Dedicated secure entrances and exits continue to trend as the “new normal” for enhancing facility safety and security. Exit Lane Breach Control (ELBC) for facilities such as airports, courthouses, city halls, banks, police & sheriff substations, schools and commercial buildings have become focal points for the growing demand for failsafe security.
Facility managers and security officials consider safeguarding exits to be just as important as safeguarding entrances. They understand that a facility’s security is only as strong as its most vulnerable point.
As the moniker suggests, Exit Lane Breach Control literally means controlling an exit to prevent unauthorized entry or “re-tracking” through a dedicated exit. Exit lane breaches can be prevented one of two ways; with posted security personnel or with pre-programmed automated technologies and doors configured to prevent unauthorized entrances.
Automated ELBC technologies are a more economical solution than exits monitored by posted security personnel. As with automated Safety Entrances®, ELBC systems can be configured and programmed to provide 100% operational objectivity 24/7. As an example, the annual maintenance cost for an ELBC system is 1/100th the annual cost of a posted security personnel on a 24/7 basis. In addition, an automated ELBC system comes with a variety of integrated and scalable security capabilities.
Automated ELBC systems can fit into just about any location, and can be configured to accommodate rapid throughput, as is required by public transportation areas. An ELBC system can also be configured to provide more scrutinized throughput as is required at strategic sites or server farms. Added security requisites for an ELBC system may also include credentialed or biometric identification as an exit protocol, asset tracking, and anti-tailgating or piggybacking enforcement.
The cost of ELBC systems are driven by their functionality requirements, system designs and the materials used. Depending on the complexity of the site location, installation costs can add 40%-80% to the total project cost. As an example, the system featured in this video may cost in excess of $400,000 fully installed. Note the rapid throughput capability and multiple lanes that accommodate passengers leaving this airport.
The high scrutiny ELBC system in the rendering below cost about $20,000 delivered, but not installed. The cost question is defined by the security features and functionality required for your ELBC requirements.
As the proliferation of ELBC technology advances, product enhancements and performance will only get better. Security professionals are embracing the fact that controlled egress and access controlled entrances are sophisticated technologies controlled by robust software algorithms that are more economical than posted security personnel.
In the blink of an eye, ELBC systems perform a multitude of steps that prevent security breaches 24/7. They have to because breaches can happen just that fast.