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A gate is more than a gate

In a country where crime has almost become an acceptable profession, our criminals have devised some nifty techniques to get at your belongings. Fortunately, we have companies that devote their time to making sure that crime does not pay.

Recent research commissioned by Centurion Systems has raised some interesting points about the automated gate market and security in general. When it comes to automatic gates, the age-old adage: 'You cannot put a price on safety', is true. People are looking for security and reliability that is affordable – not cheap. Your automatic gate is the entry point to your home. It is the weakest link in your home’s defence. There is no point building an imposing wall and installing the latest home security systems if you skimp on your gate and anybody can waltz right through it.

As is the case with most industries, there are a lot of shady characters out there offering deals which are too good to be true. Once they have got your money in hand, do not be surprised to find that their phone number is no longer in use when your first problem arises.

Another aspect highlighted in Centurion’s research is that people want more from their automatic gate. However, most of the improvements suggested by focus groups are already available. Beyond saving you the hassle of having to get out of your car to open and close the gate, automatic gates provide an unparalleled level of safety and security.

Quality automatic gates offer a level of functionality that goes far beyond simply opening and closing. With a plethora of features and functions available, it appears that the people in the focus groups either were not educated about their gates or are using inferior products. Some of the functions that were suggested in the research but already exist include:

* Pillar lights – bathe your property in light when you turn into your driveway.

* Beam auto-close (PIRAC) mode.

* LED indication of gate status.

* Holiday lock-out mode.

* Keypad – punch in a code and give it to your security company.

* Battery back-up.

* Ambush alarm.

Strangely enough, people said that they had heard of the major brands through their marketing and that price was not the differentiating factor. So why do so many people still opt for the fly-by-nights with their inferior products and poor service? Short term savings will lead to long term suffering. As depressing as it seems, in South Africa security is an investment and not an expense and it should be viewed as such. The move from a manual to an automatic gate is a necessity as you are at your most vulnerable when you get out of your vehicle to open and close your gates. Just make sure that you buy from a reputable company.

All is not doom and gloom. Understand the importance of security, embrace the technology and stay one step ahead of criminals. Together we can bring crime down.

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