Gate Entry Systems: 5 Mistakes People Make When Purchasing

Purchasing a Gate Entry System

With so many gate entry systems on the market, it’s hard to know which system is best for your property. Choosing the wrong system for your property isn’t only frustrating for you and your residents, but it can also have a negative impact on your net operating income (NOI).

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Whether you're installing a system for an apartment complex, commercial building, or gated community, there are several common mistakes that you'll want to avoid.

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1. Overpaying for Hardware

One of the biggest misconceptions around gate entry systems is that you need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a solution. While gate motors and controllers can be very expensive, the systems that grant residents access don't have to be costly.

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While hardware-heavy systems, like keypad entry or older callbox systems, are going to set you back $10-20k, modern systems offer better access management without the huge price tag. For example, OpenVia’s smartphone access doesn’t rely on hardware. A technician simply installs a retrofit device at your gate, and you’re charged a low monthly fee per unit. Not only does this save you thousands up front, but you don’t have to worry about hidden fees or maintenance expenses.

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2. Repairing an Antiquated System

If you have an antiquated gate entry system, chances are high that you’ve had to deal with it breaking more than once. Not only is this frustrating for you and your tenants, but broken gate systems pose a majority security threat to your property.

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While you maybe want to get your money’s worth out of an old system, how much are repairs costing you? New parts are often hard to come by, and finding someone to service your system can be even more difficult.

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Instead of trying to repair your old system a dozen times and eating into your maintenance budget, consider a modern gate entry system. You don’t have to worry about wear and tear of hardware. Wireless systems like OpenVia just require a working Wi-Fi connection and a sign with a QR code. Visitors scan a QR code with their smartphone, then connect with tenants via video calls. Access can be granted with the click of a button. No more worrying about broken call boxes!

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3. Paying for Phone Service

Another drawback to older gate entry systems can be having to pay for additional expenses. Take older call box systems that use telephone lines (or as we say in the business POTS [plain old telephone systems]) to place calls to tenants. These lines cost properties $100+ a month. While that’s not going to break the bank, why spend money on outdated systems that aren’t as convenient as modern solutions? 

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By embracing modern technology, properties can save money and provide a better experience for tenants and guests. Modern gate entry systems, like OpenVia’s Virtual Call Box, don’t require additional fees. The system simply connects to your WiFi and allows guests and tenants to connect through their smartphones. 

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4. Not Considering User Experience

As we discussed earlier, outdated systems that use keypads, key fobs, phone lines, or other methods aren’t just expensive, they’re also less convenient for tenants and guests. Sometimes these systems break down, but often, they just simply aren’t user-friendly. 

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With advancements in technology and the increasing desire for convenience in modern life, tenants have come to expect the same level of ease-of-use and reliability from their gate entry systems. Wireless systems like OpenVia offer easy, convenient video calls, improving tenant satisfaction (and retention rates!).

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5. Not Choosing a System with Remote Access

Your tenants are busy, and they’re often on the go. Above, we discussed the importance of finding a system with ease-of use. To take that a step further, choose a system that offers remote access management. 

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With remote access, tenants can grant access to visitors via their mobile devices from anywhere at any time. This added convenience not only saves time, but also ensures building security, as tenants can verify the identity of their guests via video call before granting access. By providing a secure and user-friendly solution, a wireless gate entry system with remote access management can improve the overall experience for tenants and property managers alike.

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OpenVia’s Virtual Call Box provides the best access management experience at a low cost! Schedule a demo today to learn more!