Why Keypad & Remote Access Control Is Worth The Investment

When most people think about an automated gate, they picture the gate itself, the motor and the physical barrier it creates. The access control system that operates it is often an afterthought, but it deserves far more attention than that.

The way you control who enters and exits your property is just as important as the gate itself, and investing in the right access control solution from the outset will make your gate system more convenient, more secure and more practical to live with every day.

Here is why keypad and remote access control are worth serious consideration.

What Is Access Control?

Access control refers to the methods by which entry through an automated gate is granted or denied. At its simplest, this might be a handheld remote control that opens the gate for authorised users.

At a more sophisticated level, it can encompass keypads, proximity fob readers, smartphone apps, video intercom systems and number plate recognition technology.

Most residential and commercial gate installations use a combination of these methods to suit different users and different circumstances.

The Benefits Of Remote Control Access

Convenience

A handheld remote control is the most straightforward access control option and remains one of the most popular for residential gate installations.

The ability to open your gate without leaving your vehicle, in any weather condition, is a simple but genuinely valuable convenience that users of manual gates or manually operated barriers quickly come to appreciate.

Most modern gate systems support multiple remote controls, so every driver in the household can have their own.

Heightened Security

Remote controls for modern gate systems use rolling code technology, which generates a new encrypted code with every use.

 This means that the signal from your remote cannot be intercepted and replicated by a third party, unlike older fixed-code systems that were vulnerable to code-grabbing devices.

For homeowners who want to be confident that their access control system cannot be bypassed, rolling code remote controls provide a robust and reliable level of protection.

The Benefits Of Keypad Access

Access Without A Physical Device

A keypad allows entry to be granted using a personal identification number, without the need for a physical remote control or fob.

This is particularly useful for regular visitors such as family members, cleaners or tradespeople who need access to the property on a regular basis but to whom you do not want to issue a permanent remote control.

A code can be shared as needed and changed easily if circumstances change or if a code is compromised.

Multiple User Codes

Most modern gate keypads support multiple individual codes, each of which can be programmed and deleted independently.

This means you can issue a unique code to each person who needs regular access, monitor which codes are being used and revoke access for specific individuals without affecting anyone else.

For commercial properties where staff turnover means access permissions change regularly, this flexibility is particularly valuable.

Timed Access

Some keypad and access control systems allow codes to be programmed with time restrictions, so that access is only permitted during specified hours.

A contractor code might be active only during working hours on weekdays, for example, whilst a permanent resident code works around the clock.

This level of control is difficult to achieve with physical keys or simple remote controls and adds a meaningful layer of security to any gate installation.

Combining Remote & Keypad Access

The most practical approach for most residential and commercial gate installations is to combine remote control access for regular users with keypad access for visitors and others who need occasional entry.

This gives authorised users the convenience of remote operation whilst providing a straightforward and controllable method of granting access to those who do not hold a permanent remote.

This combination can be further extended with the addition of a video intercom, which allows you to see and speak with a visitor before granting or denying access, and smartphone integration, which allows the gate to be controlled remotely from anywhere with an internet connection.

Is It Worth The Investment?

A well-specified access control system adds relatively little to the overall cost of an automated gate installation but delivers a significant improvement in both convenience and security.

The ability to control precisely who can enter your property, to grant and revoke access without the need for physical keys or remote controls and to manage access remotely from your smartphone makes a meaningful difference to how the gate system works for you in practice.