Boom Barriers Vs Bollards - What's Right for You?

A boom barrier is a sturdy, automated gate that lifts to allow or restrict passage. These are most commonly found in parking facilities and at locations like toll booths and railway crossings.

Choosing the right model for your site depends on several factors. A good place to start is by evaluating your options to identify the best fit for your security and traffic management needs:

Security

Unlike bollards that simply block access, boom barriers are designed to control and monitor vehicle movement. They are ideal for regulating entrances to residential complexes, corporate buildings, and parking facilities to ensure that only authorized cars enter. They can also be integrated with traffic management systems to regulate and manage traffic flow effectively.

When a vehicle approaches, a horizontal barrier arm is raised or lowered based on instructions from the control unit. The barrier’s controls are able to read RFID tags or QR codes presented by drivers, then decode and verify the information before signalling the system to lift the barrier arm. This automation eliminates the need for security guards to check every car entering the premises, ensuring that only those with valid entry clearance can gain access.

Other safety features include loops and sensors that prevent the barrier from closing on pedestrians or vehicles. These are essential for keeping people safe and preventing accidents, especially in areas with high traffic volume. In addition to these safety features, choose a model that offers remote monitoring capabilities so you can track the status of your barriers and address any problems quickly. Additionally, opt for a system that is powered by solar power or battery backups to ensure uninterrupted operation during power outages. Also, regularly inspect the components including the control panel and anti-tailgating sensors to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Durability

The central component of any boom barrier is its control mechanism, which raises or lowers the arm to allow or restrict access. It uses sensors, circuitry, and timers to ensure that the arm stays up only long enough for authorized vehicles to pass through while keeping unauthorized vehicles out. This functionality is essential for enhancing security and efficiency at parking facilities, gated communities, and other infrastructures where it is required by law or policy. With advanced features like mobile app integration, user-friendly designs and customization options, and increased automation, boom barriers are proving themselves as a versatile solution to many modern security needs.

To determine which type of barrier is best for your installation site, consider the level of automation desired and how often the system will be used on a daily basis. Automatic boom barriers integrate with access control systems and feature features such as RFID or license plate recognition to ensure only authorised vehicles can pass through, reducing the need for constant human intervention. They also offer increased visibility of vehicle movement and are compatible with alternative power sources such as solar energy or battery backups to ensure continuous operation even during power outages.

Crash rated bollards offer maximum physical protection against vehicular threats, making them ideal for high-security sites where stopping unauthorized vehicles is a priority. Like boom barriers, they are designed to provide maximum durability with minimal maintenance requirements. They are often chosen for use in government facilities, military bases, embassies, and other locations where a threat of attack is a real concern.

Installation

Boom barriers are a reliable, cost-effective solution for high traffic areas in residential and commercial complexes. They offer a range of security features to prevent unauthorised entry and exit, ensuring the safety of employees and customers. By managing access to your premises, they can reduce the risk of theft and increase efficiency for your business.

There are two types of boom barriers — manual and automatic. Manual barriers require a person to manually raise or lower the barrier arm. Automatic barriers use electronic mechanisms and sensors to operate, which eliminate the need for human intervention. This type of barrier is ideal for high-security sites and can be integrated with other security and access control systems.

A boom barrier can be accessed with a number of different methods, including RFID readers, mobile app integration, license plate recognition, and intercom systems. You can also integrate a timer to set up automated schedules for opening and closing the barrier, which can help streamline operations.

Regardless of the method, it is important to choose a system that aligns with your organisations requirements and the purpose of the installation site. For example, a gated community may prioritise security and restricted access, while a shopping mall might want to manage traffic flow and parking management during peak hours. If you need a system that meets both of these criteria, an articulated boom barrier with segmented arm may be the right choice for your location.

Maintenance

Boom barriers are durable and require minimal maintenance for continued performance. Regular visual inspections and systematic practices, such as lubrication, keep them functioning well and help prevent premature wear. These activities also reduce costs by identifying issues early on.

Both crash rated bollards and boom barrier gates have the ability to integrate with other security infrastructure, such as CCTV and building management systems. However, the integration complexity and capabilities vary based on the specific models you choose.

A key difference between these solutions is their operational mechanisms: crash rated bollards focus on physical protection and are ideal for high-security facilities, while boom barrier gates emphasize access control and traffic management with moderate security benefits. This distinction makes boom barriers more suitable for managing authorized vehicle entry and exit in parking lots, toll booths, and other commercial facilities.

Boom barriers come in both manual and automatic options, depending on your security needs and budget. Manual barriers operate with a push button system, while automated systems leverage electric motors and mechanical components to facilitate movement. While the automated option offers more convenience and efficiency, both types require routine operation to ensure they are working properly. To avoid disruptions, it is important to establish clear emergency protocols and training for personnel in case the barrier malfunctions. Moreover, both systems need to be regularly tested and inspected for safety devices like photocells and safety edges to function effectively.