Boom gates have become essential for modern property management, providing security, controlling access, and enhancing traffic flow across various types of properties. These barriers are commonly found in locations that prioritise security and organised entry, including gated communities, commercial buildings, shopping centres, car parks, and more. For property managers considering installing boom gates, selecting the right locations on-site can make all the difference in maximising their effectiveness. Here’s a guide on the best places to install boom gates and what to consider when determining the most strategic placement.
Car Parks and Garages
Parking lots, whether for commercial properties, residential buildings, or public venues, can greatly benefit from boom gate installations. Boom gates here can be used to limit entry to authorised vehicles and prevent unauthorised parking, making them ideal for:
Commercial Parking – For office buildings or retail complexes, boom gates ensure that only employees, customers, or tenants use the parking facilities.
Residential Parking Garages – In multi-unit residential buildings, boom gates secure parking areas reserved for residents, avoiding issues of outsiders taking up valuable spots.
Event or Venue Parking – At sports arenas, concert venues, or convention centres, boom gates can help control access to premium or reserved parking areas, as well as regulate traffic during large events.
For parking facilities, the boom gate should ideally integrate with ticketing systems, keycards, or license plate recognition for seamless entry and exit. Sensors that automatically open and close the boom gate for registered vehicles can further improve convenience and efficiency.
Industrial and Warehouse Facilities
Industrial complexes and warehouses typically see a lot of movement, from delivery trucks to employee vehicles, making security and traffic management crucial. Boom gates at entry points of industrial properties help property managers control access to restricted areas, ensuring only authorized personnel and vehicles can enter.
Increased Security – Boom gates keep track of who is entering and leaving the facility, reducing the risk of theft and unauthorised entry.
Traffic Flow Management – Industrial sites often deal with large vehicles that require clear paths for loading and unloading. Boom gates can help manage these traffic flows by regulating entry during busy periods.
Safety Compliance – Access control is often a legal requirement at industrial sites, as boom gates can restrict access to areas that contain hazardous materials or sensitive equipment.
For optimal effectiveness, boom gates at industrial sites may need to be customised to accommodate larger vehicles and integrate with access controls, such as RFID scanners or biometric systems, to ensure the highest level of security.
Hotel and Resort Entrances
Hotels and resorts benefit from boom gates at their main entrances, as they offer additional security, privacy, and convenience for guests. Boom gates in these settings create a welcoming yet secure environment for guests, with benefits including:
Guest Privacy – By restricting access to authorised guests and staff, boom gates provide a sense of exclusivity and privacy.
Controlled Visitor Access – Boom gates can prevent unsolicited visitors or salespeople from entering, contributing to a more relaxed guest experience.
Parking Control – Boom gates can manage vehicle access to hotel parking areas, ensuring only registered guests and visitors use these facilities.
Boom gates at hotels or resorts should have a guest-friendly access system, such as QR code scanners or keycard access, to facilitate quick entry. Clear signage and staff assistance may also be helpful for guests unfamiliar with boom gate operations.
Corporate Offices and Business Parks
For corporate offices and business parks, boom gates are ideal for securing employee and visitor parking, managing access to specific areas, and enhancing the overall security of the premises. Installing boom gates at key points in a business park can provide:
Employee-Only Parking – Boom gates restrict access to reserved parking areas, ensuring spaces are available for employees or clients only.
Visitor Management – By controlling access, boom gates direct visitors to the proper entry points.
Traffic Control – Business parks can see a high volume of vehicles during rush hours. Boom gates regulate the flow and minimise traffic congestion at entry and exit points.
Boom gates at corporate locations should be part of a broader access control system, ideally integrated with employee badges or visitor passes, ensuring smooth entry while maintaining a high level of security.
Construction Sites
Construction sites have a constant flow of contractors, delivery vehicles, and workers. Temporary boom gates can be installed to ensure only authorised personnel enter the site, enhancing site security and controlling traffic.
Enhanced Site Security – Construction sites are susceptible to theft and trespassers, especially after hours. Boom gates help secure the site by restricting access.
Safety Control – Only approved personnel with the necessary safety credentials should have access to the site, and boom gates help enforce this control.
Traffic Regulation – Boom gates manage the flow of construction vehicles, ensuring they enter and exit safely, reducing the risk of accidents or property damage.
Construction sites may require heavy-duty boom gates that can handle rugged use and challenging conditions. Temporary boom gate setups with portable bases are also available for short-term projects.
Shopping Centres
Boom gates are an effective way for shopping centres to manage the flow of traffic in their parking areas, particularly during busy periods.
Parking Control – Boom gates can be used to regulate access to premium or reserved parking spots, offering convenient parking options for VIP shoppers or loyalty program members.
Enhanced Security – By restricting access to the parking area during off-hours, boom gates reduce the risk of theft and vandalism.
Traffic Flow Management – Boom gates help manage the flow of vehicles in large parking areas, especially during peak shopping times, reducing congestion.
Retail centres can benefit from boom gates that are compatible with ticketing or pay-on-exit systems, which provide added convenience for shoppers and encourage fair use of parking spaces.
The Benefits of Strategic Boom Gate Placement
When strategically installed in the right locations, boom gates create a safer, more organised environment for residents, visitors, employees, and clients. For property managers, boom gates are not only about adding a barrier – they’re about optimising flow, protecting assets, and enhancing the overall experience for everyone who enters the premises.
By assessing your property’s entry and exit points and consulting with a professional installer, you can ensure that your boom gate installation is positioned for maximum effectiveness and lasting value.
Cowan Doors is Melbourne’s largest Australian-owned industrial door servicing company. We are here to help with new installations, maintenance, repairs and replacement for all types of commercial and industrial doors and gates. Whether you need routine maintenance for commercial auto sliding doors, or boom gate installation, Melbourne businesses can rely on us. Enquire online or call 8586 1188 to speak with our friendly staff.