Smarter Gates, Safer Perimeters

Automated vehicular gate systems are a crucial yet often underappreciated component of perimeter security at restricted access facilities. Whether installed at airports, critical infrastructure, commercial sites, or residential communities, these gates serve as both a physical barrier and a frontline defense against unauthorized vehicle entry. However, as security needs evolve and threat actors become more resourceful, these systems must advance to meet new challenges — from preventing tailgating to enhancing vehicle crash resistance, and from smarter gate operators to increasingly complex entry system integrations.

In this technical Q&A, a Security Technology Executive speaks with two industry veterans from DoorKing, Inc., a company renowned for its innovations in vehicular access control. Richard Sedivy, Director of Marketing and Regulatory Affairs, and Jac Whitmire, National Sales Manager, provide in-depth insights into how access control technologies are evolving and what integrators and facility managers need to consider when designing modern entry systems. From mitigating tailgating and specifying the right crash barriers to leveraging brushless DC motors and managing app-based access systems, this discussion addresses key issues shaping the future of perimeter security.

Meet the Experts:

Richard Sedivy has over 50 years of experience in the gate and access control industry. Since 1991, he’s directed marketing and regulatory compliance at DoorKing, helping shape product safety standards and best practices.Jac Whitmire brings more than 25 years of expertise to his role as National Sales Manager, guiding regional teams, training customers, and aligning product development with emerging market needs.

STE: Restricted access facilities all have perimeter security measures; the most visible is the fence line, which typically includes vehicle access gates.  What is the primary security concern regarding automated vehicular gate systems?

Sedivy: At vehicle access gates, one of the main concerns is tailgating.  This is especially true at unstaffed vehicle access points. Tailgating involves an unauthorized vehicle closely following behind an authorized vehicle to pass through an access point before the gate closes. At airport facilities, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has established design criteria for vehicular gates that require the gate to be designed to allow for the practical and efficient use of the gate by authorized users, while also preventing tailgating safely.

To help prevent tailgating, gates and traffic lanes should allow only one vehicle to pass at a time, even when the leading vehicle has pulled forward to allow the gate to close. Limiting the size of the opening increases security, reduces the possibility of one vehicle passing another, and shortens the time required for opening and closing. The time delay for the gate to close should also be minimized; long-time delays in closing the gate can tempt even the most conscientious users. 

Most automatic gate operators today have advanced features that limit the gate opening size and the time that the gate is open.  Two of these features are

• Mid-stop / Partial Open feature: This feature is handy for wider slide gates that need to accommodate both smaller and larger vehicles.  For example, with a 20-foot-wide slide gate, the credentials for smaller vehicles can be set to open the gate 10-12 feet (or less).  Credentials for larger vehicles, like semi-tractor trailers, will open the gate entirely.
• Quick-close / Timer Override / Anti-Tailgate: This is useful with any gate.  As the gate is in the opening cycle, once the vehicle clears the obstruction detection device (loop / photo-eye), the gate will immediately reverse direction and begin the closing cycle.  This shortens the time that the gate is open and helps deter tailgaters.

STE: Why are Active Vehicle Mitigation (Crash) Barriers becoming more popular?

Sedivy: Physical security is essential for deterring, delaying, or slowing the progress of adversaries attempting to breach a site’s perimeter, whether entering or exiting the site.  For vehicular traffic, physical security measures may include barriers to prevent a vehicle from breaching the perimeter.  These barriers are commonly referred to as crash barriers since a vehicle crashing into them will be stopped.  More often than not, these barriers are used at government facilities, airports, and infrastructure sites, such as power plants and water treatment plants. 

Commercial and some residential facilities are now upgrading their perimeter access points to include crash barriers.  Rental car agencies have been updating their facilities with crash barriers to prevent vehicle theft.  Long gone are the days of the simple parking gate arm (sometimes called please stop sticks) to slow and stop traffic.  This is also true for upscale residential communities. 

Manufacturers are addressing these new crash barrier market niches with products designed specifically for the type of traffic expected.  Vehicle types, weight and expected speeds should all be considered when specifying barriers for these markets. 

There is no need for a barrier in these applications to stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 mph, when the biggest vehicle threat most likely would be an SUV traveling at a low rate of speed, less than 30 mph. Taking this into consideration, there is no need for large crash barriers rated for vehicles beyond the expected range or the expense of such systems.  For example, M-rated barriers (15,000 lbs.) often require deep excavation mounting and cannot be used in multi-level parking garages. A PU (5,070 lb.) barrier is more appropriate and does not require deep foundations or excavations, making it more popular for parking garage-type applications. 

It’s important to remember that when specifying vehicle crash barrier systems, integrators and specifiers need to consider the application, installation constraints, expected vehicle types and expected vehicle weights.

STE: Have there been any advancements in the technology that gate operators utilize?

Whitmire: Absolutely. Gate operators come in various configurations based on the type (such as slide, swing, parking arm, or pivot), size, and weight of the gate. Historically, gate operators were all designed with AC motors; however, the trend has shifted to brushless DC motors for several reasons. The brushless DC motor is more efficient, quieter, and offers a longer lifespan than its AC counterpart. The ability to provide the end user with integrated battery backup in the event of power failure or a solar option is very appealing. As an integrator, it is crucial to understand that the construction and integrity of the gate system remain paramount to ensuring its proper operation. Gates that bind, exceed the weight capacity of the gate operator being used, are out of plumb, etc., will be doomed to eventual failure. Proper construction and proper gate operator sizing are still (and always will be) extremely important for a successful installation.

Many gate operators are no longer dumb machines. The trend of increased gate operator intelligence has led to several interesting and useful technological integrations. One of the biggest requests from integrators is to incorporate error and data logging into the gate operator logic board. This is very similar to the OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port on a vehicle: the technician can download a data flow that shows both normal and error operation. This request is primarily driven by the addition of external entrapment devices and other add-on devices that may be very difficult to troubleshoot. Additionally, the shortage of qualified technicians is a common issue faced by many installation and service companies. Utilizing machine logic that can direct technicians in a specific direction enables managers to send newer, less experienced technicians to a site to download data and examine error reports. This will cut down on tech time at the site and that translates into less cost for all involved.

STE: When selecting an entry system to present to a client, what are some of the considerations that the integrator must keep in mind?

Whitmire: As an integrator, a significant challenge is to balance the customers’ wish list against the actual recurring costs they are willing to pay. Entry systems were once fundamental access devices used to allow a guest onto a property. Over time, they became increasingly sophisticated as they began integrating with smart locks, card systems, and camera systems, among others. New construction in the multifamily rental space has evolved in numerous ways in the last few years.

Residents pay a premium to live in communities with access control, which keeps unwanted or uninvited individuals out, providing a heightened sense of security.  Several key considerations must be taken into account when designing an effective access control system, including setting up time zones, security levels, elevator control, access restrictions, and access device technology (e.g., Bluetooth, secure fob or card systems, Android or iOS operation).

The current buzzword is apps, of course. Many people interface with apps multiple times throughout the day. While apps can be very desirable and valuable for residents, the cost can quickly add up and surprise managers in a negative way. As an integrator, it is essential to ensure that property management understands the actual price they will incur, which can be many thousands of dollars in monthly recurring fees. Is the recurring cost based on the number of users or the number of apartment units? Are there different levels of access that can be attained through the app based on how the resident is set up? Are there restrictions that ensure the app will not work beyond a certain distance from the property, which helps keep residents from unlocking access points when they are not even on site? Be sure to understand fully the customers’ expectations and their willingness to pay for them.