“Secure the perimeter” might feel like something they only say in cheesy 80s action movies, however, it’s something that every business owner/site manager needs to do. Perimeter security is vital for industrial sites, tourist attractions and other business locations, essential for keeping company property, employees and information safe from thievery and harm. With business crime figures reaching record numbers, it’s important to consider the perimeter security systems that could be suitable for your setting.
This blog will highlight a few notable perimeter security solutions, expanding on the measures that they bring and where they might be most suitable for installation.
Tracked sliding gates
These gates slide across an embedded track on the ground, eliminating the need for a triangulated cantilever system. These secure, wide-opening gates are good for industrial sites, offering a sturdy barrier against intruders. It’s worth noting that tracked sliding gates generally aren’t speedy, meaning they’re not particularly suitable for high-traffic workplaces. They can also be enhanced with anti-ram and decorative elements.
Cantilever sliding gates
Cantilever gates are similar to the previous example, albeit without the ground track, using rollers on posts to hang and slide the gates independently. They’re much smoother than tracked gates, with less of a tendency to develop debris issues, making them more suitable for higher-traffic settings – such as commercial properties or gated communities.
Swing gates
These hinged gates offer perimeter security by swinging inward and outward, being operational via either manual or automated systems. These are often more applicable to different settings, being a cost-effective and attractive selection for smaller businesses and residential properties. These might not be the most secure option, but they can come in a variety of different sizes and materials, perfect for both pedestrian and car entry.
Lift arm security barriers
This form of perimeter fence protection uses a horizontal arm that pivots up and down, operated by an agent in a nearby security point or with a range of different access control tools. Entry access devices for vehicle occupants include:
- Proximity cards
- Radio devices
- Entry tokens
- Special keypads
- Intercom systems
These barriers are a great way to ensure that only authorised personnel are permitted into the parking lot or controlled access point.
Hydraulic road blocker
A large steel barrier can be sunken into the concrete then powered with hydraulics, allowing it to rise out of the ground and block vehicle access. These are fairly expensive but super effective for blocking vehicle ramming, perfect for high-security sites like government or financial institutions.
Mobile vehicle barriers
These are portable, quick-install barriers, perfect for creating pedestrian-only areas, especially important for seasonal town arrangements. They’re not quite as robust as fixed barriers and require storage to keep them, but they’re great for perimeter protection at temporary events, construction sites and during emergencies.
Fixed security barriers
These are similar vertical posts to the last ones described, with the difference being that they’re fixed in place into the ground. They can be used for perimeter security or traffic control, ideal for pedestrian zones, shopping areas and more settings.
High-security barriers
These are the ultimate barriers in terms of perimeter security, being designed to withstand vehicle impact with extensive crash testing. These offer better perimeter edge protection against vehicle-borne threats, being perfect for government facilities and high-risk industrial sites. They can be combined with bollards to maximise perimeter security.
Choosing your perimeter security solutions
These perimeter security solutions can be apple in a range of different settings, but before you choose to install one, you need to consider:
- Desired security level
- Expected traffic flow
- How much space you need
- Your budget
- Aesthetic preferences
- Automation requirements
- Capability to maintain
By considering these concepts, you can better plot your company’s perimeter security system.
