For over three decades, Dortronics has been the go-to partner for integrators, architects, and facility teams who want one thing above all: a door control system they can trust completely. From its New York–based manufacturing facility, Dortronics builds customizable door control systems that combine simplicity, durability, and speed of delivery, all from a single-source supplier.

The Complications of Multi-Vendor Systems

Most facilities evolve over time, with door control components sourced from multiple manufacturers. Integrators are familiar with the pain points associated with different wiring standards, mismatched control logic, and incompatible components. This results in complex installations, additional costs, and service calls that eat into time and margins.

A single-source supplier takes the complexity out of door control, offering complete, coordinated solutions built for performance and dependability. Whether you need interlocks, switches, maglocks, annunciators, or controllers, every component is designed to work together, reducing installation complexity and minimizing downtime.

A System Designed Around Functionality

Door control is often viewed purely as a technical challenge. In practice, it’s about how spaces are used, how traffic flows, and how safety depends on seamless movement. A single unresponsive door can disrupt workflow and compromise protection. Dortronics designs every system around real-world functionality and the daily demands of those who manage and secure facilities.

• Facility Managers need fast replacement parts and in-stock inventory to prevent delays.
• Security Directors demand reliability and compliance across high-security areas.
• Integrators seek dependable components that won’t disrupt timelines.
• Architects and Specifiers want trusted quality and simplified procurement.
• Lab Managers need precise, reliable controls to protect sensitive environments.

Dortronics builds for every role, backed by responsive U.S.-based support and a reputation for reliability.

Precision Engineering, Made in the USA

Manufacturing in the U.S isn’t a tagline, it’s a strategic advantage. Dortronics engineers and tests every system in New York, ensuring complete oversight over quality and turnaround.

Each product is made in the USA to meet NDAA and BAA compliance standards, giving customers confidence they’re deploying components built to rigorous performance and security standards. This enables faster lead times, easier customization, and quicker adaptation to changing project requirements.

Customization That Moves Fast

No two facilities are the same, and neither are their access needs. That’s why Dortronics offers customizable door systems and off-the-shelf solutions. Some projects demand unique door controls, specialized materials, or aesthetic finishes that blend into architectural design. Others require reliable components immediately to maintain operational continuity.

Dortronics’ in-house engineering team can deliver, providing custom fabrications quickly, without the higher costs or long lead times typical of outsourced or overseas manufacturing.

Built to Handle Challenging Environments

From pharma and biotech labs to industrial production lines, Dortronics door control systems are engineered to handle the most challenging global environments. Cleanrooms demand precision. Chemical plants require durability. Commercial campuses demand scalability.

Across all of these applications, Dortronics door control solutions keep operations compliant, safe, and efficient.

Reducing Risk Through Simplicity

Choosing a single-source supplier not only saves time but also reduces risk. When every component comes from the same manufacturer, there’s no finger-pointing between vendors and fewer opportunities for system failure. It also means integrators and facility teams have a direct line to the engineers who built the products they’re installing.

That simplicity translates into fewer delays, lower service costs, and peace of mind, knowing that the system protecting your facility was designed to work seamlessly.

The Dortronics Difference: Comprehensive Door Control Solutions

In a field where integration and compliance can be complex, Dortronics stands out for making door control straightforward, dependable, and accessible. Every solution reflects a balance of innovation and practicality:

• Made in New York with precise quality control
• Fast, in-stock inventory for immediate availability
• Customizable options for projects with unique specifications
• Comprehensive system integration to streamline deployment

For facilities that can’t afford downtime, Dortronics is more than a vendor. We aim to be your long-term partner in performance.

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Reliable door control begins with choosing the right partner. Discover how Dortronics can simplify your next project with our complete door control systems, engineered for reliability, speed, and compliance.

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The post Simplifying Door Control Systems with a Single-Source Partner appeared first on Dortronics Staging Site 2025.

For years, hands-free access was a convenience feature used to improve customer flow in malls, offices, and airports. That changed when health crises exposed the dangers of high-touch surfaces, forcing businesses to rethink facility safety. Hospitals, cleanrooms, and security-sensitive buildings needed better solutions, but many early touchless systems proved unreliable, with frequent false activations and environmental interference.

Facilities now demand precision, reliability, and seamless integration in their touchless access systems. The Dortronics CleanWave Touchless Switch meets these needs with microwave sensor technology, ensuring accurate detection and fewer operational inefficiencies.

Early Automation: Built for Ease, Not Safety

Touchless access began as a way to improve convenience in retail stores, offices, and transportation hubs. Early motion sensors helped reduce bottlenecks and improve foot traffic flow but were not designed with hygiene or security in mind.

These systems relied on Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, which detected heat signatures to trigger door openings. While useful in controlled environments, PIR technology often misfired due to temperature shifts, sunlight, and moving objects, making it unreliable for hospitals and labs where precise control is essential.

Despite these shortcomings, these early solutions paved the way for more advanced and reliable touchless technology. As hygiene became a top priority, the demand for smarter access control systems grew rapidly.

The Hygiene Revolution: A Response to Global Health Concerns

Before the pandemic, most people rarely thought about the surfaces they touched. Door handles, elevator buttons, and PIN pads were just part of everyday life. That changed almost overnight as public awareness of surface contamination soared, leaving businesses scrambling to eliminate shared touchpoints wherever possible.

The need for hands-free access became urgent as health concerns spread beyond sterile environments. Offices, schools, and commercial buildings faced growing pressure to adopt touchless solutions that reduced transmission risks while ensuring accessibility. But early solutions, like PIR-based touchless switches, sometimes failed in real-world conditions, triggering false activations and frustrating users.

To meet these challenges, microwave sensor technology emerged as a more precise and adaptable solution. Products like the Dortronics CleanWave Touchless Switch now provide the hygiene benefits facilities need without sacrificing performance.

Advanced Sensor Technology That Works in Real-World Conditions

Not all touchless access solutions offer the same level of precision and reliability. Many outdated systems struggle with false activations, inconsistent performance, and limited adaptability, leading to operational inefficiencies and security risks. Dortronics CleanWave Touchless Switch is designed to eliminate these issues by providing customizable, high-precision access control that adapts to a facility’s unique requirements.

Key features include:

• Adjustable detection range (4-24 inches) for greater control over activation sensitivity.
• Customizable hold times (0.5 to 30 seconds) to allow access time based on the application.
• Anti-corrosive, easy-to-clean thermoplastic faceplate that withstands frequent sanitization.
• IP54-rated design for protection against moisture and dust

Built for healthcare, laboratories, cleanrooms, and high-security facilities, CleanWave’s microwave sensor technology ensures precise activation without false triggers. Its seamless integration with electronic locks, automatic doors, and access control systems makes it the ideal upgrade for businesses seeking a smarter, more dependable touchless access solution.

Touchless Access and Accessibility: Meeting the Needs of All Users

Touchless access is more than a hygiene solution. It plays a critical role in creating barrier-free environments that allow all users to move freely. Traditional door hardware can be difficult to operate for individuals with limited mobility, while push-to-exit buttons still require physical contact. The Dortronics CleanWave Touchless Switch addresses these challenges by providing effortless, hands-free entry that improves accessibility and ensures compliance.

Here’s how CleanWave improves accessibility:

• No-touch operation ensures seamless access for individuals using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or carrying heavy items.
• Bold text and symbols (“Wave to Open,” hand logo) improve visibility and usability.
• Adjustable detection range prevents accidental activations while ensuring reliable performance.
• ADA-compliant design meets global accessibility standards, making it suitable for public buildings, hospitals, and workplaces.

The CleanWave Touchless Switch sets a new standard in touchless access, combining hygiene, security, and accessibility to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all users.

The Future of Touchless Access: Smarter, Safer, and More Adaptive

Touchless access control has evolved from a simple convenience to a critical part of modern facility management. Businesses that continue to rely on outdated systems face increased security risks, higher maintenance costs, and operational inefficiencies that slow down workflows. False activations and unreliable sensors disrupt daily operations, creating unnecessary obstacles in high-traffic areas. Facilities need smarter, more adaptable solutions that function reliably in all conditions.

The Dortronics CleanWave Touchless Switch is built for the future of intelligent access control. With precise microwave sensor technology, customizable settings, and seamless security integration, CleanWave provides a touchless access solution that meets the needs of hygiene-conscious, high-security, and accessibility-focused environments.

Facility managers, architects, and security professionals looking to enhance hygiene, improve accessibility, and streamline operations can now rely on a system designed for long-term performance.

Upgrade to CleanWave today for smarter, safer, and more reliable touchless access.

The post The Evolution of Touchless Access: From Convenience to Necessity appeared first on Dortronics Staging Site 2025.

This blog will outline both the common and often-overlooked risks to healthcare facilities while revealing effective strategies and innovative door control solutions designed to fortify healthcare security.

Risk: Workplace Violence

The risk of physical and verbal violence against healthcare workers is one that is well documented. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workers in healthcare settings are four times more likely to be victimized than workers in private industry. And while most incidents of workplace violence in healthcare are verbal in nature, other incidents involve assault, battery, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.

Unfortunately, the most common type of violence in healthcare is patient/visitor on employee violence. Research shows that this type of violence occurs most frequently in emergency and psychiatric treatment settings, increasing the need for security solutions in these spaces.

Mitigation Tactic: Panic Buttons and Keyed Lockdown Solutions

Panic buttons are a versatile, discreet solution that delivers peace of mind to healthcare staff. When utilized in an emergency scenario, such as a physical altercation, staff can press the button to perform a number of safety functions including emergency release of electric door locks, request for backup, or location-based alerts. In some cases, panic buttons can be integrated with healthcare access control systems, enabling a coordinated response with other security measures. In this way, staff receive immediate help during times of duress. Keyed emergency lockdown buttons also offer a secure solution for emergency exit door releases or panic/alarm activation. Once pushed, the button automatically latches requiring the use of a key to reset, ensuring a security response to the area.

Risk: Newborn Abductions

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the frequency of infant abductions by nonfamily members at healthcare facilities is estimated to be 12 to 18 infants each year. Based on NCMEC data from 1997 to 2016, 66% of abducted infants were taken from a healthcare facility. Abductors are likely to target hospitals due to the inherent chaos within hospital environments that often makes it easier for them to go unnoticed. And while newborn/infant identification bracelets and ID checks are commonly used to help prevent such occurrences, they are unfortunately not enough to stop a determined abductor.

Mitigation Tactic: Delayed Egress Solutions

Delayed egress systems provide an opportunity to slow or thwart abductors when an attempted abduction has been made. With a delayed egress system, an irreversible alarm sounds and a timed countdown can begin as soon as someone attempts to operate an exit device or push open a door equipped with a delayed egress locking mechanism. When unauthorized individuals attempt to leave, they unknowingly activate an alarm and are delayed from leaving 15 to 30 seconds before the door can be opened. This provides personnel with the vital time to identify the child as well as the individual attempting to exit.

Risk: Pharmaceutical Theft

The theft of medications, life-saving drugs, and prescriptions are common in hospitals and can be committed at any level, either by visitors, patients, or staff. Not only is this a healthcare liability, but it also puts other patients at risk. For example, a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that healthcare workers who steal drugs frequently tamper with medications, leaving them contaminated. Because of this kind of drug theft and tampering, as many as 28,000 hospital patients were put at risk of contracting Hepatitis C over a 10-year period. This is just one small example of how the theft of pharmaceuticals in healthcare has far reaching, often unseen impacts.

Mitigation Tactic: Compact Magnetic Locks

Compact maglocks offer a reliable anti-theft solution for cabinets and drawers where pharmaceuticals are stored. Creating 300 pounds of direct holding force, a Dortronics Mini-Mite offers protection for cabinets and drawers much in the same way that larger maglocks secure standard doors. Mini-Mites are capable of being controlled individually, sequentially, or simultaneously from one or several locations. In this way, access to certain drugs can be limited based on application, job title, type, quantity, and more.

Risk: Diagnostic Interference

MRIs, X-Rays, CT scans, and other diagnostics are traditionally performed in protected areas within hospitals and healthcare facilities. Unauthorized access  to areas where these devices are in use presents both a safety and health risk that can lead to possible radiation exposure, inaccurate test results, and potential equipment damage. Some diagnostic machines will even store patient data and images electronically, making unauthorized access a potential HIPAA violation.

Mitigation Tactic: Door Interlock/Mantrap Systems

The high regulation and health risks that come with diagnostic machinery requires strict access controls, such as a door interlock system. A door interlock system ensures that one door remains locked while the other is open, preventing any unauthorized or accidental entries in a two-door configuration. Dual access controls also limit unauthorized access by requiring authentication at both the first and second door, ensuring that only healthcare professionals and accompanying patients can access the diagnostic room. For diagnostic testing involving sensitive or intimate procedures, such as imaging or biopsies, a door interlock system enhances patient privacy and dignity.

The risks and proposed solutions outlined above just scratch the surface of how smart door control solutions can effectively mitigate risk in healthcare environments. Other potential solutions include the use of touchless switches for the healthful reduction in touch-surfaces and the use of double or triple vertically mounted maglocks for the ultimate defense against unauthorized entry or egress.

At Dortronics, our team of door control specialists understand the unique risks that healthcare facilities face and can help you select the door control solutions that best meet your healthcare facility’s needs. As a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic locking solutions proudly made in the U.S.A., Dortronics experienced team is available to provide personal assistance – down to the design and manufacturing of custom healthcare door control solutions.

Contact us to get started, or browse our interactive Medical Campus to discover how our comprehensive range of door control solutions can help better protect your healthcare facility.

The post Enhancing Healthcare Security with Door Control Solutions appeared first on Dortronics Staging Site 2025.

Given the critical nature of clean rooms, any contamination event in one of these industries can have severe consequences. It can lead to costly shutdowns, extensive cleaning and decontamination procedures, and delays in production or research timelines. Not only does this result in financial setbacks, but it can also damage the reputation of companies and institutions.

Therefore, meticulous attention is given to the design, construction, and maintenance of clean rooms. Door control technology plays a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness of clean rooms by effectively monitoring and controlling clean room entry and egress. These solutions work together with additional clean room technologies to minimize the introduction of contaminants into the controlled environment by ensuring proper airflow management and preventing unwanted substances from entering.

The following selection of door control solutions are uniquely designed to ensure that clean rooms stay clean under a variety of circumstances:

Door Interlock Controllers: Clean room doors and airlocks can be equipped with interlocking controls that prevent two or more doors from being open simultaneously. This ensures that there is no direct path for unfiltered air to flow back into the clean room. Built-in “pause” functions can be used to cause the system to lock all doors for a designated period of time after any door has been open, for the purpose of maintaining desired air conditions such as pressure equalization.

Air Purge Sequence: Some clean room doors are designed with specialized seals and gaskets to provide an airtight barrier when closed. These seals help prevent the migration of particles, contaminants, and microorganisms through gaps or openings around the door. In these cases, door interlock controllers should allow for an automatic air purge sequence. With this air purge sequence, the door gaskets will inflate automatically after closing to ensure that all doors are effectively sealed.

Touchless Door Control Solutions: Doors handles, bars, and knobs provide vulnerable surfaces for particle transmission. Touchless door control solutions, such as wave to exit and motion sensor door releases are ideal for cleanroom environments that necessitate hands-free unobstructed door release.

Waterproof Switches: A common protocol of the clean room decontamination cleaning process is to spray down the room with water or other disinfectant. In this case, durable, waterproof switches ensure continuous door entry and egress functions. Many waterproof push buttons are designed for this exact use case, rated to a sealing degree of IP65 and protected against water sprayed from a nozzle in any direction.

Audio/Visual Alarms: For any clean room to be effective, it’s imperative that some form of notification is issued in the event of a breach or loss of required operational parameters. Door Annunciators, LED indicators, and door prop alarms form a comprehensive system that will alert when doors are left open for a pre-determined time period, or if there is a sudden change in air pressure differentials. These alarms help to swiftly identify and rectify any deviations from the desired clean room conditions.

Access Control: Last, but certainly not least, managing access control for clean rooms is essential. Access control systems ensure that only authorized personnel can enter the clean room, reducing the risk of contamination by restricting access to authorized personnel who follow proper clean room protocols. Access control can also play a role in regulating the number of workers who enter and or exit the clean room at a given time, thus minimizing the disruption to the controlled environment.

By utilizing these solutions alone or in combination, clean rooms can maintain necessary air pressure differentials, control airflow, and mitigate the risks of contamination. At Dortronics, our team of door control specialists can help you select the door control solutions that best meet your clean room needs. As a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic locking solutions proudly made in the U.S.A., Dortronics’ experienced team is available to provide personal assistance – including the design and manufacture of a custom clean room door control solution.

Contact us to get started!

The post How Door Control Technology Helps Clean Rooms Stay Clean appeared first on Dortronics Staging Site 2025.

The most pervasive physical security solution is to keep cannabis facilities, products, and cash locked down using an access control system as the first line of defense. But not all access control systems are created equal.

Only a door interlock system can do what traditional physical access control systems (PACS) cannot to protect cannabis profits, people, and product. In this blog we will answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how of door interlock systems for a better understanding of their importance when it comes to maintaining cannabis security.

Who: Cannabis Facility Owners and Managers

While the execution of a cannabis security plan can be outsourced to a cannabis security company or cannabis security consultant, the ultimate responsibility of cannabis facility security lies with the facility owner. After all, failure to comply with cannabis security regulations come with high costs ranging from costly fines to loss of license. Cannabis security managers are also the ones charged with ensuring all cannabis security operations comply with local and state standards. This includes working with trusted vendors to create a strong physical security plan that keeps people and product safe.

By understanding the important role door interlock systems play in a comprehensive cannabis security plan, cannabis facility owners and mangers are in a better position to carry out their respective duties.

What: Programmable Door Interlock Systems

Perhaps the most essential aspect of cannabis business operations is also the most precarious – customer interaction and access to product/cash storage areas. This earmarks access control as a primary priority when implementing physical security measures. Fortunately, there is more door technology on the market today than ever before, including advanced programmable door interlock systems (often called mantraps), which provide very high levels of security. Door interlock systems provide cannabis facilities with a unique form of protection for both customers and employees that is not afforded by conventional access control systems.

In its simplest form, a door interlock system is composed of two doors electronically connected so one cannot open until the other has closed. For cannabis facilities, a mantrap provides highly controlled access to an interior vestibule, where customers and/or employees can be screened automatically or by a security guard before entering the facility. Access is only allowed when the exterior door is closed, preventing tailgating of unauthorized individuals.

When: 24/7/365

The best cannabis security system is one that works around the clock with minimal to no oversight. Door interlock systems are no different and are available with various modes of functionality for complete customization based on time, staffing restrictions, and more. For example, cannabis facilities with a high amount of pedestrian traffic in the morning and late afternoon may want two doors operating during these time periods with the ability to switch to a single door utilizing a key switch during midday or evening hours. Intercom systems can also be added to door interlock systems to allow communications between the individuals inside the “mantrap” and a facility greeter or security guard controlling the system. This kind of setup is especially ideal for securing cannabis dispensaries that need to safeguard against underage access.

In an emergency, the door interlock system also must enable people to evacuate the facility. For example, if the power fails, an emergency override would ensure that the door can be opened manually. Moreover, safety codes may require that the door interlock systems be integrated with the facility’s fire alarm control panel to allow emergency door release. A local emergency pull station may also be required to allow doors to be unlocked in non-fire alarm emergencies or to interface the system with NFPA 101 delayed egress controls. In every case, local compliance mandates must be carefully adhered to when designing a door interlock system for your facility.

Where: Interior and Exterior Access Points

The great thing about door interlock systems is that they are completely customizable based on the facility’s layout and specific needs. For retail locations, a secure entry vestibule solution may be employed. When individual(s) in the interlocked area are approved, the outer door remains  locked utilizing an electromagnetic lock or electric strike and the individuals can proceed through the inner door. Conversely, if an individual is deemed suspicious or otherwise unfit for entry, an alert can be sounded, and the inner door will remain locked and the outer door will unlock allowing the potential threat to exit the building. This effectively prevents potential problems from escalating inside the facility.

A Secure Entry Vestibule is also an effective solution for employee entrances. An electronic access system controls entry from the outside into the mantrap. Unlocking the entry door will lock the interior door of the Secure Entry Vestibule. Once the exterior door is re-secured, the interior door is unlocked to allow access into the facility. Any number of locking and unlocking configurations can be deployed to best accommodate employee traffic flow using a programmable door interlock controller.

The highest level of security is provided with a Restricted Entry & Exit System, where all doors are normally locked, a door is unlocked by a request for access only if no other related doors are unsecured. Opening any one door keeps all other related doors locked. Restricted Entry & Exit Systems will buffer simultaneous requests for access to prevent two or more doors from being unlocked at the same time. Traffic lights are often utilized to signal when a door is locked or unlocked. This door interlock system configuration is most appropriate for securing the interior of cannabis facilities where inventory is stored and cash areas are located.

When it comes to securing cannabis distribution facilities, sally ports can be deployed to control vehicular entry/egress using any combination of overhead doors, gates, or bollards.

Why: To Protect Product, People, and Profits

Maintaining compliance with local and national cannabis regulations are a huge part of cannabis security. And while video surveillance and access control systems may be required under law to safeguard a cannabis facility, these solutions do little to proactively deter and prevent crime.

A door interlock system provides proven protection from the cannabis industry’s most common risks: burglary, break-ins, underage entry, employee theft, and more.  Use door interlock systems in tandem with traditional access control systems in areas where additional security is required. When coupled with access control, surveillance, and other security solutions, door interlock systems provide a high-tech gauntlet that is difficult for any security offender to overcome. These systems are easy to install and make use of existing door infrastructure to ensure physical security measures are consistently enforced.

How: Dortronics Door Interlock Systems

Working with a reputable manufacturer and system installer ensures you will get the ease of operation and specific door interlock capabilities and compliance you need, along with high-quality customer support and service. As a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic locking solutions proudly made in the U.S.A., Dortronics experienced team can provide personal assistance to help you design the door interlock system that best meets your specific needs.

Contact us today to get started!

The post What You Need to Know About Access Control for the Cannabis Industry appeared first on Dortronics Staging Site 2025.

While Native American casinos may differ in business operations and gaming policy, there is one common trait. When it comes to security, no casino is willing to gamble house money. And in an environment where the casino’s front doors are typically open 24/7, the security stakes are even higher.

Security requirements at Native American casinos and resorts are unique in two key areas. Las Vegas casinos hire private security that is tasked with observing and reporting to local law enforcement. Because they are on Federal land, Native American casinos have their own police force, which potentially give security in Native American casinos far more leeway because they are the law. Perhaps the most important point is that the bulk of revenues generated in casinos and resorts are funneled back into the Native American community to improve infrastructure and schools. This makes security a major issue and increases the need for reliable technology.

The crucial interdependence of casino operations and the Native American community welfare has increased the migration to security technology solutions to mitigate risk. While video surveillance is perfect for forensics and monitoring crowds in the gaming areas and around the perimeter of the property, protecting people and assets is the job of door control in the vulnerable business operations areas.

Door interlocks, otherwise known as mantraps, are becoming integral tools for Native American facilities. More advanced and integrated solutions are supplementing the use of a simple, one-room door interlocks in the money areas, becoming more complex as they connect other back-of-house business operations. Solutions that now incorporate multiple-door interlocks, automatic door operators, door annunciators and door-prop alarms, and high-intensity LEDs that can provide immediate door status to security personnel, are quickly replacing cumbersome and less than secure key systems.

Perhaps the bigger issue is that access to these back-office areas often require access by many people, on different shifts, 24 hours a day. Access can be controlled by keys, which have been used by casinos for years. But a single set of keys may be used by over a dozen people in a week. Keys are often signed in and out through an electronic key box. Solid policies need to be in place and followed in the event that a set of keys goes missing. Policies are often very good, but also often not followed for convenience reasons, which is why most casinos have chosen to move past keys to secured door and electronic access control solutions.

Don’t Gamble with Door Security

It is important to understand security protocols and traffic flow to secured areas if interlocking doors are implemented and are integrated into the casino’s access control system. A detailed checklist developed by Dortronics Systems can help with the door interlock project. After defining the primary purposes of mantrap, it is critical to determine the traffic pattern and the door relationships when designing a door interlock system. A door matrix chart can display the floor plan where each door is numbered, and each room labeled to illustrate the required logic. Shared doors between rooms and other doors in these rooms must all be controlled by a common interlock controller. But installation of the common two-door interlock must consider that door switch contacts are usually not hardy enough to switch lock power and can result in an early door switch failure. This could hamper access throughput. Mantraps are an excellent door control solution for high-risk locations such as a cash count-room, but they can lose their effectiveness if the number of people who have access is large. It important that these mantraps are armed with door status switches to monitor traffic and door status.

Maglocks and electric strikes are two more key door hardware devices frequently used in a casino. A combination of both fail-safe maglocks and fail-secure strikes are most often used in the money counting areas. In the case of a power failure where maglocks de-activate, the doors will remain secured by the strikes and mechanical locksets.

Dortronics Casino Solutions

Dortronics offers two options for casinos looking to incorporate user programmable PLC interlock solutions. The 48500 PLC interlock controller is a cost-effective method for operating door interlock and mantrap systems of up to five doors. The fully integrated controller is a one board solution that allows the installer complete control of all operating and configuration options without complex software. Also, any access control system can be used with the 48500 series controllers. The 48900 PLC interlock controller is also a field-configured nine-door interlock device, that is suitable for air locks or security mantraps with two to nine doors that are locked or unlocked. This controller has outputs for traffic lights, door violation alarm and provides three individual timing sequences for propped door time, emergency override unlock time and a REX unlock time.

For gate or swing door applications, the Dortronics 1000 family of industrial strength magnetic locks can be used in harsh environments to secure doors and gates. All Dortronics electromagnetic locks are failsafe, releasing instantly upon command or loss of power. As with any door control system, it is only as effective as its monitoring capabilities. Dortronics alarm annunciators are a crucial element of door security, offering notifications of an active breach. Dortronics makes door annunciators and door prop alarms that include complete alarm systems. These features include delayed egress with built-in keypad access control, audible and visual alarms and anti-tailgate relocking. The complete secured door package should include high-intensity LEDs with the annunciators so alerts can be seen by security personnel in various lighting conditions and bright sunlight. The Dortronics 7200-HWR LED series are weather-proof units that can be used for perimeter access control gates exposed to the weather. If mounted near card readers, the LEDs can be used to clearly indicate when individual doors and/or gates can be accessed.

For emergency operations, casinos can opt for the Dortronics 6510 series of emergency pull stations. Casinos may integrate the pull stations for emergency exit door release with badge in/out access control systems, or door interlock and mantrap-type systems. A variety of colors and text enhance the messaging making these units suitable for signaling an alarm panel in the event of an emergency situation.

Another key door security element being integrated into casino environments over the past 16 months has been touchless access control systems. The specter of the COVID-19 pandemic forced casino operators to rethink access control, looking for options to decrease the spread of contagions. The Dortronics 5278 series of touchless switches are a cost-efficient option for high security that is also safe for staff and customers. The 5278 Series utilizes optical infrared technology. The imbedded sensor picks up motion within a four-inch range of the face plate. A hand wave activates the switch; however, if inadvertently touched the sensor will pick up the motion before actual contact, resulting in normal operation.

Casinos are still in the midst of a crisis as security directors work with owners to assess a recovery path from this pandemic. New health and safety policies and procedures, along with advanced security technology have a mapped a new risk picture. However, door control technology and policy remain the foundation of any solid security program at Native American gaming facilities and resorts.

The post Door Control Solutions for Native American Casinos appeared first on Dortronics Staging Site 2025.

The most pervasive and effective physical security solution is to keep cannabis facilities, products and cash locked down using door control technology as the first line of defense. Effectively keeping both customers, employees and assets safe.

Controlling Physical Access

Perhaps the most essential aspect of cannabis business operations is also the most precarious – customer interaction and access to retail areas. This earmarks entry/egress control as a primary priority when implementing physical security measures. Fortunately, there is more door technology on the market today than ever before, including advanced programmable door interlock systems (often called mantraps), which provide very high levels of security. Door interlock systems provide cannabis facilities with a unique form of protection for both customers and employees that is not afforded by conventional access control systems.

In its simplest form, a door interlock system is composed of two doors electronically connected so one cannot open until the other has closed. For cannabis facilities, a mantrap provides highly controlled access to an interior vestibule, where customers and/or employees can be screened automatically or by a security guard before entering the facility. Access is only allowed when the exterior door is closed, preventing tailgating of unauthorized individuals.

For retail locations, a secure entry vestibule solution may be employed. When individual(s) in the interlocked area are approved, the outer door remains  locked utilizing an electromagnetic lock or electric strike and the individuals can proceed through the inner door. Conversely, if an individual is deemed suspicious, an alert can be sounded, and the inner door will remain locked and the outer door will unlock allowing the potential threat to exit the building. This effectively prevents potential problems from escalating inside the facility.

A secure entry vestibule is also an effective solution for employee entrances. An electronic access system controls entry from the outside into the mantrap. Unlocking the entry door will lock the interior door of the Secure Entry Vestibule. Once the exterior door is re-secured, the interior door is unlocked to allow access into the facility. Any number of locking and unlocking configurations can be deployed to best accommodate employee traffic flow using a programmable door interlock controller.

The highest level of security is provided with a Restricted Entry & Exit System, whereby a door is unlocked by a request for access only if no other related doors are unsecured. Opening any one door keeps all other related doors locked. Restricted Entry & Exit Systems will buffer simultaneous requests for access to prevent two or more doors from being unlocked at the same time. Traffic lights are often utilized to signal when a door is locked or unlocked. This door interlock system configuration is most appropriate for back areas of cannabis facilities where inventory is stored and cash areas are located.

For Cannabis Distribution Facilities, Sally ports can be deployed to control vehicular entry/egress using any combination of overhead doors, gates or bollards.

Door interlocks are also available with different modes of functionality. Cannabis facilities with a high amount of pedestrian traffic in the morning and late afternoon may want two doors operating during these time periods with the ability to switch to a single door utilizing a key switch during midday or evening hours. Intercom systems can also be added to door interlock systems to allow communications between the individuals inside the “mantrap” and a facility greeter or security guard controlling the system.

For employee access to highly secure areas within cannabis facilities, advanced interlock systems can be deployed with biometrics that read faces, eyes and/or fingerprints to provide highly accurate identity authentication and verification, adding a much higher level of sophistication and security. This prevents lost, stolen or replicated physical access control credentials or even simple key locks to be compromised by unauthorized personnel.

While security is the core priority, a door interlock system deployed at cannabis facilities must also be user friendly and safe, or it can become a logjam for customer traffic as well as a potential source of liability. In an emergency, the door interlock system must enable people to evacuate the facility. For example, if the power fails, an emergency override would ensure that the door can be opened manually. Moreover, safety codes may require that the door interlock systems be integrated with the facility’s fire alarm control panel to allow emergency door release. A local emergency pull station may also be required to allow doors to be unlocked in non-fire alarm emergencies or to interface the system with NFPA 101 delayed egress controls. In every case, local compliance mandates must be carefully adhered to when designing a door interlock system for your facility. Working with a reputable manufacturer and system installer ensures you will get the ease of operation and specific door interlock capabilities and compliance you need, along with high-quality customer support and service.

Door interlock systems are highly cost-efficient and provide a highly effective means of securing cannabis facilities. As a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic locking solutions proudly made in the U.S.A., Dortronics experienced team can provide personal assistance to help you design the door control system that best meets your specific needs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please visit www.Dortronics.com for more information.

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But there also is technology that is increasingly being used by many enterprises – door interlock systems, which are two doors (or more) that are electronically connected so a person cannot open one door until the other has closed. Door interlock systems are a high-level solution for entrance control and access management for numerous types of organizations. 

There are multiple applications and industries that can benefit from door interlock systems. These include casinos, armored car facilities, prisons and police stations, medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, secure government and military R&D sites, high-risk retail such as jewelry stores, check cashing facilities, schools and laboratories. For security integrators, the opportunities are endless for a solid revenue stream and new customers. 

How do you get started? Here are 6 best practices for selecting and installing door interlock solutions. 

• Know the types of door interlock systems available. Door interlock systems have different names based on their functionality, and are commonly referred to as one of the following: Interlocks, Mantraps, Sally Ports (for vehicles) Secured Vestibules, and Air Locks. With a door interlock and a mantrap, an individual is granted access through a door to enter an area. Once the first door is closed, a second door can then be opened automatically or triggered by an operator. Sally Ports are interlock systems used to control vehicle entry/egress using garage doors, gates or bollards. Secured vestibules are rooms that guard against electronic surveillance and data leakage. Air Locks are systems with numerous interconnected doors. Opening any door will lock the related doors so that only one door, in a designated area, can be accessed at a time.  

• Determine your customer’s goals. Is the user trying to protect assets and people, control pedestrian traffic, or both? What threats are they trying to mitigate? More than likely, you will need to help them select a system that is appropriate based on all factors. Door interlocks are also available with different modes of functionality, such as intercom communications, biometrics, or fingerprints. Does your customer want the system to be discreet? Will a security guard operate it? These are examples of questions that need to be asked. 

• Understand your customer’s security requirements. For example, Air Lock Control Systems are lower-security systems frequently used for environmental control. All of the doors are typically unlocked, and access is controlled with traffic lights, in this scenario two or more doors can often be opened simultaneously. A Secure Entry/Free Egress system provides a more secure entrance solution, as a valid access card will unlock the exterior door only if the interior door is closed. Unlocking the exterior door will lock the interior door. Once the exterior door is re-secured, the interior door is unlocked to allow access. The highest security is provided with a Restricted Entry & Exit System, whereby a door is unlocked by a request for access only if no other related doors are unsecured. 

• Select the proper interlock controller. A critical consideration when choosing a door interlock system is the proper interlock controller. You should understand the number of doors, types of doors and other monitored and/or controlled devices within the facility. There are numerous types of interlock controllers for facilities with as few as two doors or over 100, with features such as emergency door release inputs, panic release, adjustable timers, emergency release unlock, and more. 

• Have knowledge of industry standards and building codes. Door interlock systems are often subject to specific building code requirements, and here, your knowledge can help the user to select the right solution. For example, some municipalities may not allow any doors in a public facility to be locked at any time. Another example is a clean room, where door interlock systems may need to comply with Federal Standard 209E, also known as ISO14644. Even more, life safety codes may require that the door interlock systems be integrated with a facility’s fire alarm control panel to allow emergency egress. A local emergency pull station may be required to allow doors to be unlocked in non-fire alarm emergencies or to interface the system with NFPA 101 delayed egress controls. 

• Understand installation guidelines. These procedures will differ from facility to facility, but local building inspectors should always be consulted before installation of a door interlock locking system to help ensure compliance. For example, there are situations where any locks restricting an exit are not permitted, and where only traffic lights may be deployed to indicate when entry or exit is permitted. 

Choosing a door control system for a facility is of the utmost importance for any security executive, in order to ensure the safety and security of people, property and assets. A door interlock system can provide a highly efficient and effective solution for any security challenge. 

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However, uses have expanded and increasingly, mantraps can be found in everyday life applications. Head over to your local bank and you can see one first hand. You will notice that you have to enter through two sets of doors before actually stepping into the bank.

In fact, many banks place ATMs inside the first set of doors. During the off-hours, you are required to swipe your debit card and provide your pin in order to gain access to the ATM. The interior set of doors are locked during these off-hours. That’s a mantrap.

Beyond banks, there are numerous applications for mantraps that span a variety of industries. The increased use and applications of mantraps is good news for integrators who may be looking for an additional or new revenue stream.

Those applications include:

1. Cleanrooms where contamination to individuals and or experiments are not acceptable. The addition of door interlocks not only assures the cleanroom meets the necessary ISO classifications by enforcing clean air control, but can also add a level of security within the controlled environment of the cleanrooms.
2. Casinos and gaming facilities in areas where cash is handled. For example, Dortronics worked with several casinos that use a field-programmable mantrap controller with a card access system to provide secured entry into the money counting areas. Visual indicators are also supplied for traffic control. The systems are field programmable to allow for any number of secured rooms with multiple doors and may be adjoining with shared doorways between rooms.
3. Armored car facilities to control vehicle entry into the facility and cash transfer from receiving to secured counting areas.
4. Prisons and police stations for transporting detainees through the facility in a secure manner.
5. Medical facilities for patient transport and deliveries. In a hospital that wants to limit access into the mental health areas, mantraps can provide access to two sides of interior and exterior doors. The mantrap prevents the second door from being unlocked while the first door is unsecured. A door prop alarm is used at every secured door to insure that each is properly re-secured after an authorized access. Each door is also monitored can be monitored by a controller that will sound an alarm if the doors have not been re-secured in the allotted time period.
6. High risk wholesale and retail establishments where expensive merchandise such as jewelry is exchanged
7. Check cashing facilities to monitor individuals entering areas where cash transactions take place
8. Schools where access to entrance lobbies and administration areas require added security
9. Laboratory and pharmaceutical facilities where cleanrooms are utilized. Dortronics works with many pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that employ mantrap controls to ensure a sterile environment. Magnetic locks with door position switches were installed on 2-door mantraps. While the doors are normally unlocked, the mantrap controller will lock the opposite door when any door of the mantrap is opened. The second door can only be opened after the first door has been closed.

Door interlock systems provide a unique form of protection not afforded by conventional access control systems that can more easily be compromised using lost, stolen or replicated credentials.

There are numerous commercial and industrial access applications for door interlock systems with as few as two doors or several, as are their use for highly specialized vehicular applications like armored cars or prison carriers. In any case, door interlock systems provide a highly efficient and effective solution for security and environmental control applications, and can be a solid way for you to create additional revenue streams and to increase your client base.

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