making purchasing decisions
The 5 Main Types of Turnstiles and ADA Gates
To help make the nuanced world of physical access control products more easily digestible, we have broken them down into five main categories. This list is not exhaustive and there are certain products that blur the lines between categories, but we found that categorizing in this way is the easiest to understand.
Full Height Turnstiles: Full height turnstiles are physical access control solutions that provide floor to ceiling protection. They are made of durable steel and are virtually impenetrable based on their size and strong construction. These turnstiles are composed of a vertical center post with perpendicular arms protruding out in three directions surrounded by a cage to allow access to only one person at a time. Full height turnstiles are often used for high security engagements and can be found at military bases, correctional facilities, construction sites, and more.
Waist High Turnstiles: Waist high turnstiles are your conventional bump and grind turnstile made famous from their heavy use in New York City subway systems. These tripod turnstiles are composed of a rectangular cabinet with three arms protruding out away from the cabinet. These arms form a barrier to entry when locked. When unlocked, they spin to allow people to pass through one at a time. Waist high turnstiles are often used for counting, ticket checking, and mid-level security and can be found at subway stations, amusement parks, sports stadiums, and more.
Optical Turnstiles: Optical turnstiles are the top of the line when it comes to physical entry control products. These sophisticated turnstiles use optical beams to detect passage while a complex logic system differentiates between authorized and unauthorized entrants. Optical turnstiles can include physical barriers to further deter unauthorized entry or they can be installed without them to provide a more inviting, modern feel. Optical turnstiles are often used for high-end engagements where aesthetics are paramount and technology is welcomed. They can often be found in lavish corporate offices, in government buildings, and on college campuses.
Waist High ADA Gates: Waist high ADA gates are swinging gates that sit at the same height as waist high turnstiles with ADA compliant lane widths to allow for wheelchair access. They have arms or glass barriers that swing open to grant access or stay closed to deny access. Waist high ADA gates are often paired with matching waist high turnstiles to provide a handicap accessible route into or out of a building without fully compromising entrance security. They can be found at stadiums, subway systems, amusement parks, and more.
Full Height ADA Gates: Much like waist high ADA gates, full height ADA gates are often paired with full height turnstiles to provide a complete entry control solution that is both secure and handicap accessible. These gates span from floor to ceiling and often match the look of their full height turnstile counterparts. They are great for maintaining a high level of security while still complying with ADA regulations. Full height gates are often used anywhere a full height turnstile is used like at correctional facilities, construction sites, military bases, and more.
All Turnstiles Are Not Created EqualJust like choosing the right person for the job based on their skill set and work experience, project planners should choose the right type of turnstile or ADA gate they need based on their project needs and the environment they will be installing in. Certain turnstiles and gates are great for one application but are not the best choice for others. Understanding that all turnstiles are not created equal is a crucial realization when specifying products for an installation. There are a few criteria that we can use to start narrowing down possible options for your project:
Height: Generally speaking, we can start narrowing down which turnstile or gate will be the best for a project based on the level of security required. If a project requires floor to ceiling security, your choices are narrowed down to full height turnstiles and full height gates. Contrarily, if a project calls for waist high levels of security, your choices are narrowed down to waist high turnstiles, waist high ADA gates, and optical turnstiles.
Handicap Access: Once we determine whether a full height or a waist high solution is needed, we can narrow our choices down even further. Many projects require handicap access to comply with guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act that states buildings and other facilities need to provide equal access to those with physical disabilities (pedestrians using wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, etc.). Chances are, if your access control system is the only way in or out of your facility, you will need some sort of ADA gate product incorporated into your access control system to remain compliant with ADA guidelines. Even so, some facilities have alternative entryways that forego the need for ADA compliant gates, so it is best to consult with project architects before making a purchasing decision. Generally speaking, most projects employ a series of regular turnstiles paired with one ADA compliant gate to provide access to both able bodied and handicapped entrants.
Aesthetics: Some turnstiles and handicap accessible gates are designed primarily with aesthetics in mind while others are designed to be rugged and tamper proof, paying little attention to aesthetically pleasing design. Still others fall in that happy medium area on the aesthetics spectrum with an emphasis on both design and functionality. Factors like complexity of design, materials used, finish, and sophistication all play into whether a turnstile or ADA gate will be aesthetically pleasing or not. It is best to choose a product that will blend in with its surroundings. |Whether those surroundings are in a posh high rise office building or a gritty construction site, there is always a turnstile or gate with the level of aesthetics to match.
Security: One of the most important factors when specifying an access control project, level of security is dictated by many factors like turnstile/gate height, tamper-proof capabilities, physical barrier locking capabilities, and more. Products offered range from full height turnstiles that offer unparalleled security to barrier free optical turnstiles that merely sense when people pass through rather than physically stopping them. It is important to assess your security needs before choosing a turnstile or gate for your job because there are many options ranging from high to low security.
(BONUS) Location: One factor that is a lot more cut and dry than the above factors is installation location. Though this really only applies to optical turnstiles, it is still worth mentioning. Optical turnstiles contain sophisticated computers and optical sensors. This high-tech equipment makes it impossible for an optical turnstile to be installed outside. Fear not, though, as there are other similar options that can be installed outdoors like higher-end ADA gates with automatic gate closers and high-quality materials like stainless steel and glass.
At a Glance: ADA Gates Automate the Library Card Checking Process
The Xavier University of Louisiana wanted to increase entrance security at their library to protect against COVID-19 threats
The University approached our partner IDN Acme for much needed access control updates
Hayward Turnstiles worked side by side with the IDN Acme team to develop an access control solution
The University now enjoys strong COVID-19 protection and enhanced entrance efficiency with their new MR100 ADA units and accompanying custom railing
Xavier University Knew There Had to Be a Better Way
Xavier University is a private Roman Catholic university in New Orleans, Louisiana best known for being one of the Nation's top HBCUs. Back in 1993, the University found themselves running out of room in their historic 1937 Gothic library, so they decided to erect a new 6-story library to house their growing collection of books and periodicals. This new library, dubbed the Xavier University of Louisiana Library Resource Center, became an extremely heavily-trafficked social hub for the University's students. The library was consistently bustling with students, faculty, and the public studying, researching, or simply passing the time together.
The University was thrilled to see such a large amount of foot traffic in and out of the library at all hours of the day. That is, until the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, there was really no way to control who was allowed in the library, which became problematic when the University decided to stop allowing library access to the general public in an effort to minimize COVID-19 spread risks. Now, Xavier faculty would have to check every person's credentials at the entrance of
library to ensure that only students and other faculty members were allowed entry. Officials at the University knew there had to be a better and more hygienic way to accomplish this task than manually swiping each and every student or faculty members XCard whenever they wanted to use the library.
IDN-Acme Knew Just What Xavier University Needed
Noticing the shortcomings at their library's entrance, Xavier University officials reached out to a local company called IDN-Acme to find a way to streamline their library credential checking process without sacrificing security or disrupting regular traffic flows in and out of the facility. IDN-Acme, a division of IDN Global, Inc., is a distributor of security related products. They also provide security systems integration, access control solutions, turnstile and gate installation, and other related services to security professionals through their six regional locations around North America. Conveniently enough, one of IDN-Acme's six locations is situated not too far from Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana, so they were the perfect fit to specify and install access control products at the University.
After speaking with the Xavier University team, IDN-Acme had a good idea of what was needed at the library. The University needed some way to physically enforce their new “faculty and students only" rule without hindering traffic flows too much or becoming too complicated for everyday use. With this knowledge, the IDN-Acme crew knew some sort of integrated access control system complete with turnstiles or ADA compliant gates would be a perfect fit for this situation because of their inherent ability to process credentials automatically and provide a physical barrier to entry against unauthorized entrants. Realizing this, IDN-Acme set out to find access control products that were both affordable and durable enough to handle the high levels of foot traffic incurred daily at the Xavier University library.
Hayward Turnstiles Knew the Perfect Product for Xavier University
IDN-Acme began shopping around for the right access control products to best capture Xavier University's specific project needs. Eventually, they came across the Hayward Turnstiles website where they noticed our full line of turnstiles and handicap accessible ADA gates, so they decided to reach out. The IDN-Acme team was greeted by one of our Hayward Turnstiles access control specialists who was eager to help determine which of our products would be best for the project at hand. The team was also pleased to hear that Hayward offered a trade discount Partner Program for installers to help them save money on their project. After a few quick exchanges, our access control specialists determined that our MR100 ADA would be perfect for the Xavier University library because of its strong blend of security, handicap accessibility, and ease of use. Further, the MR100 ADA integrates with virtually all access control systems, so installation and integration with IDN-Acme's chosen PERSONA proximity card reader system by Assa Abloy would be a breeze.
Along with the MR100 ADA, the IDN team determined that the access control system at Xavier would also benefit from a custom post and railing system to help direct traffic and prevent people from squeezing by and bypassing the system. Luckily, our team over at the Hayward Turnstiles factory is always open to constructing custom solutions. They took IDN's provided floor plans and created a custom post and railing system to fill the gaps between the system perfectly. When it was all said and done, the IDN-Acme team took delivery of a fully customized access control system, complete with two MR100 ADA gates and a bespoke post and rail system.
IDN-Acme was then tasked with installing the gates on site and integrating them with their PERSONA software and proximity readers. These proximity readers would detect whether someone had their XCard on them without making that person fish around in their wallet or fumble around in their purse looking it. Without having to actually swipe or scan a card, traffic flows would not be impeded, so students could easily come and go as they pleased as long as they had their card somewhere on their person. Not to mention, this proximity detection provided a hands-free solution that no longer required a person to person interaction: a huge step toward Xavier University's fight against COVID-19 spread.
A Tailored Solution to Capture Specific Needs
Through our collaborative effort with our partner installer IDN-Acme, we were proudly able to provide Xavier University with a custom access control solution to help them keep COVID-19 spread at bay. IDN-Acme worked swiftly to install the system according to the plan just in time for students to begin pouring back into the library at the start of the semester. Thanks to teamwork, planning, and superior customization capabilities, students and faculty can now enjoy the Xavier University library again and faculty can rest assured that only authorized individuals can gain entry. The Hayward Turnstiles team takes pride in knowing that we can help such a prestigious University overcome coronavirus complications and become safer overall.
This project is just a glimpse at the many custom projects we complete in collaboration with our partner installers regularly. We welcome these strategic partnerships because we always love providing end users with convenient and affordable turnkey solutions. Beyond this, we always pay close attention to the various expectations and limitations of each new project we accept to ensure that the right products get specified every time. After all, no two projects are the same, so why should their access control systems be?