5 Reasons Security Turnstile Installation Is a Smart Move for High-Traffic Buildings | Sabre Integrated

What Makes Security Turnstiles Effective Access Control Tools

A security turnstile is more than a rotating gate or arm — it’s a frontline checkpoint that governs who can and can’t enter a space. These systems are essential in environments where high foot traffic meets strict access requirements.

Here’s what makes them an effective tool:

• Controlled Entry: Only people with valid credentials (badges, keycards, biometrics) can pass through.
• Tailgating Prevention: They serve as both a physical and psychological deterrent to unauthorized access.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Integrated with access control systems, turnstiles generate logs and alerts for every entry.
• Customizable Design: From sleek optical models to full-height barriers, there's a solution for every facility type.
• Integration-Friendly: They work with your existing or upgraded security stack — intercoms, cameras, alarms, and more.

At Sabre Integrated, we assess your space and recommend the right combination of turnstile type and access control technology. It’s not about selling hardware — it’s about building a secure, seamless entry experience that fits your environment.

5 Common Access Control Challenges Solved by Turnstiles

Security turnstiles don’t just manage people — they solve real operational problems. Here are five challenges we routinely help clients address with turnstile installation in New York City and beyond:

1. Tailgating in Corporate Lobbies

Unauthorized individuals following closely behind a credentialed person — known as tailgating — is one of the most common access control breaches. A turnstile equipped with access authentication ensures only one person enters per valid scan, closing this common security gap.

2. No Reliable Access Audit Trail

In highly regulated environments, it’s critical to log who entered a building and when. Turnstiles integrated with your access control system provide time-stamped, user-specific entry data that can be used for audits, HR investigations, or safety reports.

3. Crowd Congestion During Shift Changes

In manufacturing plants, data centers, and warehouses, shift change times can cause bottlenecks. High-speed optical or full-height turnstiles maintain a steady, secure flow of people — no more congestion or long wait times at manual checkpoints.

4. Non-Compliant Entry for ADA Accessibility

Some facilities overlook ADA requirements when installing turnstiles. Sabre ensures every security turnstile installation meets federal standards, integrating swing gates or alternate paths to accommodate all individuals safely.

5. Inefficient Manual Security Checks

If your current access process requires a security guard to manually check IDs, you’re not only wasting resources — you’re creating delays. Turnstiles can handle authentication automatically while still allowing human oversight when needed.

We’ve deployed systems like these in government facilities, Fortune 500 headquarters, and stadiums throughout NYC. Visit Sabre Integrated’s Turnstile Services page to see how we’ve solved similar challenges for other clients.

Different Types of Security Turnstiles and When to Use Them

No two buildings are the same — and the same goes for turnstile solutions. The key is selecting a turnstile that matches your traffic volume, threat level, and aesthetic or architectural needs.

➤ Tripod Turnstiles

• Best for: Cost-conscious clients, gyms, and small commercial spaces.
• How they work: Rotating tripod arms allow one person through per credential.
• Pros: Affordable, compact.
• Cons: Lower deterrence factor compared to other models.

➤ Optical Turnstiles

• Best for: Corporate offices, lobbies, Class A buildings.
• How they work: Sensors and barriers open automatically with valid access.
• Pros: Fast, elegant, minimal physical obstruction.
• Cons: Requires careful calibration for reliable operation.

➤ Full-Height Turnstiles

• Best for: High-security zones, data centers, industrial facilities.
• How they work: Tall rotating gates restrict access completely.
• Pros: Maximum security, tamper-proof.
• Cons: Large footprint, less aesthetic.

➤ Speed Gates and Hybrid Models

• Best for: Transit hubs, stadiums, or any space balancing speed and control.
• How they work: High-speed barriers with sensor intelligence.
• Pros: Quick throughput, modern look.
• Cons: Typically higher cost.

Sabre Integrated helps you choose the right model during our on-site security assessment. We match you with the most appropriate hardware based on use case, layout, and threat model.

Turnstile Installation: What to Expect from Sabre Integrated

Installing a turnstile system isn’t a simple plug-and-play operation — it requires proper planning, customization, and integration. Here’s what working with Sabre Integrated includes:

✅ Site Assessment & Planning

We visit your facility to evaluate space constraints, user volume, ADA considerations, and integration requirements. Then, we develop a tailored plan.

✅ Model Selection & Design

We help you choose the right type and layout of turnstiles for your space and traffic flow.

✅ Integration with Access Control

Your turnstile will work with existing badges, biometrics, mobile access, or other credentials. Our team ensures full interoperability with your current systems.

✅ Expert Installation

All hardware is installed by Sabre’s trained, certified technicians who specialize in security system implementation.

✅ Safety & ADA Compliance

We ensure every installation meets the latest codes for safety and accessibility.

✅ Ongoing Maintenance

After installation, we remain available for maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades.

Visit our Security Turnstile Installation service page for more about our process and past projects.

Why Turnstiles Offer Long-Term ROI

Investing in security turnstile installation isn’t just about security — it’s also a financial and operational decision that pays off over time.

Here’s how:

• Reduced Staffing Needs: Automated access reduces reliance on guards for ID checks.
• Data for Compliance & Safety: Track real-time occupancy and generate reports for OSHA, fire safety, and corporate policies.
• Improved Employee Experience: Faster entry, fewer bottlenecks, and a more professional environment.
• Future-Proof Infrastructure: Sabre’s systems are built to scale as your needs change.

For example, many of our clients in NYC’s real estate and commercial sectors rely on Sabre Integrated to manage secure lobby entry across multiple tenants, integrating turnstiles into larger access control ecosystems that include cameras, elevators, and intercoms.

We also offer SabreVault®, our proprietary management platform that makes it easier to monitor and maintain your entire security infrastructure.

Cost Considerations and Budget Flexibility

You might be wondering how much a security turnstile installation will cost. The answer depends on several variables:

• Type of turnstile (tripod, optical, full-height, etc.)
• Number of units required
• Integration with existing access systems
• Site-specific installation complexity
• Custom fabrication or design elements

At Sabre Integrated, we offer flexible pricing with clear scopes of work. Whether you're installing a single turnstile at a school entrance or a complex system in a data center, we work with your team to deliver a solution that fits your budget without compromising quality or safety.

Conclusion: Protect Access, Streamline Entry — with Sabre Integrated

Security isn’t just about keeping people out — it’s about letting the right people in, efficiently and safely. With security turnstile installation, you can enhance your facility’s protection, ensure compliance, and create a better experience for employees, visitors, and tenants.

If you’re responsible for securing a high-traffic building — whether it’s a commercial lobby, industrial site, or public venue — we’re ready to help.

Contact Sabre Integrated to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn how our turnstile solutions can transform your access control strategy.