Understanding Turnstile ROI in Today’s Security Landscape

In today’s security-conscious environment, organizations of all sizes are evaluating their access control investments with increasing scrutiny. Operational efficiency and security are paramount for business success, with decision-makers constantly seeking ways to optimize operations and protect assets. While turnstiles represent a significant capital expenditure, they deliver exceptional return on investment through multiple channels: enhanced security, operational efficiency, reduced staffing requirements, and valuable data collection capabilities. Whether for a public venue or a private building, organizations across all sectors see significant returns from upgrading their entrance control systems.

The Financial Case for High-Quality Turnstiles

Security Breach Prevention

The most obvious—yet often undervalued—ROI factor is breach prevention. A single security incident can cost organizations tens of thousands in direct losses, remediation expenses, and reputational damage. Modern turnstiles with sophisticated tailgating and sidegate detection features, like those in the Fastlane range, ensure that only authorized individuals gain entry. These advanced technologies significantly enhance security protocols by safeguarding both physical and digital assets, helping organizations avoid legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with security breaches.

Staffing Optimization

Traditionally, organizations relied on security personnel to manage entry points—a significant ongoing expense. Modern turnstiles enable unmanned entry points without compromising security, allowing security teams to focus on more complex tasks. By automating entrance control, organizations can realize substantial cost savings. Case in point: a Class-A high-rise in Chicago achieved a remarkable 262% ROI within five years after implementing Fastlane Glassgate turnstiles, based primarily on security staff reduction and reallocation.

Operational Efficiency

The speed at which employees and visitors can enter a facility directly impacts productivity. Legacy turnstiles often create a bottleneck during peak hours, while advanced optical turnstiles can process people much quicker. For instance, Fastlane turnstiles are capable of up to 60 people per minute throughputs—making them among the most efficient systems on the market. This automated efficiency streamlines entry by making entrance decisions quickly and accurately, resulting in smoother people flow, fewer delays, and more effective crowd management. Enhanced user experience creates a positive first impression, reducing long queues and wait times that can negatively impact staff and visitors.

Case Studies: Turnstile ROI in Action

PG&E Headquarters, San Francisco

PG&E, a major utility provider in Northern California with over 8,000 people passing through their San Francisco headquarters daily, upgraded their existing turnstiles to address security breaches while meeting stringent historical building requirements:

• Installation of 13 Fastlane Glassgate 200 turnstiles with FastTouch remotes
• Enhanced security with taller glass barriers and pressure sensors preventing unauthorized access
• Significant cost savings exceeding $250,000 annually by reducing dedicated security personnel
• Improved life safety through emergency egress features and fire control system integration
• Minimal disruption with installation completed over a single weekend

Chicago High-Rise

A Class-A high-rise in downtown Chicago needed to enhance security and streamline entry for its 2,500 tenants and over 200 daily visitors:

• Implementation of Fastlane Glassgate 200 turnstiles integrated with the building’s access control system
• Significantly increased throughput speed, reducing lobby congestion during peak hours
• Dramatic improvement in security through prevention of unauthorized access
• 262% ROI achieved within five years based on security staff reduction alone

University of St. Thomas, Minnesota

The University faced challenges with unauthorized meal access in their dining halls, leading to revenue loss and long waiting times during peak hours:

• Installation of Fastlane Glassgate 150s integrated with the existing student ID card system
• 50% reduction in meal theft, resulting in substantial cost savings
• 70% decrease in queue times during peak meal periods
• Improved student satisfaction through more efficient dining experiences

Read our complete case studies collection for more ROI success stories across various industries.

Evaluating Total Cost of Ownership

When assessing turnstile ROI, organizations should look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), including:

1. Installation Requirements: Not all turnstile systems are the same, as some manufacturers’ products require extensive floor modifications or additional infrastructure. Intelligent turnstile products, such as Fastlane turnstiles, typically require minimal floor preparation—as demonstrated in the PG&E headquarters installation, where the historic marble flooring was preserved with only six bolts per pedestal and subsequently covered seamlessly.
2. Integration Capabilities: Modern turnstiles can seamlessly integrate with various advanced access control systems, including touchless sensors, biometric authentication, and role-based controls. Features like Fastlane’s SmarterMount accessory enable easy integration of scanners and biometrics without drilling into the turnstile, providing cost-effective adaptability as security needs evolve.
3. Energy Efficiency: Modern turnstiles with energy-efficient designs consume significantly less power than older models. For example, Fastlane turnstiles operate at only 24VDC, contributing to sustainability efforts while generating long-term utility bill savings. Such eco-conscious designs may also contribute to LEED certification points.
4. Maintenance and Longevity: When evaluating entrance control solutions, consider ongoing expenses like maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage. Systems with fewer moving parts typically result in lower maintenance costs over their operational lifespan.

Advanced Technology Integration Benefits

Beyond basic access control, modern turnstile solutions offer additional value through smart technology integration:

• Integration with Smart Technologies: Today’s turnstiles can seamlessly integrate with various advanced access control systems, including touchless sensors, biometric authentication, and role-based controls—bolstering security while protecting critical data.
• Occupancy Management & Traffic Analysis: Real-time building occupancy information supports space utilization planning, emergency response, and understanding of peak entry/exit times for better resource allocation.
• Comprehensive Security Ecosystem: Integration with access control, visitor management, and building automation systems creates an interconnected security infrastructure that maximizes operational efficiency while minimizing vulnerabilities.

Calculating Your Turnstile ROI

To determine potential ROI for your organization, consider these factors:

1. Current security staffing costs at entry points
2. Historical security incident expenses
3. Value of lost productivity due to entry delays
4. Integration benefits with existing systems
5. Compliance requirements and associated costs

Most organizations find that high-quality turnstile systems achieve complete ROI within 12-24 months, with continued benefits accruing throughout their 7-10 year operational lifespan.

Conclusion

While turnstile solutions represent a significant initial investment, they provide organizations with a powerful tool to enhance security, improve operational efficiency, and achieve substantial cost savings. Their long-term financial benefits through enhanced security, operational efficiency, and reduced staffing requirements deliver exceptional ROI—as demonstrated by real-world results like the Chicago high-rise’s 262% return within five years or PG&E’s annual savings exceeding $250,000.

With advanced technology integrations, sleek design options, and measurable financial returns, these turnstiles deliver long-term value across various sectors, from office buildings and corporate headquarters to university campuses, leisure centers, stadiums, and healthcare facilities. By taking a comprehensive view of both direct and indirect benefits, organizations can make informed decisions about turnstile implementations that align with their security needs and business objectives.

For decision-makers weighing the cost of upgrading their entrance control systems, our security consultants can help evaluate specific challenges and identify the right solution to maximize ROI and long-term value.