Securing Educational Campuses

The number of turnstiles required at your facility hinges on the typical traffic flow and the variations in volume during peak and off-peak times. You must ensure that the system can handle daily traffic efficiently without causing delays or overcrowding. Additionally, given the ongoing changes due to pandemic social distancing guidelines, it’s important to factor in reduced capacities now, while also considering the ability to scale up as circumstances normalize.

The system design should consider all potential users of the space, including students, staff, visitors, and individuals with reduced mobility. Decide if everyone should have equal access through the turnstiles or if certain areas, like server rooms or administrative offices, require restricted access to specific individuals. Also, consider whether you need mechanisms for granting temporary access for visitors and how these individuals will be processed.

Understanding what you are protecting—whether it’s people, data, or physical assets—is vital in determining the appropriate level of security. This includes deciding whether the primary goal is to deter unauthorized access physically or to monitor and manage the flow of people in and out of the facility. Additionally, the design and height of barriers should provide adequate security while fitting aesthetically with the campus environment.

Turnstiles can serve multiple functions beyond simple entrance and exit control. They can integrate with existing security systems to provide enhanced access control, gather real-time data on building occupancy, and even support health and safety initiatives such as touchless entry and infection prevention measures. Consider whether your turnstiles need to be compatible with other technologies, which brings additional context to access decisions and helps manage site security more effectively.

The appearance of the turnstiles should reflect your university’s brand and harmonize with the surrounding environment. Customization options such as colors, materials, and finishes should be chosen to complement the existing architectural style, possibly featuring the university’s crest or colors to enhance the sense of identity and pride.

The decision to install turnstiles should consider more than just the purchase and installation costs. It’s also important to evaluate ongoing expenses such as electricity usage, maintenance, reliability, and warranty. A comprehensive analysis of these factors will provide a clearer picture of the total cost of ownership and help ensure that the investment delivers good value over its lifetime.