Self-Storage Security: Survey of System Components

Vertical-lift gates pivot up in the air. The shape and style can be altered to match the contour of the drive and fence pattern. They do not require the space to pull back from the drive, so they are ideal in tight places.

Safety devices are an integral component with any automatic gate. Loop detectors can be entrenched beneath the drive material, and will sense the metal in the vehicle and keep the gate from closing. Photo eyes project a beam across the drive and detect anything blocking the beam. Miller strips may be mounted on the end or bottom of the gate. When contacting an object, the gate opens away from the item. Warning and safety signs should be mounted at the gate entrance as well. Be sure to plan for a walk-through gate near the office. It should be locked on the outside at all times, and allow for the ability to lock from the inside, after hours, if desired.

Gate operators or motors are mounted near the gate to provide motion. You will need to have conduit with power running to this device. They are generally mounted on concrete slab. The dimensions and thickness of the slab is specific to the brand of operator you choose. Some models mount above ground on a base and posts. Once it is established that the entrant is authorized, the access-control device sends a signal through a relay to the gate motor to open the gate. The length and weight of the gate will determine the grade of gate motor to purchase. A commercial grade is recommended due to the number of open-and-close cycles for the self-storage lot.

Granting Access

After the gate style and location have been planned, it is time to consider type and location of access devices. The most widely used type of access-control device is still the keypad. The customer pulls up to the gate and enters in his unique passcode, which shows on an LED readout. If his account is current, the gate opens. Traffic flow through the gate is left-handed, with the keypad located on the left for the driver. Keypads may also be used for controlling access doors. Self-storage access-control companies have a variety of styles and features available in their keypads.

Other access-control components consist of card readers, proximity readers, key fobs, biometric readers and clickers. Generally, the type of specialty storage will dictate the devices you choose. Systems are sophisticated enough nowadays that any of these should log any activity to the access-control program. Customers are screened by the system so that only those authorized are allowed into a particular area.

The “controller” of the security system is the software. This is an important component because it will read information from the management program along with the security information. The program and components should be designed for application in the self-storage arena.

The security software is proprietary to the provider of the access-control components and the products they manufacture. If your vendor is a self-storage provider, interfaces do exist to management software in most cases. An access-control system that links the latest technology in access control with your property-management software enhances command of your property and will convince your renters their belongings are secure.