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Gatehouse Hardware Installation Project Planning

Article 000002146 · Updated Nov 27, 2023

FRONTSTEPS Dwelling has multiple options for visitor management. Communities with a gatehouse/guardhouse at a specific entrance can choose from those options when designing a Visitor Management system.  

A picture containing person, mobile phone, outdoor, sky Description automatically generated Figure 3 - Guard using a handheld scanner to scan an ePass 

2.1 INSTALLATION PROJECT PLANNING 

The gatehouse ecosystem revolves around a Windows PC called a Visitor Station. That PC can have data input from multiple peripherals (for example, a driver’s license scanner) and sends data to peripherals like a gate relay or a pass printer. The Visitor Station has a Gatehouse Application that also sends data to the FRONTSTEPS Dwelling platform and receives updates from that platform.  

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A diagram of a computer Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Figure 4 - Typical Gatehouse Setup 

Any successful installation of hardware is preceded by documenting the requirements of the site where this hardware will be installed. To assist with that, these are the questions that need to be asked when creating a project plan for a new FRONTSTEPS Dwelling community hardware installation: 

QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY 

CLARIFICATIONS ON WHY TO ASK THESE QUESTIONS 

Is there a gatehouse? 

Will the community utilize a guard/gate attendant to assist in processing visitors, that opens the option to use a Gatehouse PC with peripherals. 

Will the gatehouse be staffed 24/7? 

If there is a period where the gatehouse is not manned, a stand-alone unit for passes or telephone entry may be needed to scan passes or allow after-hours entry. 

Are severe temperatures and weather common in the area? 

 

This will affect hardware performance and durability. Electronic hardware is sensitive to extreme temperatures, electrostatic discharge, and water. See manufacturer specifications for more information. 

What data does the community administration need to track? 

Reporting is available for Visitor Management, but specific features like License Plate reporting require corresponding hardware. 

Is guard task management important? 

The FRONTSTEPS Dwelling gatehouse application has task management and incident reporting built into it. 

Is there an entrance that will be unmanned? 

The community can deploy a telephone entry unit and scan kiosk for visitor passes if there is an unmanned entry. 

Are there state laws that prohibit driver’s license data collection? 

Some areas may prohibit the use of driver’s license scanning and data retention. Please verify local, state and city laws and regulations. 

 

Are there state laws that prohibit license plate data collection? 

Some areas may prohibit the use of license plate scanning and data retention. Please verify local, state and city laws and regulations. 

How will the residents enter guests? 

There are multiple ways to enter guests into FRONTSTEPS Dwelling that include via a staffed gatehouse and valid Gate Attendant user account, the mobile app with a valid resident user account, the web portal with a valid resident user account and using the voicemail module and a registered phoneline. Supported Telephone entry units do not interact with guest passes, but entry codes can be set for each resident. 

Is there stable power and internet already installed at the gate? 

  • FRONTSTEPS Dwelling can function locally without network connection to the web server for a time and will upload all visitor data processed during any network downtime once a connection has been restored. Stable power is needed for most Visitor Management Hardware.  

  • Multiple devices on the same network as FRONTSTEPS Dwelling Visitor Management hardware will affect performance (e.g., CCTV IP Cameras on the same network as that hardware). Both download and upload performance/reliability and internal local network performance/reliability will affect the performance of FRONTSTEPS Dwelling Hardware. Consult the Community’s ISP and network administration for more information on the local network.