Automatic door openers are becoming increasingly popular. You can find them in a variety of places, from retail stores to hospitals. But what are automatic doors and why are they so popular? In this blog post, we will discuss the different places automatic doors are being used and why they are such an important part of our lives.
What are automatic doors?
Automatic doors are doors that open automatically when someone approaches them. To do this, they use sensors to detect when someone is near. This is a convenient feature for many people, as it eliminates the need to open the door yourself.
Different types of automatic doors
Automatic doors come in a variety of options. Including; sliding, swinging and even low-energy doors.
Sliding Doors
The RDS sliding doors are controlled by high-tech motion sensors or other control devices to slide horizontally. They can be built with a single door sliding to one side or one on the right and one on the left which opens in the middle. To prevent the doors from opening or closing on someone, we use obstacle detection technology (normal infrared safety sensors) or mechanical fixed screens.
Swinging Doors
Our automatic swinging doors can be automatic or manual and are also suitable for both exterior entrances and internal doors as well. They can be designed to open inwards, outwards, or in both directions. As well as being configured to open as a left or right-hand opening door. They are powerful, yet smooth during operation. A variety of configurations can be applied to these doors, there can be a single door that opens either right or left-handed or two doors that open together.
Low Energy Doors
The RDS low-energy doors are a good solution for low-traffic entrances. These doors operate at a reduced speed. As they are at a reduced speed they are deemed safe and suitable for disabled users because they are opened using a push-activated button. This also stops them from opening when they pick up a small sense of movement, decreasing their opening for no reason.
Picking the right door for your space may be difficult. But, we are here to help you make that decision easier. Our team can assess your needs and decide which door would benefit you the most. We do understand that it isn’t just about how the new door will help improve your business but it is also about how it looks in the space. We will make sure that it will transform your building by incorporating all of the elements you need.
Why are automatic doors popular?
There are many reasons why automatic doors are becoming more popular. For example; they are more accessible for people with disabilities. Automatic doors can also be helpful in places where there is a lot of foot traffic, as they can help to reduce congestion. Here are some reasons why some people may choose an automatic door…
- Customisable
With automatic doors being customisable, it means that whatever door you need to fit a specific space can be made uniquely for your business. You may have a space that you think is being made difficult to move in and out of having an ordinary door, so putting in a customised automatic door will contribute to saving time whilst keeping people safe when the door is in motion.
- Modernity
Automatic doors give a sleek and modern look to your building or entrance. Studies have shown that those businesses with automatic doors are perceived by consumers to have a higher quality of service. Their first impression of your business is important and you want to ensure that you give the best possible view to potential customers, employees, and the general public passing by.
- Safety
As automatic doors are usually made with sensors, it can help to prevent people from walking into the door and hurting themselves. This is especially helpful in places where there are a lot of people, as we want automatic doors to reduce congestion not cause it.
They also can use a button or have card access. This can ensure that any places which you need to limit access or keep closed, can also be done by using an automatic door.
The benefits of installing automatic door openers
Hygiene Control
In some cases, there may be many people passing through the same set of doors in one day, before they are cleaned. According to research conducted by the University of Colorado, the average person’s hand carries more than 3,000 bacteria of at least 100 different species. Therefore a manual door could add to the spread of bacteria throughout the workplace or area the doors are being used. However, automatic doors can help to reduce the spread by ensuring that hands do not need to come into contact with door handles.
Energy Saving
Another great benefit is their contribution to saving money on energy bills. Doors won’t be left open as they will close automatically once all of the traffic has passed through. They will help to keep either hot or cold air in, which is a fantastic benefit due to energy bills being expensive. This is becoming increasingly important due to the rise in energy bills.
Accessibility
Automatic door openers increase the number of access people can have. They can be very helpful for people who have difficulty using their hands, as they do not need to push or pull the door open. The doors are becoming increasingly popular in public places as they help to create an inclusive environment for everyone. As they provide barrier-free access and can be used by people of all ages and abilities.
It is important to recognise that there may be some things to consider when installing automatic doors. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Installation process: This can be difficult and time-consuming. Ensure that you are using a trusted door installation company that will complete the task correctly.
- Cleaning: They will need to be cleaned and kept in good order. Keep debris and rubbish away from the doors to keep them working safely and correctly.
- Cost: Installing these doors can be an expensive cost to your business. But the reward is much greater and will give your business many advantages.
Please do not hesitate to contact us on any of these queries or services.
Where would you find automatic doors?
Many different industries use automatic doors for a variety of reasons. The Equality Act 2010 includes provisions that ban age discrimination against adults in the provision of services and public functions. This means that any building open to the public must be accessible to all people. Automatic doors have helped to ensure that places can be accessed safely. So, where would you find automatic doors?
Healthcare
Eliminating the spread of viruses and bacteria is crucial in the healthcare industry. Automatic doors can do this by not needing people to use their hands to push the door open. It also means that the entrances and exits do not need to be manned by extra staff, who would be opening and closing the doors for people to stop people from touching points that aren’t needed. And of course, it decreases the need for continuous cleaning. This means an easy schedule can be created and the department will have less hassle keeping the area clean.
The ease of moving around the healthcare premises is another really important factor in hospitals and GPs. There can be a high level of a footfall moving around the same space, multiple times a day. So it is great that automatic doors can open and close quickly, whenever necessary.
People that visit the hospital are usually sick. Or they are elderly or injured meaning they may be less able. Having an automatic door will help people who are having trouble moving around the building more easily.
Sport & Leisure
Gyms, spas, and other sports and leisure facilities are places where automatic doors can help to create a luxurious feel whilst providing an entrance that people can use with ease. After all, when you’re paying for a gym membership or to use the spa, you want to feel like you’re being treated well.
These may be places that have a high footfall of people, especially during their peak times. People will be coming and going quite quickly and automatic doors will help to ease the traffic, allowing everyone to move through easily without creating a queue.
Some popular gyms have started using sliding automatic doors, with a pin box on the outside. Once the member has entered their pin, the first door will open and close. After that, the inner door will slide open for them to enter. This eliminates the need for a reception desk, reducing employment costs and queues. It also means that the premise can stay open 24 hours a day.
Education
Universities, schools, and nurseries can benefit from using automatic doors as they provide accessibility and security. Automatic doors can be set to only open with an authorised key card, or during certain hours. This is beneficial for high-security areas, such as science labs or areas with restricted access.
When pupils and staff are moving around the school buildings, especially between lessons or lectures, it can be a rushed and busy time. Doors that can open automatically and will stay open whilst people are moving through it will help to eliminate pushing in tight areas. It will also help with the time it takes to move from one place to the next.
Professional Services
Professional services and workplaces are somewhere which will rely on automatic doors for ease of people accessing their buildings. These premises need to be somewhere which anyone can access without problems. They will not only be opening to staff but also visitors of all abilities. Automatic doors will help to create a smooth and effortless transition into the building.
Automatic doors are beneficial as they provide a high level of security for the premises. There can be a lot of confidential or expensive items in these types of buildings, so doors that can be set to only open with an authorised key card will help to keep these items safe and secure.
They also give a great first impression of your building. They are aesthetically pleasing and look professional to people accessing the building. First impressions are very important and will leave a lasting impact on people. Especially when external people are joining you for a meeting or even if you were employing someone new.
Retail
Retail stores can be very busy with many people passing through the doors over the course of the day. Automatic doors contribute to the ease of traffic flow. Store owners want their customers to be able to enter and move around their stores easily. Customers are also going to use trolleys and baskets, which will be made easier by automatic doors.
Some stores may have a doorman but this can be an added cost to small businesses. Installing automatic doors may be an upfront expense but in the long run, it will eliminate the bigger cost of having to employ someone.
Many stores will have big bulky deliveries of pallets and boxes which will move much easier through a door that can be opened by sensing someone is walking through. Therefore, allowing for the delivery of items to be completed quickly and safely.
Residential
Residents living in assisted living or residential homes are going to be less able and will benefit from moving around the building with ease. Automatic doors will provide them with the independence they need, without relying on someone else to open and close doors for them.
Automatic doors are also really great for people who have difficulty using their hands. This could be because of an injury, a disability, or down to old age. Having automatic doors in a residential building means that everyone can move around when they would like and not need someone to accompany them at all times.
It will also benefit the staff who work there. They will be able to move beds and equipment through doors a lot easier than if they needed to manually open them.
In conclusion
Automatic doors are becoming increasingly popular as they provide many benefits for both commercial and residential buildings. They are easy to use, provide security, and can be helpful for those with disabilities or reduced mobility.
If you want to know more about how automatic doors could help your business. Or want to understand what type of automatic door is the right one for you, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We can get started on a quote for you today!
Want to read more about the importance of automatic doors in the healthcare industry? Then check out one of our previous blogs here.