The right turnstile balances security, efficiency and user experience all in one, helping support every type of commercial environment. From offices and educational campuses to leisure centres and public venues, the correct access solution offers controlled entry without compromising convenience or aesthetics.
Turnstiles offer more than just the ability to restrict movement; they’re an integral part of modern building management. If you want to boost safety, improve visitor flow and complement your interior design, we dive into our turnstile solutions and what they offer.
What are turnstiles and why do commercial buildings need them?
So, on a basic level, turnstiles act as a simple barrier – but they offer more benefits than just an entry solution. These access management tools provides both security and structure to your building’s entrance or internal access points.
Turnstiles help to:
- Enhance security: restrict unauthorised entry and reduce the risk of intrusions.
- Improve efficiency: manage and control the flow of people during busy times, such as shift changes or events.
- Integrate with technology: integrate easily with RFID, biometric, QR, or visitor management systems.
- Maintain design standards: offer visually sleek styles that blend or boost modern architecture.
For most organisations, turnstiles are a perfect balance between accessibility and protection. They allow staff, visitors, or students to move freely (whilst keeping your site secure).
Exploring the different types of turnstiles
Here at EA, we offer a wide selection of turnstile types, all tailored to different building layouts, levels of security and design preferences. View our full range of turnstiles.
1. EA Tripod Turnstiles
Tripod Turnstiles are one of the most used access control systems in commercial settings. Compact, cost-effective, and perfect for managing high foot traffic.
Key features:
- Simple, effective medium-security applications.
- Compact design great for receptions, gyms, schools, or leisure facilities.
- Integrates easily with access control systems (proximity cards or biometric readers).
- Reliable and durable with low maintenance requirements.
If efficiency and reliability are top priorities, tripod turnstiles are a great choice. Their three-arm mechanism means only one person passes through at a time, reducing the risk of tailgating, keeping traffic flowing.
2. Speed Lanes and Swing Gates
Speed lanes and swing gates are the next generation of turnstiles, combining security with aesthetics. They’re a great choice for corporate offices, financial institutions, and public buildings where you want safety and a professional look combined.
Key benefits:
- Fast, contactless operation using RFID, QR codes, or facial recognition.
- Elegant glass barriers that open quickly and quietly for authorised users.
- Integration with advanced access control and visitor management systems.
- Optional custom finishes to match your building’s interior design.
Speed lanes create an inviting entrance experience, installed in corporate reception areas where presentation, technology and visitor experience all matter equally.
3. Full-Height Turnstiles
Full-height turnstiles offer maximum security, providing complete physical separation. They’re great for warehouses, stadiums, factories, and restricted-access facilities.
Advantages include:
- Preventing unauthorised entry, even when not monitored by staff.
- High durability for outdoor and heavy-duty environments.
- Reliable operation with minimal maintenance.
- Optional integration with CCTV and alarm systems.
Get a secure perimeter where access can be closely monitored and controlled, with options to combine with security fencing and barriers to blend access control.
Choosing the right system
Each turnstile offers unique advantages depending on your traffic flow, security needs, and design preferences. The right choice will depend on:
- The number of people passing through during peak hours.
- The level of security required (public vs. restricted areas).
- Aesthetic considerations to match your building’s interior or exterior.
- Integration with existing access control technology.
Our experienced team will guide you through the selection process, making sure your chosen system fits easily with your building’s layout and operations. Chat to our team about your entry requirements.
Integrating turnstiles with access control systems
We touched earlier on integrating your turnstile with other access control solutions. You can leverage your turnstile even further by integrating it with intelligent access control systems. This creates a fully managed, secure, and traceable entry solution.
Common integration options include:
- RFID or proximity cards: ideal for staff and members with assigned credentials.
- Mobile or QR code access: perfect for visitors or temporary users.
- Biometric authentication: using fingerprints or facial recognition for high-security environments.
- Visitor management integration: automatically logs entries and exits for compliance and reporting.
These integrations allow facilities managers to track usage, monitor entry patterns, and adjust access privileges in real time. Our team will design and install systems that blend with your existing infrastructure or as part of a brand-new security solution.
Why EA is the trusted choice for commercial turnstiles
We’ve worked with many businesses across the UK, providing professional entry and access solutions. Our experience spans education, corporate offices, leisure facilities, retail, and the public sector.
We’re known for delivering:
- Tailored solutions: every installation is custom-designed to fit the site’s layout and operational needs.
- Proven expertise: over 40 years of knowledge in turnstiles, speed gates, and integrated access systems.
- Sustainable technology: our products are energy-efficient and built for long-term use.
- Wrap-around support: from design and installation to maintenance and aftercare.
Securing your building with the right turnstile solution
Choosing the right turnstile for your building is about more than security, it’s about creating a smooth, controlled, and positive experience for everyone who enters.
Whether you’re looking for a turnstile to manage heavy daily traffic, a speed lane system to create a sleek and professional entrance, or a full-height solution for perimeter control, we’ll tailor everything to your project.
Our team will assess your site, recommend the best solution and install your system, integrating it with your existing setup. Ready to boost traffic flow and site security? Speak to our team to get started or explore our full range of products.
