A turnstile access control system is a necessity when handling a large crowd or when obtaining a venue. Decision-making between the portable turnstiles and fixed gates can however be challenging. The choice that is right will be based on your events requirements and the degree of flexibility you need.
Portable turnstiles are obviously more flexed in terms of flexibility. Imagine it is an outdoor concert or a pop-up where there is a constantly changing crowd. The system might require one that can be configured and dismantled in a short time. Portable turnstiles can be transported easily, installed and removed. They can be erected within minutes and once the event is over then they can be packed and relocated to the next venue with ease. They are perfect in events that do not take place on a regular basis such as trade shows, festivals, and large company meetings where the flow of crowds and the need to regulate people must be changed regularly.
Conversely, fixed gates are the option to use with more permanent installations. Consider stadiums, airports or any other structure that needs a long term access control system that is reliable. The infrastructure includes fixed gates which offer a smooth and durable solution in terms of continuity of operation. They are designed to survive and sustain heavy traffic at all times without wear and tear that portable units may experience. They can be installed and cannot be moved around, but they are excellent in terms of security and control in high-volume areas.
Portable turnstiles have been found to have one advantage, which is the flexibility. These units enable you to adjust movement of people based on the crowd size or the requirements of the given event. Have to open another entrance? All you need to do is to get the turnstile a few feet. Fixed gates cannot offer such flexibility. Fixed gates are fixed and typically more difficult to change in case of any changes to be made. They must also be included in the layout of the building and thus it may be far harder than alterations.
But fixed gates shine in the respect of reliability. Fixed gates work when you need to have a big event and you are going to have a solution that would work. They tend to be more economical in the long-run, and able to bear increased traffic of the foot traffic with time. Assuming that you are in a high-risk area and that security and safety is key, the durability of a fixed gate can be a massive bonus. Also, they usually have higher performance such as access control systems (such as biometrics scans and card readers) so that it fits best in areas such as offices, museums, or government buildings.
Portable turnstile installation is much easier than that of fixed gates. Fixed gates are generally a big planning and construction undertaking since they form part of the foundation of the building. Portable turnstile is a quick fix in case the venue or location temporarily would not have an existing infrastructure to use with gate systems. All you have to do is to put them in strategic entry points, and you are good to go. This can save you time and money on installation particularly in short-term events.
So far as that is concerned, fixed gates may prove superior in terms of security. They may provide greater security against unauthorized access because of their permanency and usually high functionality. There are even systems that are two-factor authenticated so that it is difficult to pass the gates. This provided extra security which is a game changer to sensitive places. Portable turnstiles may provide a sufficient degree of security; however, they do not usually provide the same degree of technological sophistication or the degree of integration that fixed gates can offer.
Portable turnstiles are cheaper to install in the short term, but when it comes to managing a large event, it is important to factor in the cost of acquiring several units. Fixed gates, on the contrary, are more expensive to buy but are less expensive in the long run due to less maintenance required and are made to be longer lasting. To have a long-term high traffic solution, fixed gates can be the more economical solution in the long run.
Which should you choose then between the two choices? Portable turnstiles may be the solution in case you are planning a temporary event and flexibility is a major consideration. They are portable, fast to install, as well as capable of managing human traffic. Nevertheless, fixed gates are probably preferable in case of a permanent arrangement in a highly secured area where there is a constant flow of people. They are also durable in the long run and feature the best security, which is ideal when there is high traffic in the buildings and the venue.
