Automation Gates and access system: find out how to choose the best one for your gate

Picture this: you were elected manager of your building and the first thing on your backlog is to fix the garage door, which breaks down at least once a month. Or, you’re moving into a new home and want to tighten up your security.

In situations like these, the question pops up: how to choose the best automation and gate access system? This question becomes especially difficult to answer when we don’t know what criteria to take into account. Where to start?

So, in this article we’ll tell you what questions you should ask yourself when choosing and automation gate system, or checking if what you already have is suitable for your needs. 

Automation system: what is the gate like?

The size of the gate and the space for its operation are factors that must be taken into account when automating the gate. For swing gates, for example, the gate opening angle (usually 90º, reaching up to 120º) must be taken into account, as well as double-leaves gates may require more from the motor.

In the case of sliding gates, it is important to pay attention to its length. The longer it is, the longer the engine uptime required to open or close it. Thus, for longer gates, the ideal is to choose automation systems with greater cycle/hour capacity and power.

Where will the gate be installed?

Earlier in this text, we mentioned distinct situations in which you might need an automation system. For each of them, a different system will be indicated. This is because the place and situation where the gate will be installed influence important factors when choosing the best system. Below, we explain two of the most important ones.

– How much space is available?

As we saw in the previous topic, some automation systems require more space than others. Pivots, for example, need about 40 to 50 cm of space, depending on the brand. Engines installed at the back of the gate work best in small spaces, requiring only 20 cm.

– How often will the gate be used?

Another important point to consider when choosing the best gate automation for your needs is the use frequency. Commercial buildings gates are often opened several times a day, as professionals and clients move through the space, while residential garages are generally opened less often, when residents leave for work and when they return.

As with any other mechanism, the more the automation is used, the faster it wears out. Thus, it is necessary to consider the frequency of use and, if necessary, prioritize more resistant models with longer opening cycles.

What is the cost-effectiveness of a gate operator?

After all these considerations, there is one last factor that must be considered before making your decision: which of the chosen models presents the best cost-benefit ratio? The main point of this assessment is the quality of the system being acquired. It’s no use investing in a cheaper automation system, but whose useful life is very short. 

In addition, also consider the dealer’s service, giving preference to brands and companies that have a good after-sales service. Think that if you have any problems, you need to have the peace of mind that the company will help you solve it. You can’t price a good service, but it’s very easy to identify its value when we need it.

It is important to remember that we are talking about a system that will be used for a long time and that directly helps in your safety. So, it might be worth investing a little more at the start and be sure you’re protected by a quality access system.
With this text, we hope we have been able to answer some of the questions you may be asking your self when choosing the best automation system, whether for your home or for a commercial building. But if you still have doubts, please talk to us. QS Fencing specializes in fences, gates and automation systems – our professionals are trained to help you find the best option for your case.