School’s back in session, which means hundreds of people—students, faculty, staff, and parents alike—will be coming and going from your academic buildings every day for the next ten months. With so much foot traffic, it’s essential to keep your buildings secure. But somehow ensuring everyone’s safety without installing entrance equipment that feels intimidating or disruptive to the learning environment? That’s where speedgates come in.
What Are Speedgates?
Speedgates are a type of turnstile that allows buildings to securely manage who comes and goes. Compared to traditional turnstiles, speedgates are sleeker, have a smaller profile, are able to blend into high-traffic environments without feeling intrusive, and provide a smooth user experience—without skimping on security.
Depending on the type of traffic control you need, speedgates have you covered. They include one- or two-way control, as well as directional traffic control, giving you maximum flexibility to manage your building’s access points based on what traffic flow is the safest and most user friendly.
Speedgates are great options due to their ability to be tailored to your entrance’s specific needs—from glass types and heights, the option to have lighted sides, wheelchair-accessible options, and even the ability to customize the color and logo design, there’s a speedgate that works for every entrance. Coupled with their range of advanced security options, such as card, smartphone, or handwave readers, speedgates make a great option to easily control who enters and exits your building without sacrificing your building’s overall aesthetics.
The Benefits of Speedgates for Schools
Schools, in particular, make a perfect environment for speedgates. Maintaining a safe, secure campus is a top priority these days for educational institutions, and speedgates’ advanced security features make that possible. The ASSA ABLOY SG Expression Speedgate, for example, is equipped with intelligent sensors and state-of-the-art technology that only allows authorized personnel to enter. With multiple authentication options such as RFID, biometric readers, and touchless entry, this speedgate offers flexibility and convenience without compromising on security.
In addition to their advanced security features, speedgates visually distinguish public areas (such as Visitors Centers or Visitors Offices) from student and faculty-only areas without being overly intrusive. Areas that have more specialized access, such as research labs, artist studios, and teachers’ lounges, can leverage speedgates to only allow individuals with the proper clearance to enter without hindering the overall academic atmosphere.
Also importantly, speedgates help people move through entrances efficiently and comfortably. The SG Expression Speedgate offers a wide, ADA-compliant passageway that allows everyone ample space to move through and also has LED lighted bands to guide them through the speedgate, creating a seamless and intuitive experience. By creating this type of accessible campus, schools and universities demonstrate their commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring that every student can move around with ease.
Speedgates and School Spirit
In addition to providing an excellent level of security for an academic campus, speedgates offer the ability to express your school’s spirit to anyone entering the building.
The SG Expression Speedgate offers almost unlimited color customization options, allowing you to match each speedgate to your school’s official colors, creating harmony between your building’s exterior and interior and providing you security without the need to sacrifice aesthetics. You can also display your school’s mascot or name on the SG Expression’s branded panels, and with minimalist cabinet options (such as open, boxed, or the inclusion of center glass), your speedgate will blend in, no matter what your building’s architectural style is.
This expansive option for customization allows you to create memorable entrances that leave a positive and lasting impact, not just for the building’s visitors, but also for the students, faculty, and staff whose lives and identities are shaped by the school.
This year, place an emphasis on both school safety and spirit by investing in speedgates for your buildings. Reach out to our team to learn more about the SG Expression Speedgate and other speedgate models available to find the best fit for your school’s needs—because everyone deserves to learn in a secure and uplifting environment.