Why Different Businesses Require Different Automatic Doors

Automatic doors quickly became an industry staple throughout the 20th century, where their convenience and sleek design began to appeal to businesses all over the world. This is an example of how something as simple as a door can be improved drastically by modern technology, helping to upgrade the appearance and practicality of buildings everywhere.

Today, we have the luxury of being able to choose from different types of automatic doors, where this simple mechanism has now been crafted into many different designs and models. These options allow businesses to fit a door that is most suited to their everyday needs and requirements. Read on to find out more about the different types of automatic doors on offer, with an insight into which designs are best suited to different businesses.

Automatic Doors & Their Commercial Uses

Automatic doors can often be more convenient than manual alternatives in a commercial space. This is because they can help to promote accessibility for everyone using the building, in addition to making a more hygienic entryway where contact with door handles is reduced. Automatic doors can also incorporate electronic security systems, which can be more effective than a manual lock and key. For many businesses there is also an additional aesthetic benefit to investing in automatic doors, where a professional exterior can present a strong front to both clients and competitors.

Businesses of all kinds have a range of security and access needs that can be met by an automatic door system. Office buildings tend to prioritise security and individual access requirements, where entrance ways are often protected by a keycode. These can also feature an external call button, which allows people who are approaching the building to contact those inside in order to request access.

Retail spaces need to provide large entrance points both for customers at the front and deliveries at the back. Warehouses and factories will have different priorities for their doors, where regular access from the public isn’t required. Instead doors will be secured with shutters and additional fencing to protect goods and machinery.

Here are some of the most popular types of automatic door and their commercial applications:

Sliding Doors

Automatic sliding doors are the most common type of automatic installation, where this design allows doors to slide horizontally into the adjoining wall as they open. This is a handy space safer, where doors don’t have to swing forward but can retreat entirely out of the door frame. As such, sliding doors are a popular choice for supermarkets, where they provide a large entryway for customers to manoeuvre trolleys or for pallets of goods to be delivered.

Folding Doors

Folding automatic doors, also known as bi-fold or concertina doors, feature multiple panels which fold at the hinges. These allow the doors to gather together against the wall, creating a spacious entryway. This kind of door is most often found in hotels and hospital spaces, where they help to create an airy and hygienic entrance point.

Revolving Doors

Automatic revolving doors consist of a circular unit that allows a person to enter through one door and make their way inside by walking through the moving space. These doors are often seen in office buildings and other professional spaces, where they help to create a sleek and impressive exterior. An additional benefit is that they conserve heat energy better than a wide opening door because the entryway is never fully exposed to the outside.

Swing Doors

Automatic swing doors are designed to be most similar to traditional doors, where they swing outwards or inwards from a fixed side hinge. Existing doors can be automated to consist of an electronic swing function, where this can be a good choice for heritage buildings or businesses on a budget. Swing doors can also be useful inside buildings in order to secure long corridors and walkways. This can promote easy access as well as interior hygiene with the use of a contact free door system.

Swipe Card & Keypad Systems

Lots of automatic doors are also built to incorporate electronic security systems that can be more dependable than an outdated manual system. These can be used to operate all kinds of automatic doors, including swing, folding and sliding. Keypad and swipe card systems are particularly popular for office and government buildings, where they allow access only to those with permission to enter the site.

Other Security Options

Beyond automatic doors, there are numerous ways that businesses can secure their buildings. Methods include physical barriers combined with modern technology, where this combination helps to create a safe environment for staff and visitors alike. Some commonly found security methods for commercial spaces include:

Gates & Barriers

Automatic gates can function in much the same way as an automatic door, where they can be secured using a swipe card or keypad system. Gates can provide a preliminary point of entry for a commercial site, where this can prevent unauthorised access before a person approaches the main building. Automatic barriers can be used in a similar way to ensure that car parks and driveways are secure. These can be designed to open when a code is entered or when a parking fee is administered, where they can be particularly useful to control the use of a private parking area.

Walls & Fences

A traditional way to secure private property is simply to build a big wall, where this serves a physical security purpose in addition to deterring potential intruders. These can be topped with barbed wire or spikes in order to thoroughly prevent access. In addition to this, mesh or metal fences can be constructed to create an efficient barrier on a budget. These can consist of protected access points to allow authorised use of a commercial site, or they can be built in tandem with existing walls.

Shutters

Many businesses also benefit from an installation of roller shutter doors, where these are designed to protect shop fronts and entrance ways from intruders. Roller doors can be added in conjunction with existing security systems as they are designed to add an extra layer of protection during closing hours and when the site is out of use. Like doors, roller shutters can also be electronically controlled, automated or manually operated.

CCTV Systems

Another popular security investment for commercial buildings is a CCTV system. Also known as closed circuit television, these systems provide a feed of footage that can be viewed inside the building or at a remote location. Cameras are typically positioned at entrance ways and potential break-in points such as ground floor windows or back gates, where this can help security teams to monitor the whole site from one point of observation.

In-Person Security Presence

On a more traditional level, you can also invest in staffed security for your business site. This could involve employing security staff to monitor site barriers or parking restrictions, whilst other establishments may prefer to have security staff on the door. This is especially beneficial for hospitality venues that are open throughout the evening and night, where a physical security presence can help to protect both employees and customers.

Shuretech: Door Suppliers You Can Depend On

At Shuretech, we supply and install a wide range of automatic doors, so you can find the right model for your business. Whether you’re looking for sliding, revolving or folding doors, we’ve got the security solution for you. We also offer a selection of door maintenance packages to help to keep your site safe at all times.

Bespoke Doors, Gates & More

In addition to this, we offer an array of security equipment and installations that go beyond your automatic or manual doors. This includes gates, shutters and turnstiles, where we can also install a complete CCTV system on your premises. We believe that a combination of security measures is the best way to keep your site safe, where our team of experts can advise you on everything you need to protect your building and surrounding area.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about our security services, or to access expert advice on which automatic door is best for your business.