The Different Types of Automatic Gates & Which One Best Suits Your Business

When it comes to protecting your property, automatic electric gates offer a blend of functionality, security, and visual appeal. But choosing the right one? That’s where most businesses pause. 

There are many types of automatic gates, and each serves a different purpose depending on your space, security needs, and traffic volume. In this guide, we’ll break down the various types of gates, from swing gates to slide gates to vertical lift gates, and help you decide which automatic entry gate suits your business best. 

Whether you’re upgrading your facility or building from scratch, this article is your go-to guide for navigating the types of electric gates available on the market today. 

Why Automatic Electric Gates Are Essential for Business Security 

Before we dive into the types of gates, let’s talk about why they matter. 

Automated gates don’t just keep unauthorized individuals out; they streamline access, reduce labor costs, and present a strong first impression. From manufacturing hubs to office complexes and apartment buildings, electric gates for business are becoming standard. 

At Access Professional Systems (APS), we’ve installed thousands of automatic sliding entrance gates and custom security solutions for businesses that need more than just a fence, and they need confidence. 

The 6 Most Common Types of Automatic Gates for Commercial Use 

1. Swing Gates: Traditional but Effective 

Automatic swing gates operate much like a regular door, swinging inward or outward on hinges. They’re ideal for businesses with plenty of space around the entry point. 

• Best for: Corporate offices, residential-style buildings 

• Requires: Flat terrain, space clearance 

• Compatible with: Most automatic house gate systems 

2. Sliding Gates: Smart Space-Savers 

Automatic sliding entrance gates slide horizontally on a track and are perfect for tighter spaces. 

• Best for: Warehouses, industrial parks, gated storage 

• Benefits: Compact, fast, space-efficient 

• Security: Works well with advanced locking and surveillance systems 

If you’re short on room but still want full security, this is one of the most practical types of sliding gates. 

3. Cantilever Gates: No Track, No Problem 

Cantilever gates are a type of automatic sliding gate but without ground tracks—perfect for snowy or uneven surfaces. 

• Best for: Harsh weather regions, gravel or dirt roads 

• Maintenance: Low, since there’s no track to clean or repair 

• Looks: Modern and industrial 

They’re a top pick for businesses that need durability and simplicity rolled into one automatic electric gate system. 

4. Vertical Pivot Gates: When Space Is Tight 

Short on lateral clearance? Vertical pivot gates lift straight up, like a barrier arm, making them perfect for smaller commercial lots. 

• Best for: Parking lots, compact facilities 

• Speed: Opens and closes faster than swing or slide gates 

• Integration: Easy with cameras and access control systems 

This is one of the lesser-known types of electric gates, but it’s gaining traction fast. 

5. Bi-Folding Gates: Speed Meets Style 

Bi-folding automatic gates fold in half to open, which reduces the time it takes to allow vehicles through. 

• Best for: High-traffic commercial properties 

• Advantage: Opens twice as fast as traditional swing gates 

• Aesthetic: Sleek and modern 

If your business deals with a steady stream of deliveries or visitors, bi-folding might be the most efficient automatic entry gate for you. 

6. Barrier Arm Gates: Budget-Friendly Control 

These are the familiar gates seen in parking garages and toll booths. While not the most secure option, they’re cost-effective and quick. 

• Best for: Parking structures, temporary access control 

• Downsides: Easy to bypass if not paired with surveillance 

• Bonus: Great for managing large volumes of traffic 

Barrier arms can be enhanced with surveillance, especially when paired with APS’s video and gate automation packages. 

Which Automatic Gate Is Best for Your Business? 

The right choice depends on: 

• Space: Do you have room for swing clearance, or do you need a sliding or vertical lift gate? 

• Traffic Volume: High traffic? Go bi-fold or barrier arm. 

• Security Level: Need to lock things down? Opt for cantilever or sliding gates with surveillance. 

• Budget: Swing gates are more affordable; high-tech systems cost more but offer full automation. 

Still unsure? Access Professional Systems offers free on-site consultations to evaluate your property and recommend the ideal solution. 

Benefits of Choosing the Right Automatic Gate System 

If you’re investing in a commercial gate, choosing the right one can lead to: 

• Improved security with limited access points 

• A professional appearance that enhances brand trust 

• Reduced labor, no need for a guard on duty 

• Automation compatibility for remote control and monitoring 

• Long-term savings from reduced maintenance and better traffic flow 

The types of automatic gates aren’t just functional; they’re a statement about how seriously you take your business security. 

Why Work with Access Professional Systems (APS)? 

With over two decades of expertise, Access Professional Systems is the go-to team for automatic sliding entrance gates, automatic house gate installations, and full-scale security integrations. 

We specialize in commercial video surveillance, automated gates, and access control systems that work together to protect your people and property, seamlessly. 

Whether you want to install a new automatic entry gate or upgrade your existing system, we make it easy from consultation to installation to servicing. 

Final Thoughts: Security Starts at the Gate 

Choosing between the types of automatic gates doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether it’s swing, slide, cantilever, or vertical, your gate is your business’s first line of defense. 

Let APS help you choose the system that’s not only practical but also scalable, stylish, and secure. 

Ready to Upgrade Your Gate? Let’s Talk. 

Contact Access Professional Systems today for a custom quote and site evaluation. Our team will guide you through every option, from automatic electric gates to full security automation. So your property is protected and future-ready.