When choosing turnstiles for your facility, one of the key considerations is ease of use. If your employees and visitors find the turnstile challenging, frustration and delays follow — and that can impact productivity and even security. The good news? A few smart selection criteria can guarantee an entrance that people move through without a second thought. Here's what to keep in mind.
First and foremost, select the right type of turnstile for your environment. Options include full-height turnstiles, tripod turnstiles, speedgates, waist-high turnstiles, and optical turnstiles — each with its own unique benefits, so choosing the one that best fits your security needs is essential.
For example, Fastlane turnstiles and speedgates from Smarter Security are designed for a wide range of environments and accessibility requirements. With a throughput rate of one person per second, pedestrians move quickly through the lanes — no long lines, no frustration. Fastlane turnstiles use multiple microprocessors and neural networks to distinguish humans from most items pulled or carried, virtually eliminating false alarms.
These models are extremely versatile and can be customized with options like barrier heights, pedestal shapes and sizes, lane widths, and third-party integrated technologies — all designed to deliver a seamless user experience without sacrificing security.
Selecting the right gating system means prioritizing the people who use it every day. The most significant factor is smooth access — users should be able to enter and exit quickly and efficiently, without confusion or hesitation.
Hygiene matters too. Turnstiles that are easy to clean and maintain can significantly decrease the risk of infection transmission. Fastlane systems can also integrate with biometric readers to reduce touch points, and with elevator dispatch displays that route users to the correct elevator — avoiding delays and confusion before they start.
From an operator's standpoint, Fastlane turnstiles are designed for a seamless operating experience: a user-friendly interface that requires minimal training, plus visual and audible cues that guide users through the process.
For facilities that require wider lane clearance than ADA standards, Smarter Security offers the Fastlane Glassgate 155 and Glassgate 400 Plus models. These turnstiles accommodate lane widths up to 47.25" — ideal for users with mobility aids or facilities that move oversized equipment, such as hospital gurneys.
Despite their wider clearance, these gates maintain the same high level of security as other Fastlane models, thanks to Sidegate Detection® — exclusive technology that identifies two people attempting to walk side-by-side through a single lane on one authorization. Wider lanes, same watchful eye.
Finally, choose turnstiles that integrate seamlessly with third-party technologies and your building's access control system. When users can rely on their existing credentials to enter and exit, there are no extra steps, no new cards, and no learning curve.
Fastlane turnstiles are designed to integrate with a wide variety of access control systems, including biometric systems, RFID readers, and more — so the entrance works with the infrastructure you already have, not against it.
Keep these tips in mind — right type, user-first design, accessible lane widths, and seamless integration — and your entrance will deliver a smooth experience for everyone who walks through it. To learn more about Fastlane turnstiles from Smarter Security, including the Glassgate 155 and Glassgate 400 Plus models, check out our product catalog or contact our team.
Optical turnstiles and speedgates are generally the easiest for daily users. They open automatically upon credential authorization, require no physical pushing or rotating, and process up to 60 people per minute — one person per second.
ADA standards require a minimum clear width of 36 inches for accessible routes. For facilities needing more clearance, models like the Fastlane Glassgate 155 and Glassgate 400 Plus accommodate lane widths up to 47.25 inches for mobility aids and oversized equipment.
No. Wide-lane Fastlane models maintain the same level of protection through Sidegate Detection®, which identifies two people attempting to pass side-by-side through one lane on a single authorization.
Yes. Fastlane turnstiles integrate with most access control systems, including biometric readers and RFID credentials, so users can enter with the credentials they already carry — no additional steps required.
Very little. Modern optical turnstiles feature intuitive interfaces with visual and audible cues that guide users through passage, making first-time use nearly effortless for employees and visitors alike.