Best Door Entry Systems for Gyms

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As a gym owner, your number one priority must be providing excellent services and convenience to your members and, in addition to offering ample space and state-of-the-art equipment, you are also responsible for their safety and security.

You need to give attention to security threats such as theft and trespassing, and also provide an easy way for the members to enter the gym.

Gyms face many access control challenges such as:

Managing a constant flow of people with different access rights coming in and out of the gym,
Restricting unauthorised access to non-members or members who have not paid to use certain parts of the gym,
Dealing with customers when the reception is unmanned or when there is a shortage of staff, and
Simply finding a solution that is both reliable and durable to deal with the influx of visitors.

Is there a solution to all these problems? Is there a way that you can focus on your customer service instead of having to constantly worry about who is entering and exiting the facility? Well, yes there is!

An effective door entry system is the answer to all your access-related issues that will provide you not just with added convenience and comfort but will also be your go-to security system for gyms and fitness clubs.

There are several types of door entry systems for gyms and they all differ in the level of security that they provide. Read on to find out about the best door entry systems for gyms, why they are important, how to choose the best one for your gym, and other security measures to take to maximise gym security:

You can use any type of door entry system for your gym, but for it to be able to manage the frequent flow of visitors and be simple enough to allow people to use it with ease, you need to choose very carefully.

Some of the door entry systems commonly seen in gyms include key fobs, access cards, keypads, biometrics, and mobile-based access.

Key fobs

Key fobs are keyless remote devices that work using proximity readers and can be used to allow entry into a gym or a certain area inside it. They are portable coin-sized security tokens that you can easily keep in your pocket or on a key ring.

Key fobs are a convenient and inexpensive option for gym door entry, but they are not the most secure since they can easily be exchanged between members and cannot be personally identified and, therefore, must be avoided.

Access cards

Access cards are portable cards, usually the size of a credit card, with a magnetic strip that carries a unique code for each user. When a member goes near the reader, the system verifies the credentials and unlocks the door.

Access cards are one of the best access control options for gyms and can easily be integrated with gym membership cards that hold all details of the members, allowing the gym staff a higher level of control over who is allowed inside and where.

They are not just affordable and versatile but are also ideal for gyms that operate 24/7 since they require no staff to manually check the details of the members before letting them enter.

Keypad readers

Gyms can also use doors with keypad readers that require an access code to enable entry. Access codes are set by the gym administrator and are given to each member when they sign up for a membership at the gym.

When the members wish to enter the facility, all they need to do is punch in the code and they’ll be granted access.

The downsides with keypad readers are that they are a low-level security option with code sharing being a huge possibility and the members having to remember the code, which might be somewhat of a challenge for forgetful individuals.

Biometrics

Biometric readers are one of the most secure forms of access control and are becoming more common in various applications such as gyms, offices, and other secure facilities.

They use your unique biological identifiers such as fingerprints, retina scans, and facial recognition to grant or deny access through a door.

The unique credentials entered into the system are checked with an earlier saved version of the data which, if they match, are approved and the user is allowed to enter. If the data doesn’t match, the entry points remain locked and access is denied.

Biometric access control systems may also auto-disable when a certain number of incorrect attempts are made and be configured to alert the relevant authorities in case of tampering.

Mobile-based access

Everyone always has their phones with them, don’t they? So why not turn your smartphone into a key to enter the gym?

Smartphones are a modern and convenient way for members to enter the gym that uses an application installed on the phone to grant or deny access.

In addition to providing easy access to the gym or certain areas inside it to members who have paid for the facilities, smartphones can also be used to make quick changes to gym memberships and to grant and revoke access.

With a lesser likelihood of being stolen or misplaced and always being with the user, mobile-based access is one of the top contenders of the best door entry systems for gyms that combine both security and convenience.

TOP BENEFITS OF DOOR ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR GYMS

Installing a door entry system for your gym unlocks a plethora of benefits for both you, the gym owner, by allowing you a higher level of security and control, and the gym members by offering them more convenience.

Following are the top benefits of installing door entry systems for gyms:

High-level security

Gyms and fitness clubs, like any other business, run the risk of physical security threats such as unauthorised entry, trespassing, theft, and vandalism. Therefore, it is very important to invest in high-security door entry systems that make it difficult for anyone to enter without permission.

Integration with gym memberships

As discussed above, door entry systems such as those using access cards can easily be integrated with gym memberships allowing members to simply use their gym membership cards to access the facility. This allows the system to access the members’ records, check which facilities they have access to, and allow or restrict entry accordingly.

24/7 access

For gyms that allow their members 24/7 access but only have staff during certain hours of the day, automatic door entry systems can make the process much easier and convenient for both the staff and gym members since there wouldn’t be the need for staff members to manually check the visitors and their access permissions.

Cost-effective

Most people are under the impression that door entry systems are costly and therefore are hesitant in investing in them. What they don’t understand is that the systems actually help them save money in the long run. Instead of having to hire 24/7 security staff, you can invest in a digital security system that will always be efficient and on duty.

Record keeping

In addition to providing a convenient and secure entry system, access control systems also automatically make a complete record of who accessed the system and when, which allows the staff to keep a check over the members’ activity. Some systems can also be integrated with time and attendance tools that allow the gym staff to easily clock into and out of their shifts using the system.

Multi-location compatibility

For gyms and fitness clubs with multiple locations, automatic door entry systems make it extremely easy to manage them all from a single remote location. The systems can be integrated with a cloud solution that allows the system administrators to use an integrated security system using a single off-site server.

This makes it much easier for gym staff to oversee security at several locations and also assign access permissions for various doors and locations for each member, enabling them to access multiple doors at multiple locations, all with a centralised administration.

Manage capacity

Every gym has a certain capacity, the limit for which must never exceed for safety and security reasons. With an automatic door entry system, you can count how many members are inside and using the gym at any given time. This way, you will always be able to keep a check over the capacity limit and never have to worry about disobeying the law or disregarding safety guidelines.

Contactless entry

In a post-pandemic world, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure the health of staff, members, and visitors, and to find ways to avoid individuals from touching surfaces and exposing themselves to germs. With door entry systems, you may opt for authentication methods that do not require touching any surfaces, ensuring a contactless entry for all those coming in.

COST OF DOOR ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR GYMS

The cost of gym door entry systems is influenced by a few major factors such as the type and size of the system, the authentication methods used, the brand, and the level of complexity.

The bigger, more complex a system is, the costlier it is bound to be. Authentication methods also play a huge part in their overall cost with basic keypad systems being way cheaper than modern biometric systems and smart locks.

Access control systems include a few crucial parts and components and each one contributes to the overall cost of the system. They are the locking hardware, door reader, door controller, sensors, software, professional installation, maintenance, and repair.

The average starting cost for an access control security system is around £500 to £800 per door. The cost of installing the system starts at £300. A typical maintenance visit would cost you around £75 to £125 and it would cost you on average £92 to have your access control system repaired.

These costs aren’t definitive and may vary depending on the number of doors and the type and complexity of the security system.

OTHER SECURITY SYSTEMS FOR GYMS

Door entry systems aren’t the only security system that gyms need to maximise safety and security. There is so much more that can be done and you must do all that you can to make it a pleasant and safe experience for you, your staff, the gym members, and visitors.

CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras are one of the most effective security measures trusted by millions of businesses and individuals in the world.

They can deter crimes such as theft, intrusions, trespassing, violence, and vandalism, and also provide legitimate evidence if any criminal activity or offence were to happen in the gym.

In addition to that, placing CCTV cameras inside the gym will also help you keep a check on your employees and ensure they are happy and productive.

Some of the most common areas of a gym that must be under video surveillance include the entrance and exit doors, car parks, lobbies, and workout spaces.

Although all businesses, including gyms, are allowed to use CCTV cameras for security purposes, there are a few laws that they must follow.

According to CCTV laws for businesses and property owners, you must have a legitimate reason for using CCTV cameras and must effectively administer the surveillance system by establishing clear responsibilities and procedures, along with documenting all aspects of data control.

You must ensure that the data is stored securely, only for as long as it is permitted, and can only be accessed by authorised personnel.

You must ensure that the recorded data is provided within one month to individuals who have been recorded on the system if they request to access it.

You must also share the recorded images and video footage with the authorities such as the police if they ask for them.

You must inform everyone in the area that they are being recorded, which can best be achieved by putting up clear signage or communicating with the people involved.

If you wish to monitor your staff, you can do so as long as they have been made aware of it in writing and explained the reasons behind it.

Also, you cannot, under any circumstances, install CCTV cameras in private areas of the gym such as toilets and changing rooms.

You must regularly maintain and review the systems to ensure that they are working as they should and are compliant with all the CCTV laws.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

Calder Security provides a complete solution for access control systems which includes professional installation, maintenance, and repair services.

We’ve been working in the security industry since 1976 and partner with only the best brands. Our MLA approved locksmiths can advise on the best type of access control system for your property based on your individual needs and requirements.

Access control installation services

We are SSAIB approved installers and offer all types of access control systems including intercom, proximity fob, card swipe, keypad, and biometric systems that work with fingerprints or retina scans.

We are experienced with creating sophisticated access control systems for residential properties, large scale commercial enterprises, as well as smaller businesses.

Access control maintenance services

Proper maintenance of an access control system is just as important as its correct installation, which is why we offer annual servicing where we check the function and operation of the system and prevent any potential issues from manifesting.

Our SSAIB approved contractors can work on a wide variety of access control systems, even systems not originally installed by us, and can configure them in various ways to make them fit your changing needs.

Access control repair services

A faulty access control system can put your entire property at risk, which is why all issues need to be fixed ASAP.

We operate a 24-hour emergency service run by qualified security specialist engineers who know the systems inside out and can, therefore, resolve issues efficiently and effectively.

We offer services for a wide variety of other security systems that include:

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