Boom gates help secure car parks across industries, whether it’s a commercial car park, a business or warehouse car park, or a high-security area that needs to limit access. When you add automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to your boom gates, security is boosted and your car park functionality is streamlined.
People who need access can easily enter, while those who aren’t authorised are blocked by the boom gate arm. No need for tickets, no need for a staff member to assist, and no need to get out of the car, enter a password, or any other inconveniences.
Today, let’s see if ANPR with a boom gate is the right security option for your business.
Should My Business Incorporate ANPR with Boom Gates?
How Does Number Plate Recognition Work with Boom Gates?
There are four main steps in the functionality of a boom gate that opens and closes based on automatic number plate recognition:
- Number plates are detected: The system’s camera identifies that a number plate has approached when a vehicle enters.
- Plates are scanned: The system captures images of the number plate.
- Plates are matched or recorded: If the car park is restricted to certain vehicles, the system will match the number plate to an authorised plate in its database. If it’s a paid car park, the system will retain the plate details for payment upon exit.
- Boom gate lifts: With authorisation confirmed, the system communicates to the boom gate, which is lifted automatically. The vehicle is granted access.
Why is Number Plate Recognition Beneficial?
The main reason a premises will install ANPR is for security, as it offers a functional and simple method of only allowing in authorised vehicles. The security is provides does a lot to enhance day-to-day business operations. However, there are many benefits for different car park types.
First, access. With the process of identifying authorised vehicles and operating the boom gate automated, people can enter or exit conveniently. This leads to an increase in efficiency, wherein time and resources are cut down, and staff are freed up to complete other tasks. Monitoring and recognition allow the car park operators to track which vehicles are on their premises at any given time.
The convenience provided to users is another amazing benefit. Easier access makes everyone’s day easier, whether it’s employees, residents, or the public. Plus, if the car park is paid, revenue increases as customers return for the ease of access, and resources are saved with no need for tickets or staff to operate.
Using ANPR and Boom Gates the Right Way
- Budget effectively: There are different options for ANPR and boom gates, and it’s important to consult with a trusted company to see what fits your business best. Also consider not just the cost of the system, but installation and maintenance.
- Having a maintenance plan: Make sure you regularly check over the cameras and boom gates to ensure all is running smoothly. Hire experts like Brisbane Automatic Gate Systems to visit periodically and do check-ups and maintenance so the system keeps working well for a long time.
- Ensure accuracy: The system should have high accuracy levels so it can recognise number plates effectively. Cameras should be set up in the best spot for visibility.
- Protect privacy: For the safety of your car park’s users, make sure the data collected by your number plate recognition system is protected securely.
Increasing Revenue with ANPR Boom Gates
For commercial car parks that take payment from users for their use, there are some great ways that number plate recognition paired with boom gates can help increase revenue:
- Easy entry that’s ticketless and staffless gives users more convenience, attracting them to your car park over others.
- Unauthorised access is prevented, meaning only people who pay can enter, and security is boosted.
- Tracking of entry and exit allows the car park operator/owner to enforce regulations when cars overstay or misuse the space.
- Billing is accurate and can be tracked, ensuring all vehicles are charged the right amount at the right time.
- Data analysis from number plate tracking allows the business to optimise operations, for example increasing and decreasing prices, or offering promotions, at peak or off-peak times.
- Traffic management from the scanning, data, and boom gates increases flow in the car park, creating a better experience for paying customers.
Are High Quality Systems Important for a Car Park?
The better the system, the better the security, data, convenience, and revenue. Here are some reasons why investing in a high quality system is a great choice:
- Accuracy even in poor weather conditions or at night, when scanning may be more difficult for lower quality cameras. This reduction in potential errors is extremely important.
- Enhanced security to ensure only authorised vehicles can enter, keeping the car park safe.
- A boom gate that will last longer and operate more effectively reduces the need for further investment down the line, while also reducing the risk of problems that may cease operation and cause major flow issues.
- Better data tracking systems offer your business stronger information to boost revenue.
- Without the need for staff or constant fixes, operation costs are lowered.
- Better data means offenders can be found more easily, or certain number plates can be blocked if necessary.
Contact Us
At Brisbane Automatic Gate Systems, we’re experts in providing security solutions to businesses to automate, streamline, and protect vehicle access. Boom gates are a fantastic solution to the issues modern car parks face. Talk to us about our systems, design options, and maintenance services to keep your car park running smoothly and making you money!
