In the real estate industry, a gate entry system is not just a physical barrier; it drives ROI, reduces property crime, and gives tenants peace of mind. In 2025, efficient commercial gate entry systems will be a straightforward way to improve your property’s bottom line.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting, implementing, and maintaining a commercial gate entry system.
Table of Contents
- Why You Need a Commercial Gate Entry System
- Components of a Gate Access Control System
- Use Cases for Commercial Gate Access Control Systems
- Benefits of Security Gate Entry Systems
- Trends for Gate Entry Systems
- Top Considerations in Choosing the Best Commercial Gate Entry System
- Investing in the Best Gate Access Control For Your Property
Why You Need a Commercial Gate Entry System
For commercial properties—whether it’s an apartment complex, industrial site, or mixed-use development—the gate access control system is your first impression and first line of defense. A clunky or outdated system doesn’t just frustrate tenants and delivery drivers—it can cost you resident retention, insurance premiums, and even missed leasing opportunities.
Today’s gate-entry systems have advanced far beyond simple open–close devices. They now function as complete credential-based access-control systems, helping you to:
- Control and monitor who enters your business premises
- Manage high traffic volume efficiently
- Provide tenants with modern-day features like mobile integration, license plate recognition, and cloud-based management, all in a single system
- Integrate access control with overall property management systems, like surveillance cameras and alarms.
By implementing an expert-recommended gate access control system, you’re setting up a robust barrier between your organizational assets and any possible risk of theft, vandalism, or unauthorized entry. At the same time, you’re also streamlining the flow of delivery trucks, employees, or VIP guests in and out of the premises without compromising security.
But the best part really is the customization that today’s commercial gate entry systems offer. You can choose and implement access control features you require from a bigger pool that was curated keeping your workflow in mind.
Let’s look at the common components of commercial gate entry systems next.
Components of a Gate Access Control System
Choosing the right security system starts with knowing what’s possible—and what fits your property type, traffic volume, and budget. If you’re wondering how a typical commercial gate entry system works, it consists of the following major components working in sync.
Gates
Gates are the backbone of the entire entry system. Not all gates are created equal, and your property also has a unique one suited to it. Each gate type has its own distinct advantages in terms of flexibility and degree of security. Check out different types of access control gates for commercial buildings and premises below:
- Sliding Gates – Customizable for both large and narrow spaces and for properties with snow/ice concerns. Typically, more secure due to reduced gaps. You’ll find these in parking lots, warehouses, and other industrial units.
- Swing Gates – Aesthetically pleasing, especially for gated communities or upscale office parks. It requires more clearance to open and is suitable for pedestrian access control in commercial properties.
- Barrier Arms – Common for parking lots and garages, where controlling vehicle flow matters more than pedestrian access. They are perfect for compact property entrances and exit points.
Pro Tip: For commercial use-cases or multi-family properties, sliding or vertical gates offer better long-term durability and reduce accidental damage from impatient drivers.
Access Control Readers
Once you come across a gate, you will need to verify your identity through an access control reader to enter the premises. This mechanism can be in the form of keypads, card readers, long-range RFID scanners (fobs), or more. Here are the common types:
- Keypads, Cards, Fobs – These traditional forms of access are low-cost and familiar to use, but are also harder to manage at scale. Lost cards or fobs lead to recurring costs over time.
- Smartphone Access – Today’s modern entry systems allow mobile-based access through dedicated apps or near-range Bluetooth-based unlock to offer users the convenience of remote, touchless unlock.
- License Plate Recognition (LPR) – This entry mechanism is ideal for gated communities or parking lots. With zero physical interaction required, this system is fully automatic, reading plate credentials and unlocking barrier gates for seamless vehicle access.
- Video Intercoms – Video intercom systems are the most comprehensive types of access control for commercial gate entry systems. Modern-day feature sets enable remote unlock and video verification, adding a layer of security for package deliveries and other visitors.
Pro Tip: While selecting an access control method, look for systems that let you oversee access remotely (from phone, desktop, or dashboard) and provide visitor logs. We highly recommend cloud-based options owing to their better scalability and less hardware maintenance.
Motors and Sensors
The heart of an automated gate system is its motor, which must be powerful enough to move heavy gates reliably, durable against extreme weather, and equipped with manual override capabilities for power outages. Smooth motion and weight sensors help detect presence and relay automatic triggers for gate operation.
Use Cases for Commercial Gate Access Control Systems
You will find gate access control systems everywhere, from business parks to standalone offices. They serve various industries and property types, and for the sake of this article, we have outlined some common commercial use-cases below:
- Corporate Office Parks and Business Campuses – Gate entry systems help employee access management, processing of visitors, and delivery management in and out of the building. For corporate environments, you typically want to balance security with operational efficiency, and an efficient gate entry system helps you do exactly that.
- Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Plants – A gate access control system is helpful for traffic regulation and preventing unauthorized entry in warehouses or facilities. Opt for a system that authenticates vehicles and helps manage large volumes while securing the perimeter of hazardous areas.
- Multi-tenant Commercial Properties – Many residential buildings require an access control system to simplify tenant move-in/ move-out protocols, grant customized access rights, and safeguard the building’s entrance against unauthorized visitors or vandals.
Benefits of Security Gate Entry Systems
Investing in a quality commercial gate entry system delivers long-term advantages. Here are a few.
- Enhanced Security and Loss Prevention – Your gate entry systems drastically reduce trespassing and deter theft or vandalism attempts.
- Operational Efficiency – You require less personnel, manage visitors better, and optimize traffic flow. These translate into significant cost savings and productivity improvements that offset investment costs.
- Enhanced Professional Image and Property Value – Well-designed gate systems elevate your property’s market perception, giving the building a premium feel and helping attract and retain tenants. Many insurers also offer insurance premium reductions for properties with comprehensive access control.
- Scalability and Future-Proofing – Today’s leading systems are flexible enough to allow future expansion owing to their open architecture platforms.
- Remote Management and Monitoring – Systems which offer cloud-based control offer security management from any internet-connected device. You can control gate operation remotely and even during emergencies, eliminating the need to be present on-site.
Trends for Gate Entry Systems
To stay competitive in the market, real estate professionals are rapidly adopting “smarter” gate entry systems to future-proof their properties and do more than just control their entry and exit points.
Here are some modern gate access features you should look for.
Mobile Access Capabilities
Modern-day users expect everything to be smartphone-enabled, and gate access control is no exception. Smartphone integration has simplified property management and created a frictionless resident experience. With mobile access capabilities, you get:
- Remote gate monitoring and management
- Visitor permission management
- Instant push notifications in case of any access event
Cloud-Based Monitoring and Management
A cloud-based system enables complete control over your gate from anywhere, anytime, as long as you have a stable internet connection. You can expand this system as your business grows and get automated reports on access logs and data analytics. Cloud-based platforms also eliminate the need to be present on-site, making management fully remote.
Biometric Entry Methods
Biometric access control systems have revolutionized gate entry today by using your unique physiological traits, such as fingerprints, retina scanners, or facial recognition, to ensure no one can bypass such a security system.
You won’t have to worry about losing keys or carrying access cards anymore. This technology makes entry easier for authorized personnel without compromising security.
Data-driven Access Control
Data-driven access control gives you unique, detailed insights about who entered your property, how long they stayed, when they left, what the peak traffic hours were, and more, so you can make efficient security decisions.
Integration with Building Management Systems
If you’re purchasing a new commercial gate entry system, choose one that can link with video surveillance software, cameras, alarms, and emergency response systems, so your gate system works harmoniously with existing building technology.
Top Considerations in Choosing the Best Commercial Gate Entry System
Here are some top considerations and questions to ask when selecting a gate access control system.
- Size of Property and Traffic Density – Consider the size of your commercial property and the space available when selecting the type of gate. This ensures the system can handle the traffic flow and fit the physical space.
- Access Readers – Assess the access control requirements, including the number of access points, types of credentials, and integration with other security systems. This ensures seamless operation and enhanced security.
- Customizability – Ensure that the chosen commercial gate entry system is customizable. It should meet specific needs, address potential operational challenges, and mitigate security threats effectively.
- Security and Compliance – It is paramount to ensure that your commercial gate entry system has UL 325 and ASTM compliance for user safety and liability protection. Check for photoelectric sensors, pressure-sensitive edges, and loop detectors, which prevent accidents by detecting obstacles in the gate’s path.
- Robust Hardware – Since your gate entry system will be placed outdoors, it might be exposed to attacks by vandals or porch pirates. It is best to select a system with high impact resistance, such as one with an IK10 rating (the best in the market).
Investing in the Best Gate Access Control For Your Property
Before narrowing down on one specific system, consider the above pointers and select a system suitable for your property.
We understand that each property may have very different needs, and you might not find a solution that meets all your needs. Hence, we recommend a highly customizable gate entry system that balances security, convenience, and long-term value.
Swiftlane: A Smart Gate Entry System Built for Longevity
Swiftlane intercom—the SwiftReader X—is a well-rounded, multifunctional access control system that can be implemented in multi-tenant residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. It offers a feature bundle tailored to modern demands and provides long-term ROI.
Why Opt For Swiftlane
- Two-way calling for video verification
- Mobile-based access eliminates physical keys, cards, and fobs
- Streamlined management with cloud-based control
- Multiple access methods to suit every need
- High-tech facial recognition entry method for biometric access control
- Highly scalable with no upper limit to properties
- Minimal hardware with advanced software integrations
Get a Quote for a Gated Entry System
Reach out to Swiftlane for a free consultation or quote for upgrading your gated entry system.
