On the rise: Securing entrance ways with retrofits
by arslan_ahmed | April 14, 2023 8:00 pm
[1]By Greg Schreiber
Physical security retrofit is not as simple as it used to be. With today’s health compliance mandates and growing social upheaval, physical security upgrades must transcend previous technologies which only focused on minimizing organizational risks in corporate office buildings.
In 2020, the Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence surveyed 300 chief security officers (CSOs), chief legal officers (CLOs), chief compliance officers (CCOs), and physical security decision-makers at companies with more than 5000 employees in the U.S. and found most enterprise companies have a pressing need for physical security modernization, which requires increased spending on technology solutions. While the report stated what security professionals have known for years, corporate physical security still lacks to invest and adopt modern tools and technologies, especially in comparison to cybersecurity, regarding it as a cost with little revenue potential for the bottom line return on investment (ROI).
Accelerated by the pandemic and social discontent, the scenario has shifted, according to the Ontic Center’s “2021 State of Protective Intelligence Report: A Mandate for Proactive Protective Intelligence in the Era of Exponential Physical Security Threats.” The report states, “Corporate leaders face greater fiduciary scrutiny and personal liability for business continuity, coupled with a growing recognition their organizations are increasingly targets they must protect from harm. A proactive, always-on, data and intelligence-driven function powered by universal, accessible technology has never been more important for corporations, and a physical security digital transformation movement is underway.”
The report also adds, “Companies are experiencing a dramatic increase in physical threat activity as compared to last year, and that physical threat activity has also dramatically increased compared to the beginning of 2020. This rapid change and expansion of the physical threat landscape has created an exponential increase in data and pre-incident indicators that have become unmanageable.” Armed with these facts, 80 percent of the surveyed C-level security executives expected their company’s physical security operating budget to increase.
Evolving threats are the key motivator
The sudden enhanced desire for security upgrades and total retrofits has not been put into action yet because of concerns related to outdated technology solutions. Still, there is a higher awareness, organizational responsibility, and a renewed commitment to the “duty of care” to protect, not only people, but anything of critical importance, including digital information, and being able to respond appropriately and promptly to lockdowns, intrusions, forensic information, and any unforeseen responses.
The main motivator for security upgrades remains the evolving threat landscape. Since business operations changed because of the pandemic, the drivers which were once ample for a secure and safe facility are no longer sufficient. The pandemic increased the demand for security entrances, as organizations now seek better means to control the flow of traffic into their facilities, especially with flexible work schedules where employees work at different hours. The type of security entrance deployed varies based on whether the entrance is manned by a security personnel some or all the time, or completely unsupervised. Different categories of security entrances are available to cater to the specific needs of each entry/egress location within a facility.
[2]Laying the foundation strategy
The emerging role security entrances play in mitigating the costly liabilities associated with unauthorized entry, while assisting in the safety and wellbeing of staff, has never been more important. For instance, building owners working closely with emergency departments understood they should account for the changing social landscape and the growing options of available entrance technologies to control access and monitor safety. Picking a product which fits the blueprint, without considering the organizational culture and unique nature of the building, can lead to project failure.
Understanding the goals
Before launching a physical security plan, the project team should be aware of the unique needs and demands of every organization. To mitigate risks and liabilities, they must address unauthorized entry, such as theft, bad press, legal fines, and loss of life. Each organization has a different building layout, security goals, government regulations, etc. Prior to selecting an entrance strategy, it is the specifier’s responsibility to research and incorporate various elements, such as culture and throughput, and anything the organization should take into consideration with respect to security.
For business owners wanting to upgrade the physical security of their facilities using security entrances, the first step is to define their organization’s security goals by understanding the threats to the facility and the culture of their facilities. With this information, they can choose the right security solution which meets their organization’s needs and is a good fit with their office culture. Often, specifiers looking into security entrances for their clients are asked the wrong questions such as, “How much does it cost?” and “How many do I need?” Instead, clients should focus on the “Why?” questions, to discover their overall goal surrounding security. Some examples of these questions are: Why should a company do this? Why does it matter to prevent unauthorized entry? Why is it important to provide security and peace-of-mind to the employees? Why should one know who is in their building at all times?
One challenge of a security retrofit project is modern technology replacing an already-existing solution. In many instances, it is possible for existing technologies to still be part of the retrofit plan. To aid in the process, security professionals should develop a strategic roadmap ahead of time. This map should outline how to keep existing systems and devices functioning while the project is in progress. This map should be communicated to employees and stakeholders in the organization for transparency purposes.
The entire retrofit project team should discuss three implications when selecting entrance solutions to mitigate unauthorized entry: security, mustering, and corporate culture. By considering elements such as the need for guards, knowing how many people are in the building at all times, and balancing convenience with security, a security specifier can select the right entry solution for their project.
Types of physical security entrances
Understanding the goal before selecting the technology solution is vital, especially on a retrofit project, because the new entrance may differ in expectation from the current device. Creating a checklist of available technology options is a good starting point. The following list highlights security protection levels from the lowest to the highest. It is important to take note of the types of security solutions which require supervision.
[3]Tripod turnstiles
Tripod turnstiles are a safe and secure entry solution for an area offering an easy and comfortable option for all users. These extremely rugged, low security deterrent solutions are straightforward and effective in controlling large volumes of people daily in supervised environments.
Full height turnstiles
These turnstiles are another rugged, low-maintenance solution for the harshest outdoor conditions. These act as a deterrent against tailgating and unauthorized entry at the fence line. Initially used for outdoor access control, today’s full height turnstiles can fit the needs of the environment, whether a supervised interior or a monitored autonomous exterior.
Access and side gates
As a comfortable, low security solution, access and side gates provide wide lane access. Although the gates do not mitigate tailgating, they are an important component of an overall risk mitigation strategy. This type of entrance supports accessibility for people with disabilities and provides a comfortable alternative for users carrying large bags, pushing dollies, or anyone who is more comfortable using a wider lane. These gates are often placed alongside turnstiles in supervised locations.
Optical turnstiles
A popular, medium security solution for most lobby applications, optical turnstiles provide a balance between security and visitor management. This entrance solution includes sensors, which detect tailgating and piggybacking attempts, and raises an alarm for guards to respond—however, supervision is required.
These turnstile solutions provide a strong visual deterrent against intrusion and their physical barrier supports regulatory compliance and risk reduction to companies across the globe. When coupled with biometric and access control devices, their automatic moving barriers can also provide a touch-free entry experience.
Security revolving doors and mantrap
Security revolving doors and mantrap portals prevent unauthorized entry in the form of tailgating and piggybacking. Security revolving doors can allow a two-way traffic flow and a high traffic capacity simultaneously. Mantrap portals allow a two-way traffic flow, but only in one direction at a time, while accommodating a wheelchair, delivery cart, stroller, etc. When integrated with access control or biometric systems, these solutions can become an integral component of a building’s security defense, and can be upgraded with bullet-resistant or vandal-resistant glass to provide additional protection and peace of mind for occupants.
Both entrances support regulatory compliance, risk, liability reduction, accurate metrics collection, and are the most secure forms of security entrances a facility can install.
[4]Architectural revolving doors
Architectural revolving doors do not mitigate tailgating; however, they offer several security features, including creating safety around a public entrance. These doors can be locked remotely by a person or access control system, and support public entry during the day, alongside authorized access at night. Should a threat develop outside, they can also be remotely locked instantly in any position.
Revolving doors have long been an energy efficient and sustainable entrance for buildings. Their “always open, always closed” working principle keeps conditioned inside air and unconditioned outside air separated, which prevents drafts, dust, and noise from entering the building. Since less energy is required to maintain the conditioned climate inside the building, revolving doors help reduce the carbon footprint of a building as well and save energy and cost. Many architects today are switching from swinging door entrances with vestibules to revolving doors because some consider them aesthetically more attractive and they save space.
Security entrances selection guidelines
There are several types of security entrances available, each designed with a specific purpose and level of protection including security mantrap portals, security revolving doors, speed gates, and full height and tripod turnstiles. To assist in selecting the right entrance solution, security entrances can be classified into three classifications:
- Their ability to prevent tailgating and piggybacking
- Their ability to detect tailgating and piggybacking
- Their ability to caution or deter by monitoring or controlling traffic
Security entrances which prevent tailgating and piggybacking allow for the elimination or reallocation of guard supervision, providing security and facility managers with a tangible ROI. These solutions include revolving doors and mantrap portals, which are virtually impenetrable and prevent unauthorized intrusion. Also, by collecting metrics gathered by sensor systems in these solutions, security personnel can predict and quantify their actual risk of infiltration.
Entrances detecting tailgating and piggybacking provide a strong visual obstacle against intrusion, and when coupled with biometric and access control devices, can also detect unauthorized entry attempts in real-time and issue alarms for security personnel to take immediate action. This category of solutions includes speed gates, which are designed for this purpose and to facilitate both security and visitor management operations. Ideal for reception areas, speed gates can also support regulatory and risk reduction compliance mandates.
Security entrances which only detect unauthorized access serve as a deterrent against casual attempts to gain unauthorized access. These monitor and control traffic under the supervision of a security personnel. Appropriate for building perimeters, supervised locations, “exit only” applications, or any location where large crowds need to be controlled, the entrance solutions include full height and tripod turnstiles, wide lane gates, and monitored access solutions.
The data collected using overhead sensor systems in security entrances, designed to prevent and detect threats, can also be used as a great new source of business intelligence. The intelligence provided from these devices can help forecast and quantify an organization’s risk of infiltration and threat. Typically deployed at employee entrances and other sensitive areas within a facility, sensors further elevate the effectiveness and efficiency of security entrances as an enterprise level solution.
Each security level requires a distinctly different mix of technology and personnel. It is the security consultant’s job to help lay the foundation of how to best achieve the desired levels of security. It is also important for the consultant to aid the user when telling the C-suite about the long-range total cost of ownership (TCO) of technology deployment, as well as its potential ROI.
This is best achieved by highlighting how the system can track who is in the building, mitigate physical violence opportunities, prevent of risks, and provide superior evidence collection capabilities.
The ROI factor is also relevant for the owner during any retrofit, especially when it comes to environmental considerations. Energy costs for a building can be substantial if inefficient entrances are deployed. Opting for a revolving door, with the security features mentioned earlier, is an energy-efficient way of maintaining a consistent temperature in a building.
Important retrofit factors to consider
Another key consideration in planning a retrofit project is the culture of the organization. Culture permeates all other decision factors and is critical to success. A successful security policy is a direct result of top-to-bottom commitment to technology and business operations. All management stakeholders involved in the buying decision, from CEO to finance, human resources, administration, and employees should be a significant part of the retrofit process. Everyone mentioned should be willing to assist in implementing a cultural shift in increased physical security, and communicate, train, and follow as necessary.
Most security entrances use a barrier to mitigate unauthorized entry, with the more sophisticated barriers integrating presence sensors to detect objects or users. Building owners looking to upgrade security entrances should carefully consider how the proposed solutions will prevent entrapment or contact, and how they will respond to either event. With a renewed interest in safety and health impacts, these are points to be discussed during the bidding process. If not addressed, these factors might undermine the success of the project.
Impacts to culture, safety, and throughput are important to consider as well when retrofitting. These decisions should be based on the facility’s security compared to their safety needs. These include the ability and ease of product training for staff, and the product’s response to a tailgating incident during peak periods. For example, if the product stops and requires re-badging, or whether large objects are typically carried or pulled behind. Upgrading older security entrance technologies to larger sized and more advanced products, especially when space is limited in an older building, can prove to be troublesome and it might even eliminate other older devices.
Integration and compliance needs
As the integration of security turnstiles and revolving doors continues to expand into more advanced access control systems, specifiers need to be cognizant of special code requirements for security entrances, and which ones differ from regular swinging and sliding doors’ requirements. The importance of code adherence is universal but can vary according to different facility use case applications. These standards, whether they are from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or certifications from Underwriter Laboratories (UL), and Canadian Standards Association (CSA), are all aimed at setting minimum standards for protecting people and property.
Most codes require devices to operate during emergencies and power loss. There must be a battery backup option to ensure all units can operate normally for a few hours ands unlock or open barriers as required by the code. When power is gone, contingencies should be in place for units which can automatically or manually open and at what critical egress points these units are deployed.
Adherence to compliance regulations at each individual entry point may determine the best solution for a particular location and redefine its parameters. If identity verification is essential, biometrics can be added to the solution, creating a two-stage authentication method using credentials and identity. Again, working with an experienced team is a crucial step in planning for the optimal physical security program.
Integrating security entrances with an electronic access control system can provide full insight of who accessed which areas, when, and for how long. The system can collect useful operational data, such as failed entry attempts, providing input for training programs. Any unused permissions or unusual usage patterns can be tracked. The system can also instantly and automatically update all revised or revoked access permissions, for instance, deleting the identity badge account of an employee immediately upon termination.
Physical constraints and support systems
The shifting security dynamic and evolving technology can be a challenge for both, the specifier and the end-user, in their common pursuit to design entrances which are at the forefront of safety, while balancing the need to welcome people and move them through efficiently. With more security entrance projects involving retrofits to existing buildings, the biggest challenge usually involves the flooring in a facility.
Security entrances require the floor to be dead flat to work properly. In case of a security revolving door, a door rotating on an uneven floor will put undue stress on the door wings and the door operator. The wear and tear will be excessive, and the door would need to be replaced sooner than expected. Shimming is a popular method for trying to square a door on unleveled floor. However, the shims will eventually force the door out of balance and plumb, resulting
in a door that is hard to push, excessively loud when operating, and set to fail.
When designing for lobby turnstiles, all conduits and wiring for electrical, access control, and fire connections should be run through the floor. Existing flooring configurations, especially when the floor is concrete with existing conduit inside, often require breaking and removing the floor to install the wiring and conduit in the appropriate locations. This can add considerable expense to the retrofit project and may be technically prohibitive, depending on the building.
Some buildings may also have flooring structures not allowing for any excavation. One potential solution to these problems is to add special, above-grade platforms which are mounted to the floor surface under the turnstiles. These platforms include inclined ramps on each side, complying with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. Power, access control, fire alarm connections, proper flooring, and conduit requirements must be properly addressed to ensure a smooth and cost-effective installation. These items should be in place and functional before the installation of the security entrance begins.
Conclusion
Security entrances play a vital role in organizational risk management, safety, and security. Covering a range of factors and considerations for specifications will help make security entrance upgrades and retrofit projects successful. However, there are additional factors which can make or break a retrofit project. Choosing a manufacturer who will offer scalable and flexible options as well as top-of-the-range standard products as ease and convenience are required, is key to this process.
Every project and installation is different, and sometimes a customized product outweighs the importance of speed and straightforward design specs. The solution provider your team selects should be viewed as a partner who is invested in the client’s long-term ROI and is equipped and knowledgeable enough to guide the client and themselves in this area.
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