If you’re looking to control vehicle access to your business or commercial property, you might be wondering whether you need a security gate or a barrier arm.
Both can help manage who comes and goes, but they’re designed to do slightly different jobs.
At Eyezon Security Systems, we install automated security gates and barrier arms throughout New Plymouth and Taranaki, and the right choice comes down to your property, how it’s used and the level of security you need.
What’s the difference between a security gate and a barrier arm?
The biggest difference is the level of physical security they provide.
An automated security gate creates a physical barrier across an entrance, helping prevent unauthorised vehicles and people from accessing your property.
A barrier arm is designed primarily to control vehicle movements. It can stop vehicles simply driving into an area, but it doesn’t provide the same level of physical security as a full gate.
That distinction is important when deciding which option will work best for your business.
When is a security gate the better option?
If keeping your property secure is the main priority, an automated security gate is generally the better choice.
Security gates can be particularly useful for commercial yards, business premises and other properties where you want a more substantial barrier at the entrance.
Eyezon can arrange the manufacture and installation of sliding gates and swing gates, along with the motors and access control needed to operate them.
That means you can have a complete gate solution designed around your property, rather than organising different contractors for each part of the job.
When does a barrier arm make more sense?
Not every property needs a full security gate.
Sometimes the priority is simply controlling which vehicles can enter an area, while keeping access convenient for authorised users.
Eyezon installs Centurion Sector II automated barrier arms for sites such as:
- Campgrounds and holiday parks
- Commercial car parks
- Poultry farms and agricultural properties
- Large business premises
- Staff parking areas with separate access requirements
For example, a business with different parking areas for different groups of staff may need to control which vehicles can enter each section, without installing full security gates throughout the property.
A barrier arm can be a practical way to achieve that.
How do you control access?
Both automated security gates and barrier arms can be set up with access control, depending on the equipment and requirements of the site.
Eyezon uses Centurion gate motors and barrier arms, selected for their quality, ease of use and practical features.
For barrier arms, access options can include remote controls, mobile apps, tags, keypads and entry codes.
Eyezon can also install wireless ground loop discs that allow vehicles to exit automatically without drivers needing to use a remote or access tag.
This can be particularly useful at busy commercial sites where you want to manage entry without making it difficult for people to leave.
What should you consider before choosing?
Before deciding between a security gate and a barrier arm, it’s worth thinking about a few practical questions.
How much security do you need?
Do you need a substantial physical barrier to restrict access to your property, or are you mainly trying to control vehicle movements?
Who needs access?
Will it be staff, customers, contractors, visitors or a combination? Different users may need different ways of entering the property.
How busy is the entrance?
A site with regular vehicle movements may have different requirements from one where the entrance is only used occasionally.
What is the layout of your property?
Entrance width, available space, ground conditions and power supply can all influence the type of system that will work best.
How do you want people to enter and exit?
Would remotes, an app, tags or keypad access work best? Do you need vehicles to be able to exit automatically?
Answering these questions will help narrow down the options before you commit to an installation.
Talk to Eyezon about your site
There isn’t one solution that suits every property.
A security gate might be the right answer for one business, while a barrier arm could be a simpler and more practical option for another.
Eyezon provides security gates, gate automation and barrier arm installation throughout New Plymouth and Taranaki, with access control solutions to suit both residential and commercial properties.
Whether you’re securing a business entrance, managing a car park or controlling vehicle access to a larger site, we’ll look at what you’re trying to achieve and recommend a solution that works for you.