Slide Gate 27 by ECI Illinois

Slide Gate at AbbVie Inc. by ECI Illinois

ECI completed a systems integration project for AbbVie Inc. this past month. Pictured above is an automated slide gate ECI installed as part of a new campus vehicle security enhancement project. Note: The credential reader is not shown.

Our portion of the system consisted of two slide gates, readers, two sets of barrier gates and controllers. The slide gates limit access for select employees to the main campus and its adjoining parking. The barrier gates (one set shown below) limit access to controlled gated parking areas. These additional parking areas are available only to employees and visitors who are screened and receive badges or credentials authorizing access.

Slide Gates

A slide gate opens or closes by sliding across the gated opening through its support guides. It generally travels on wheels or rollers through a channel track installed in the access road or pavement. Depending on the application and terrain, it can open to the left, or it can open to the right.

Barrier Gates

Barrier Gate Set 53 by ECI-Illinois

Barrier Gate Set for AbbVie Inc. by ECI-Illinois

The barrier gates (see image to the left) are another type of gate designed to regulate unauthorized vehicle traffic. It does not control foot traffic since a person can easily walk under or through the barrier itself. The arm rotates up to allow a vehicle to pass. One arm controls access while the second is used to prevent ‘wrong-way’ access. Sensors on the exit side detect a vehicle trying to exit and raise the arm to allow egress. The barriers shown are not of the ‘crash-rated’ variety.

Credentials are based on RFID radio frequency identification technology which makes use of tags and transponders.

At its basic level, RFID consists of three parts – a tag, a reader and an antenna. The tag is individually identified and coded. The tag sends a coded message to the reader through its antenna. Radio frequency transmission allows a greater ‘read’ range and does not rely on insertion or swiping.

Automatic Barrier Gates Integrates with Access Control System

The slide gates and barrier gates were integrated into the company’s access control system. A typical reader is shown in the barrier gate photo. Two gray boxes with readers and cameras were included in our installation to meet the client’s requirements in this case. One is for cars while the other accommodates truck traffic.

Included in each box assembly are an intercom and closed circuit television camera for communications and identification. These are mostly used to gain access in case of problems with credentials or to identify and communicate with un-authorized visitors.

A typical access control system assigns levels of access authorization which can be defined by time and day zones. One person might have 24/7 access authorization, while someone else might only be allowed access Monday-Friday, non-holiday days, from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Access might also be limited to a specified date range.

Access is controlled through a computerized software system. Upon presentation, if the credential is authorized access at that place and time, a signal is sent to the control to open. Precautions can also be incorporated to prevent “tailgating’ or one car closely following another to gain access.

The software compiles information for management to assess. It can even log attempts made to gain access when the credentials are not authorized and send an alert signal. Lost credentials can easily be removed from authorization.

The installation was completed on site by Michael Husko and Mike Doud. Our own Chuck Duda, Account Executive in the Vehicle Access Control Systems division, spearheaded the entire effort. He both setup and oversaw the installation. Plus he acted as our unofficial corporate photographer for these great pictures.

AbbVie Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in North Chicago, IL. The company was started in 2013 as a spin off from Abbott Laboratories and has several locations in Chicago’s northern suburbs, Michigan, Puerto Rico as well as in Europe.

For more information about Parking and Revenue Control Systems offered by ECI, please visit our PARCS page. Or contact us: