JDL Automation
Speed Lanes & Entrance Control Norwich: Secure, Sleek & Sophisticated
In the lobby of a modern corporate office, a university, or a multi-tenancy building, first impressions are everything. But that premium reception area also serves a critical security function: controlling the flow of people. How do you welcome authorised staff and visitors seamlessly while preventing unauthorised access?
The answer is a Speed Lane or “Speed Gate” turnstile system. These systems are the perfect fusion of elegant design and intelligent security, creating a sophisticated welcome that ensures only the right people get through.
Sleek Corporate Security
Elegant glass turnstiles that blend perfectly with modern office lobbies.
Intelligent Integration
Seamlessly links with your existing staff access cards and visitor systems.
The JDL Gate Automation Journey: Our 6-Step Process
At JDL Automation, we specialise in the design, integration, and maintenance of advanced entrance control systems. We understand that for our Norwich and Norfolk clients, a speed lane is a statement about your company’s professionalism and its commitment to security. We deliver solutions that not only look the part in a high-end lobby but also offer robust, reliable control of pedestrian flow, preventing “tailgating” and “piggybacking” with intelligent sensor technology.
The Initial Consultation & Site Survey
Bespoke Design & Transparent Quotation
Planning & Preparation
Professional, Safe Installation
Commissioning, Testing & Handover
Ongoing Maintenance & Local Support
JDL Automation
The Initial Consultation & Site Survey
A speed lane installation is a high-precision project that blends with your building’s architecture and integrates with its core security. Our process is designed to be meticulous, discreet, and seamless.
Our process begins not just with a site survey, but with a footfall analysis. Our specialist engineers will visit your lobby or reception area to understand the human dynamics of the space.
- Flow & Throughput: We analyse your peak traffic times. How many people need to enter or exit the building between 8:45 am and 9:15 am? This “throughput” data is the single most important factor in designing your system.
- Security Level: What is your security objective? Is it a “visual deterrent” to guide staff, or do you need to physically prevent all unauthorised attempts, including “tailgating”?
- User Types: We identify the different users—staff (with access cards), pre-registered visitors (with QR codes), and new visitors (who need to see reception). This determines the number of lanes, the lane widths (including DDA-compliant wider lanes), and the integration requirements.
- Aesthetics & Environment: We assess the existing lobby design, flooring (marble, tile, carpet-over-concrete), and branding to ensure our solution enhances your space.
Using the data from our analysis, we design a system that manages your flow and matches your look.
- Speed Lane Type:
- Flap Barrier Gates: The most popular choice. Sleek, fast-acting glass or acrylic barriers provide a physical deterrent in a compact, stylish pedestal.
- Optical Turnstiles: These “barrier-free” models use advanced infrared sensors to create an invisible “lane.” They are ideal for monitoring flow and will alarm on a security breach (like tailgating), relying on a security/reception presence.
- Swing Barrier Gates: Offering a wider, DDA-compliant passage, these are used for wheelchair access, deliveries, or as a “VIP” lane.
- Aesthetics & Materials:
- We can provide turnstiles in a range of finishes, from classic brushed stainless steel to powder-coated colours or even custom-clad units to match your reception desk. We’ll also integrate LED lighting to intuitively guide users (green for “go,” red for “stop”).
- Access Control Integration (The “Brains”):
- This is the most critical part of the design. JDL Automation specialises in integration. We will work directly with your existing access control provider (e.g., Paxton, Salto, etc.) or your IT team. We ensure our speed lanes become a seamless part of your security network, whether you use:
- Proximity Cards or Fobs
- Biometric (Fingerprint/Facial) Readers
- Visitor Management QR Codes
- Smartphone-based “Bluetooth” credentials
- This is the most critical part of the design. JDL Automation specialises in integration. We will work directly with your existing access control provider (e.g., Paxton, Salto, etc.) or your IT team. We ensure our speed lanes become a seamless part of your security network, whether you use:
You will receive a detailed proposal with 3D mock-ups of the system in your lobby, a clear specification, and a transparent quotation.
Planning & Preparation
A corporate lobby cannot be a construction site. Disruption must be minimal. Our project managers create a meticulous plan, coordinating with your building manager, flooring contractors, and IT department. The majority of our work is scheduled “out-of-hours” (evenings and weekends) to ensure that when your staff leaves on Friday, they return on Monday to a fully functional, beautifully integrated new entrance.
Professional, Safe Installation
This is a clean, precise, technical installation. Our uniformed engineers are experts in working in high-finish corporate environments.
The process involves:
- Floor Preparation: We carefully mark out and, if necessary, professionally cut floors to run power and data cabling.
- Core Mounting: The speed lane pedestals are securely and perfectly-level-bolted to the sub-floor for absolute stability.
- Integration & Cabling: We connect the turnstiles to your main access control panel and fire alarm system (to ensure they “fail-safe” and open in an emergency).
- Making Good: We finish the installation to the highest standard, leaving your lobby clean, polished, and ready for operation.
JDL Automation Ltd
Commissioning, Testing & Handover
WHY US?
“First impressions count. As ADSA accredited installers, JDL combines sophisticated aesthetics with intelligent security to protect your corporate environment. We specialise in integrating sleek speed lanes with your existing building management systems, providing a seamless, professional, and secure welcome for your staff and visitors in Norwich.
This is where we “teach” the system to be smart. We don’t just test if the gates open; we test the logic. As ADSA accredited engineers, we also verify that the moving barriers meet strict BS EN 16005 safety standards.
- Sensor Calibration: We fine-tune the array of infrared sensors to perfect the anti-tailgating and anti-piggybacking detection.
- Access Control Test: We test every single access method—card readers, QR scanners, and the reception desk “override” button—to ensure they work instantly.
- Fire Alarm Integration Test: We perform a mandatory test by simulating a fire alarm signal to ensure all lanes instantly spring open for free egress, as required by law.
- Staff Training: We provide comprehensive training for your reception and security staff. They will learn how to read the system’s alerts, manage visitor access, and handle any emergency procedures.
Ongoing Maintenance & Local Support
A speed lane system is a sophisticated piece of technology with motors, sensors, and logic boards operating thousands of times a day. To protect your investment and ensure 100% uptime, regular maintenance is essential.
JDL Automation offers Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) packages where our local technicians will visit at scheduled intervals to service the mechanisms, clean and test all sensors, and ensure your system remains compliant with BS EN 16005 safety standards.
And as a local Norwich-based company, we provide unparalleled peace of mind. If a lane fails at 8:30 am on a Monday, you’re not calling a national centre; you’re calling a local engineer who can be on-site quickly to get your lobby flowing again.
Contact JDL Today
JDL Automation
Elevate your building’s security and enhance your corporate image. Contact JDL Automation today for a free, no-obligation consultation and footfall analysis for your new entrance control system.