The rise of mantraps and sallyports for mainstream security

ISJ hears exclusively from Skip Burnham, National Sales Manager, Dortronics Systems, Inc.

Organisations across every business sector, ranging from bodegas and luxury goods retailers to corporate offices and logistics centres, all share the same growing concern for security and the ability to better control who has access to their facilities.

As a result, mantraps and sallyports that were once considered specialised solutions for high security environments like casino cash areas and armoured car facilities continue to gain traction for mainstream applications.

This shift in mindset reflects a growing recognition of how highly effective and cost-efficient mantraps and sallyports can be in enhancing security and safety.

Expanding applications

The traditional purpose of mantraps and sallyports was to restrict access to a secure area by allowing only one person or vehicle at a time.

This prevents tailgating, where an unauthorised person slips into a secured area behind an authorised individual.

These effective solutions are finding their way into an increasing number of everyday settings, highlighting their versatility and cost efficiency.

Take schools, for example. With rising safety concerns, more schools are adopting “controlled-access vestibules” in new smart school designs, which are essentially traditional mantraps.

These systems allow SROs and school administrators to closely manage and monitor who comes and goes, adding an additional layer of security.

Retail stores, particularly those handling high value items such as jewellery, greatly benefit from the use of mantraps.

These systems safeguard valuable merchandise and bolster store security by regulating customer flow and ensuring that only one door is open at a time.

This enables high end jewellery stores to offer a secure environment where customers can browse luxury items with peace of mind, thanks to the sophisticated entry system.

And the same holds true even for liquor stores, cannabis dispensaries and local bodegas that operate late into the night in high crime areas.

The demand for mantraps and sallyports is growing in sensitive areas like data centres, logistics centres and healthcare facilities.

Data centres, which house sensitive information, require stringent access controls to protect against unauthorised entry and potential data breaches.

Mantraps provide a secure solution by ensuring that only authenticated personnel can gain access. In logistics centres and warehouses, sally traps prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering warehouse areas.

The potential to be “trapped” in a sallyport provides a strong deterrent for would be criminals.

In healthcare settings, mantraps play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive areas like pharmacies and labs.

These secured entryways ensure that only authorised individuals can access to critical zones, protecting valuable medical supplies and confidential patient information.

By securing these areas, mantraps maintain the integrity and security of healthcare operations, creating medical environments more conducive to healing and wellbeing.

Key features and considerations

The effectiveness of mantraps and sallyports lies in their flexibility to accommodate users’ specific flow management requirements to sustain daily operations.

Multiple door interlock systems, advanced locking mechanisms and customisable configurations ensure that these interlock solutions can be field configured to meet the specific needs of different environments.

For example, high security areas like government, treasury and military installations can also further benefit from mantraps that utilise biometric identity authentication.

Additionally, mantraps and sallyports with emergency release features allow for evacuation while maintaining security, which is crucial in the event of a fire or other life-threatening situations and typically a compliance mandate.

On the other hand, high traffic areas, like office buildings or airports, might need faster systems to prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth operations.

It’s important to consider the ease of integration with existing security infrastructure to achieve a seamless and comprehensive solution.

Regular maintenance and updates is key to ensuring long term effectiveness and reliability.

Customisation and integration

One of the key advantages of modern mantrap and sallyport systems is their ability to be customised and integrated with existing security frameworks.

For instance, Dortronics offers Intelligent Door Interlock Controllers that can be tailored to the specific needs of various facilities.

Whether it’s a simple two door mantrap for a retail store or a complex multi door system for a high security government facility, these solutions are designed to provide maximum security and flexibility.

Customisation extends to the integration of technologies such as various types of access readers with biometrics, keypads and/or access cards or fobs.

This added versatility further enhances the cost efficiency of mantraps and sallyports, making them easily adaptable to existing access systems.

Mantraps and sallyports also need to maintain compliance with industry standards and building fire and safety codes.

They can be programmed with emergency override features that allow for easy evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency situation.

Features like duress alarms and lockdown capabilities can alert security personnel and kickstart emergency protocols, ensuring a swift and effective response to any threat.

Mainstream mantrap and sallyport solutions

For commercial property owners, facilities managers and security professionals, mantrap and sallyport systems deliver a proven means of increasing security.

Embracing mantrap and sallyport systems for mainstream applications is an investment in the future.

By working with a trusted solutions provider, businesses and organisations can apply the advantages of these effective solutions with the confidence of knowing their facilities are safer and more secure.