Netcom has developed a new smart vehicle access solution combining automatic number plate recognition, CCTV, UniFi Access and the Dofygate 3 automatic barrier.
The result is a simple system. An authorised vehicle approaches the entrance, the camera reads its registration number, UniFi Access checks the vehicle against the permitted access list and the barrier opens automatically.
No access card. No remote control. No need for somebody to manually open the gate.
Bringing ANPR and physical access control together
At the centre of the solution is Ubiquiti UniFi Access and UniFi Protect. Compatible UniFi AI cameras identify vehicle number plates within a defined detection area. UniFi Access then uses the registration number as an access credential associated with an authorised user. Once recognised, access is granted and the connected gate or barrier opens automatically.
Administrators control which vehicles have access and individual users can have more than one registration number assigned to them. UniFi also provides the CCTV side of the solution, bringing video surveillance and physical access control into the same ecosystem.
Why we chose Dofygate
For the physical barrier, we have integrated the system with the Dofygate 3.
Dofygate is a British-designed automatic folding-arm barrier which operates from a solar-charged battery. Unlike many conventional automatic barriers, it does not normally require a mains power supply or extensive cabling and groundworks. The complete mechanism is self-contained within the unit.
The barrier arm folds as it opens, reducing its overall height and keeping the arm visible from the side rather than lifting directly above the vehicle. Dofygate also includes overload detection and collision protection to help protect the barrier if the arm encounters an obstruction or is struck by a vehicle.
This makes the combination particularly useful for locations where installing conventional powered barrier infrastructure would be difficult or expensive.
How the Netcom system works
When a vehicle approaches the entrance, the UniFi camera detects the vehicle and reads its registration plate.
If the registration is authorised, UniFi Access sends the instruction to the access control hardware connected to the Dofygate. The barrier opens and allows the vehicle through.
The same installation also provides CCTV coverage of the entrance. UniFi Access supports recording a short video when the gate is unlocked, providing an additional record of access events.
Access permissions are managed digitally, so adding or removing a vehicle does not require handing out keys, programming additional remote controls or replacing physical access cards.
Ideal for estates, holiday parks and commercial sites
We see a wide range of applications for this technology, including:
• Holiday and caravan parks
• Private estates and country properties
• Staff and visitor car parks
• Commercial premises
• Agricultural sites
• Warehouses and yards
• Gated residential developments
• Remote entrances without convenient mains power
The system is also scalable. Netcom can integrate the access control system with the wider network, CCTV and connectivity infrastructure already installed at a site.
More than an automatic barrier
The important part for us was not simply installing an automatic barrier. We wanted to bring networking, CCTV, ANPR and access control together as one managed solution.
Netcom can design and install the network infrastructure, UniFi Protect CCTV, UniFi Access hardware, ANPR cameras and Dofygate barrier as one complete system.
For sites already running UniFi networking or CCTV, the access control system can form part of the existing UniFi environment rather than introducing another completely separate management platform.
Interested in ANPR-controlled access for your site?
If you operate a holiday park, estate, commercial premises, private car park or any site where vehicle access needs to be controlled, speak to Netcom.
We can design a solution around your site, from a single ANPR-controlled barrier through to a wider CCTV, networking and access control deployment.
Contact Netcom on 01603 444 444 or email support@netcom.co.uk to discuss your requirements.