The Sanctuary at Livingston is a sought-after community with 168 upscale homes located on ample lots in Lutz, where the HOA sought a more reliable community gate access control solution to improve resident and visitor access. Before requesting a quote from Surveillance Technology, Inc. (STI), they had been using two previous vendors. One vendor supplied the surveillance cameras and call box, while another provided the access control hardware. The Sanctuary Board was dissatisfied with both and needed a proposal for replacement quickly to avoid contract renewal with lackluster providers. Surveillance Tech responded with information the same day, scheduled a consult, and later attended an HOA meeting to listen to resident concerns before presenting potential solutions.
The main entrance was previously equipped with an attendant-based call box in the left lane, where an automated attendee interacted with visitors to determine if the barrier arms should be raised. Residents were able to enter via the right lane using UHF tags on their vehicles.
The physical layout of the entrance posed an access control challenge. When entering the property, there is an initial turnaround point relatively early along the long driveway. After another 50 yards, you’ll find the call box and barrier arms that lift to allow vehicles to pass. Once the driver has proceeded past the call box, they encounter a second turnaround lane before advancing to a swing gate that is also controlled at the call box. The old system rendered a single access decision that denied or granted entrance to the community, meaning the gate always swung open if the barrier arm was lifted. If a visitor was denied access, the only option for them to turn around was to reverse 150 feet to the first turnaround lane they had passed, which is not safe.
Surveillance Tech proposed a solution to this problem by introducing programmable relays found in the LiftMaster Cap XLV2 and M XLV2 series. There is now a sign on the Sanctuary’s call box informing visitors that if they are not granted access, there is a button on the box they can push to exit. This button will lift the barrier arm – so the vehicle can proceed safely to the next turnaround and exit the property – but will not open the swing gates, which would allow unauthorized access to the property. No other providers had introduced this solution to the Board. This level of foresight, troubleshooting, and innovation sets STI apart from the competition.
STI also replaced controls with the same capabilities at the rear entrance. Residents can access both entry points with a UHF card reader, an app on their personal device, or a code entered at the call box. Visitor access can be granted with a guest pass generated by each resident using their computer or cell phone. Guests can use this text to enter and are not required to visit a website or download an app, though the optional app grants access through their device, bypassing the call box altogether. Pass validity and timeframe is controlled by each resident, including one-time use or repeat use over a period of time.
STI installed license plate readers at the entry and exit lanes at the main and rear gates. If you are considering how to store security camera footage on the cloud, consult with Surveillance Tech. In this case, images are stored in an indexable flat file with 4K clarity to improve future image searches. 24/7 ColorMax Ultra cameras provide a broad view of entry, exit, and turnaround points at both entrances. HOA Board members are able to view surveillance activity in real time on their computer or smart phone from anywhere in the world.
As noted in their recent 5-star Google review, this client is pleased with their new solutions, the rapid response to their needs, and the stellar service of the Surveillance Tech team.
