Industry Influencer Q&A:
The Evolution of Optical Turnstiles

An evolved new look also comes with increased functionality, technology integrations, and much more (Sponsored by dormakaba)

From its humble beginnings as an access control and people counting device, the turnstile has undergone a multitude of technological evolutions, where today’s aesthetically pleasing optical turnstiles – while similar in function – have almost no resemblance to their three-armed predecessors. An evolved new look also comes with an evolution of functionality, technology integrations, and much more. In this exclusive Industry Influencer Q&A sponsored by dormakaba, Nick Simon, National Security Sales Manager for the Alvarado by dormakaba takes a closer look.

Simon: There has been an increase in the integration with what was, at one time, emerging technologies. Facial recognition, biometric devices, elevator dispatch screens, dual-use readers and QR readers are all commonplace now, where they were the exception many years ago. The migration to non-traditional means of accessing the turnstile lanes is exciting and provides manufacturers with an in-house software and development team the ability to ensure all devices are properly integrated for the best client experience.

Additionally, modern optical turnstiles offer a higher level of security violation detection and faster throughput than their predecessors. Added intelligence and superior optical technology now allows for better detection, including identifying the difference between tailgaters and roller bags or luggage.

What are the ideal use-cases for optical turnstiles?

Ideal use-cases have not varied much over time. Facilities and clients that need resolution to the challenge of knowing who, when and where the people are in the building is still a very real security concern, and optical turnstiles help resolve those issues immediately. Reporting tailgating attempts and restricting access to authorized personnel is critical to our clients and the primary reason whey systems are implemented.

As turnstile manufacturers have streamlined their designs, optical turnstiles are no longer seen as a burden to the aesthetics of the facility. Building owners, architects, and end-users are very cognizant of the corporate culture that they are looking to convey. They want security, while also having an open and inviting work environment. Optical turnstiles are thoughtful in their design, and can be provided in custom finishes, panel etching, ambient lighting, etc., to match the required security needs with the facilities desire for equipment that blends into their environment.

As optical turnstiles have matured in the security marketplace, there are increased opportunities for retrofitting or replacing equipment that is 15-plus-years old. Baseplates and risers allow for turnstile lanes to sit on top of existing turnstile conduit openings, allowing for an easy path to update the lobby without having to invest in what can be expensive or impossible core drilling of the floor.

What makes optical turnstiles more effective than alternative technologies?

The effectiveness will vary depending on what alternative technology the turnstile is being compared to. Normally, optical turnstiles (with physical barriers) are used in place of either traditional doors, attendants surveying/securing the area, or card readers. All those technologies rely heavily on the honor system and may not be capable of limiting access to single users.

While a reader and lock require a valid credential to unlock the door, it cannot control how long the door is open or how many people enter. Unauthorized individuals can follow authorized personnel through the secured door, resulting in a common security issue referred to as “tailgating.” Additionally, a door cannot isolate the direction of an authorized passage. If a door is activated for exit, it will not prevent entering at the same time while open.

Optical turnstile lanes will only unlock upon presentation of a valid credential, and the unit tracks the user as they pass through the lane. The device will trigger an alarm for tailgating attempts, unauthorized passage, or forced entry, making them a more effective means of secured entry.

The functionality noted above also allows for additional monitoring that is not possible with the alternative solutions. Optical turnstiles have numerous outputs that fully integrate with the facilities access control system. That means that clients are instantly notified upon unauthorized passage attempts, forced entry, door held open, authorized passage, and many others. Monitoring these outputs provides not only a log of activity, but also enables users to create procedures for security staff to respond to the alarms to ensure that the facility is fully secure.

The outputs can also be integrated with third party systems such as cameras to time stamp specific activity at the turnstile lane. This is invaluable information for clients and helps make their facility more secure and responsive.

What technologies can be effectively integrated with optical turnstiles?

There are not many limits to what can effectively be integrated. The security industry moves fast, and new products, upgrades and improvements are always on the horizon. As noted above, we have seen increased use of facial recognition, biometrics, Bluetooth-enabled, QR codes, detection systems (metal detectors, for example) and many more. Most commonly, optical turnstiles will integrate with the facilities access control system and life safety system. Clients do not need to invest in a new access control system or life safety system to create a safe and secure environment.

How much time and technical know-how does a technician need to complete the install process?

Install times vary; however, Alvarado recommends having experience with these solutions before completing an installation and “turning the keys over” to the end-user. Our documentation is very concise, and we have experts at Alvarado that are a constant resource for our partners.

Remote and on-site training and commissioning is available. Additionally, Alvarado has partners throughout the world that are certified and have been trained on how to install and service our equipment – some of which stock parts. Our partners are valuable to our success, and we can offer recommendations to meet installation needs to ensure that the installation process is smooth.

How can optical turnstiles provide integrators with an RMR stream?

The RMR for optical turnstiles would be in the form of providing service contracts for preventative maintenance.