Automatic gates have become almost a staple in South Africa. This is because they provide more than unsurpassed convenience for entering your property. They also keep you safe and  secure as you can access your property without leaving the safety of your car. These systems can be used on all types of properties including residential, commercial, and industrial to ensure their security.

Despite their popularity and widespread use, only a few people know how they work. That is why we decided to write this article to answer the question of how does gate automation work? To improve your understanding of this convenient addition to your property and how they work to keep you and your belongings safe.

Fundamentals of gate automation

There are a variety of different gate automation systems. These vary depending on the type of gate they are implemented on. These can include options like sliding or swinging gates. However, they all consist of the same fundamental individual components working together to perform their function. These components include the motor, access control system, and controller. We will examine each of these components in more detail below.

Motor

The motor is at the heart of answering the question how does gate automation work? This is because it is the driving force that moves the gate removing the need for you to manually open the gate. This is most often done with an electric motor, though some systems do use hydraulic systems to drive the gate’s movement. The motor drives sliding gates along the track to allow access to the property. This does mean that you will need electricity to run your automatic gate motor. Fortunately, especially in South Africa, most gate motors do come with a battery backup system. Allowing the gate automation system to still function even during power outages.

Access control system

The next component we must look at to answer the question of how does gate automation work is the access control system. The access control system is how the user interacts with the gate automation system. In other words, this is how you get the gate to open. There are multiple options when it comes to access control. We will look at some of these options below:

  • Remote: By far the most common form of access control, especially for residential properties. Remotes use different coding technologies like rolling code or fixed code to ensure that only authorised remotes can open the gate.
  • Keypads: With this form of access control the gate has a keypad which requires a predetermined pin code for the gate to be opened.
  • Biometric scanners: These are more advanced systems primarily used in commercial properties with high-security needs. These systems will scan a person’s fingerprint and compare it with a database of pre-approved individuals to determine if it will grant access.
  • Card readers: Similar to remotes are card readers. Like remotes, these require a person to carry an access card that will open the gate for them.
  • Intercoms: Intercoms are most commonly used on premises with 24-hour security. As they connect the person at the gate with someone who can authorise the opening of the gate. This is also often used in security estates where the intercom connects directly to the resident’s cellphone.

Controller

The final fundamental component we must look at to answer the question of how does gate automation work is the controller. The controller is essentially the brain of the gate automation system. It connects the access control system to the motor, starting the motor once the access control requirements have been met. These controllers often also have safety measures as well like collision detection. Ensuring that the gate doesn’t collide with any persons or property causing injury or damage.

These are the fundamental components of a gate automation system. The motor drives the gate’s movement, the access control system determines who can access the property and the controller coordinates all these components. Allowing you to easily access your property while keeping it secure.

Benefits of gate automation

There are numerous benefits to gate automation. These include the following:

  • Safety: The primary benefit of gate automation is safety. This is because you can open your gate without leaving the safety of your vehicle, which could put you at risk. Especially in a country with such a high crime rate, this is the biggest draw of gate automation.
  • Convenience: The next benefit is convenience. Gate automation takes the multistep process of opening a manual gate, and reduces it to a simple click of a button. Saving you time while keeping you safe.
  • Aesthetics: Automatic gates are often also more aesthetically pleasing than the manual alternative. This is because the locks don’t need to be visible which can ruin the aesthetic of your gate. Additionally, the automatic opening of a gate has its own aesthetic appeal as well.

Can you automate your gate?

Now that you have a better understanding of how does gate automation work you should understand that most gates can be automated. The big question is always affordability though as automating a gate can cost anything from R5 000 – R20 000 depending on the system. However, with so many benefits to gate automation, this price is worth it.

Get a quick quote

The next thing you will need to look at is what system will work best for your property. Fortunately, if you get stuck at this step you can always turn to the professionals at Lockfront Automation. Their professional technicians will be able to help you find the right gate automation system for your property’s unique needs. Additionally, they pride themselves on providing the best service at affordable prices. Meaning they will help to make your property as secure as possible while trying to keep the process budget-friendly. So contact them today to ensure you get the best gate automation system for your property.