Adding a dedicated access gate transforms a basic lobby into a strategic security control point that’s safer, more inclusive, and easier to manage. When that gate is designed to work seamlessly with Smarter Security’s Fastlane turnstiles, you get higher security, better user experience, and cleaner data for your access control system.
The Security Gap Most Lobbies Overlook
Modern lobbies face mounting pressure: more visitors, more risk, and the constant need to keep people moving without sacrificing security. Yet many organizations create a critical vulnerability by pairing high-security turnstiles with nothing more than an open doorway or basic swing door for accessible access—no credential check, no detection, no control.
The numbers tell the story: tailgating and piggybacking account for 61% of physical access control failures reported by security professionals. Even more concerning, 71% of enterprise security leaders believe their company is likely to experience a data breach because of it.
If your standard lanes are protected by optical turnstiles while your accessible route lacks any credential-controlled gate, attackers will find and exploit that weakness. An integrated access gate closes this gap for occasional accessible access while maintaining credential control.
Two Solutions for Different Security Needs
Smarter Security offers two access gate options that complement Fastlane turnstiles, each designed for different operational requirements:
Important note on detection technology: Access gates use vertical-beam detection, which provides physical deterrence and basic access control but has limitations. For high-traffic, accessible lanes requiring advanced detection, we recommend wider lane Fastlane turnstile models with Sidegate Detection® technology that can detect not only tailgating and piggybacking intruders but also monitor side-by-side collusion attempts through the lane passage. Access gates excel at providing quick access for deliveries, larger items, and emergency equipment where occasional passage is needed.
Fastlane Intelligate 300: Two-pedestal Access Gate with Tailgate Detection
The Intelligate 300 uses infrared beam technology to detect unauthorized access through an extra-wide lane. With two pedestals creating the lane, this motorized, bi-directional gate operates with your access control system via optional credential readers.
Key capabilities:
- Infrared beam detection monitors access and triggers alarms for violations
- Operates via credential authorization using wall-mounted or stanchion-mounted readers
- Glass barriers close quickly behind authorized users to deter followers
- Bi-directional operation with intelligent lane management
- Lane widths up to 55.1 inches accommodate wheelchairs, carts, and large packages
- Throughput of 1 person per second maintains lobby flow
- ADA compliant with audio/visual feedback
Ideal for: Occasional passage of oversized equipment, delivery carts, or emergency equipment where maximum lane width (up to 55.1 inches) is required. The two-pedestal design provides the widest opening for infrequent but necessary access while maintaining credential control and basic detection.
Fastlane Passgate 300: Single-pedestal Access Gate with Minimal Footprint
The Passgate 300 provides a physical deterrent with a space-efficient single-pedestal design. This motorized gate opens after credential authorization at a reader positioned along the wall or in front of the unit. For added operational flexibility, it can also be opened remotely via pushbutton control from a reception desk.
Key capabilities:
- Opens via credential authorization at wall-mounted or pedestal readers
- Optional remote control via pushbutton from reception desk
- Configurable open time (1-20 seconds) or remote close capability
- Door-like motion for quick user acceptance
- Standard 39.4-inch lane width with custom options available
- Forced entry triggers local and system alarms
- ADA compliant with minimal footprint
Ideal for: Lobbies where floor space is limited and occasional accessible access is needed. The single-pedestal design minimizes the physical footprint while accommodating deliveries, wheelchair users, and visitors with luggage. Optional remote-control capability provides flexibility for reception-managed access when needed.
The Unified Entrance Advantage
Both access gates integrate with Fastlane Connect, the TCP/IP communication platform that enables browser-based monitoring and configuration from any authorized device. While turnstiles handle high-volume traffic, access gates provide credential-controlled access for occasional oversized items, deliveries, and emergency equipment—creating a cohesive entrance strategy rather than leaving an uncontrolled opening.
Operational benefits:
- Consistent credential checking and event logging across all lanes
- Matching aesthetics maintain professional, welcoming appearance
- Centralized monitoring reduces security staffing requirements
- Real-time alarm outputs help reception teams respond to access violations
- Standardized maintenance across the entire entrance system
Real Impact on Workplace Safety
The stakes for entrance security continue to rise. Federal data shows 740 deaths from workplace violence in a single recent year, with homicides accounting for over 60% of those cases. Meanwhile, human-mediated vulnerabilities like social engineering drive over 75% of physical breaches in some regions.
A well-designed entrance with turnstiles and an integrated access gate gives organizations a controlled, monitored checkpoint to detect threats early and limit unauthorized access into sensitive areas—all while maintaining the accessible, professional environment that Class A buildings demand.
Choosing the Right Solution
The decision between Intelligate 300 and Passgate 300 typically comes down to physical space and lane width requirements:
Choose Intelligate 300 when:
- Maximum lane width is required (up to 55.1 inches)
- Occasional passage of oversized equipment, large carts, or emergency equipment
- Credential control and basic detection needed for infrequent accessible access
- Floor space can accommodate two-pedestal configuration
Choose Passgate 300 when:
- Floor space is limited and minimal footprint is essential
- Narrower lane widths work for your needs (23.6″, 27.5″, or 39.3″ options)
- Single-pedestal design better suits lobby aesthetics or layout
- Optional remote control from reception desk provides operational flexibility
From Good Enough to Strategic Advantage
The difference between a basic turnstile installation and a strategic security entrance comes down to this: Are you protecting every path into your secure space with the same level of intelligence, or leaving gaps that undermine your entire investment?
Adding an integrated access gate—whether the maximum width of Intelligate 300 or the minimal footprint of Passgate 300—turns accessibility from a compliance checkbox into a genuine competitive advantage. Your lobby becomes more secure, more welcoming, and easier to manage while providing the data and control that modern security operations demand.
Ready to Close the Gaps in Your Entrance Security?
Contact Smarter Security to discuss which access gate solution fits your facility’s requirements, or explore our complete Fastlane product family to see how turnstiles and access gates work together.
This article was reviewed for accuracy by Executive VP of Smarter Security, Clayton Brown
Clayton Brown serves as Executive Vice President at Smarter Security, the leading provider of hand-crafted optical turnstiles, and is a co-founder of ReconaSense, the only FICAM-certified risk-adaptive physical access control solution (RAdPACS) using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. As a member of SIA’s Government Relations Committee and Data Privacy Board, Clayton proudly represents a next generation of practitioners dedicated to bringing data-driven ideas to existing physical security challenges.
