Smart Ways To Choose Fastlane Equipment For Your Business

Fastlane equipment streamlines customer flow and enhances security in high-traffic venues. From retractable barriers to optical turnstiles, these systems combine efficiency with sophisticated access control, helping businesses manage visitor entry while maintaining a professional atmosphere.

What Is Fastlane Equipment?

Fastlane equipment refers to specialized entrance control systems designed to manage the flow of people through designated entry points. These sophisticated systems combine physical barriers with electronic verification technology to create secure, efficient access points in various facilities.

The core components typically include barriers (like glass panels or gates), sensors for detecting authorized entry, and integration capabilities with existing access control systems. Unlike simple turnstiles of the past, modern fastlane equipment offers sleek designs that complement upscale environments while providing robust security features.

These systems are commonly found in corporate lobbies, government buildings, healthcare facilities, and transportation hubs where managing visitor flow efficiently is crucial to operations. The technology has evolved significantly, now offering touchless options and health screening capabilities in response to contemporary needs.

How Fastlane Systems Work

Fastlane equipment operates through a combination of physical barriers and electronic detection systems. When a user presents valid credentials—whether an access card, biometric scan, or mobile credential—the system verifies authorization and temporarily removes the barrier to allow passage.

Advanced sensor arrays monitor the passage area, detecting tailgating attempts (unauthorized individuals following authorized personnel) and other security breaches. The system can distinguish between people and objects, reducing false alarms while maintaining vigilant security protocols.

Most systems offer customizable settings for different security levels. During standard operations, barriers might open quickly to facilitate smooth traffic flow. During heightened security situations, the same equipment can implement stricter verification protocols without hardware modifications.

Integration capabilities allow fastlane equipment to connect with building management systems, visitor management platforms, and emergency protocols. This connectivity enables features like automatic barrier opening during fire alarms and comprehensive access logs for security auditing.

Provider Comparison

Several manufacturers have established themselves as leaders in the fastlane equipment market, each with distinct offerings and specializations.

Comparison of Leading Fastlane Equipment Providers:

Provider	Key Products	Notable Features
Smarter Security	Fastlane Glassgate, Fastlane Clearstyle	Elegant glass barriers, advanced tailgate detection
dormakaba	Argus HSB series, Orthos PIL	Customizable designs, high throughput capacity
Automatic Systems	FirstLane, SlimLane	Space-efficient designs, robust construction
Boon Edam	Speedlane Swing, Lifeline Series	Sustainability focus, architectural integration

Gunnebo offers SpeedStile solutions known for their reliability in high-traffic environments, while Integrated Design Limited (IDL) provides customizable Fastlane Glasswing models that balance aesthetics with security.

When selecting a provider, consider not only the initial equipment cost but also installation requirements, maintenance programs, and compatibility with existing systems. Most reputable manufacturers offer consultation services to determine the optimal configuration for specific facility needs.

Benefits and Limitations

Implementing fastlane equipment offers numerous advantages for facilities management and security operations. The primary benefit is enhanced security through reliable authentication and prevention of unauthorized access. These systems effectively eliminate tailgating, a common security vulnerability in traditional entry points.

Operational efficiency improves as fastlane systems can process 30-60 people per minute, significantly higher than manually monitored entrances. This throughput reduces congestion during peak hours while maintaining security standards. Additionally, many systems now offer touchless operation, addressing health concerns in public spaces.

The professional aesthetic of modern fastlane equipment enhances facility appearance, creating a sophisticated first impression for visitors while subtly reinforcing security presence. Most systems also provide data collection capabilities, generating valuable insights about facility usage patterns.

However, limitations exist. Initial investment costs can be substantial, particularly for premium models with advanced features. Security Industry Association research indicates installation expenses often match or exceed equipment costs. Space requirements must be carefully considered, as retrofit installations may require structural modifications. Finally, power dependencies mean facilities should implement backup systems to maintain security during outages.

Investment Considerations

When budgeting for fastlane equipment, organizations should consider both immediate costs and long-term value. Entry-level systems with basic functionality typically start around $15,000 per lane, while premium options with advanced features can exceed $30,000 per lane.

Installation complexity significantly impacts overall investment. Factors affecting installation include:

Floor structure and materials (raised floors require special mounting)
Cable routing requirements
Integration with existing access control systems
Power availability at installation points

Maintenance agreements typically add 10-15% of equipment cost annually but provide crucial support for these sophisticated systems. ASIS International recommends calculating total cost of ownership over a 7-10 year period rather than focusing solely on acquisition costs.

Return on investment manifests through reduced security personnel requirements, decreased unauthorized access incidents, and improved operational efficiency. Organizations with high-value assets or strict compliance requirements often find the investment particularly justifiable. IFSEC Global reports that integrated fastlane solutions can reduce security staffing needs by 20-30% while improving overall effectiveness.

Conclusion

Fastlane equipment represents a significant advancement in entrance control technology, balancing security requirements with operational efficiency and aesthetic considerations. When properly selected and implemented, these systems enhance facility protection while streamlining the visitor experience. As with any security investment, the key lies in matching system capabilities to organizational needs and integrating the technology effectively with existing protocols.

The most successful deployments occur when organizations thoroughly assess their requirements, engage with knowledgeable providers, and plan for both immediate implementation and future scalability. By approaching fastlane equipment as a comprehensive security solution rather than simply a physical barrier, facilities can maximize the return on their investment while creating secure, welcoming environments for authorized users.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.