How to choose the right express gate for logistics facilities

In logistics facilities, each access fulfils a different function within the business operation. While some doors connect different areas of the warehouse, others provide access to the outside, connect to cold storage chambers or support the continuous flow of people, forklift trucks or goods.

For this reason, there isn’t a single industrial high-speed door valid for all situations. Choosing the right access solution involves analysing the needs of each one and the working conditions of the entire facility. At Manusa, we develop different types of high-speed doors to respond to these scenarios. 

Next, we review some of the most common situations in a logistics centre and which solution is usually the most suitable in each case.

1. High-speed doors to sectorize the different areas of a warehouse

In a logistics warehouse or a distribution centre, it is common to sectorize different spaces, such as reception, storage, order picking or shipping areas. At these points, where foot traffic, vehicles and goods are constant, the high-speed roll-up doors offer fast opening and closing that contribute to maintaining the continuity of the activity.

Its high opening and closing speed helps to reduce air conditioning losses between areas, facilitates circulation and improves the energy efficiency of the installation.

2. High-speed doors for large exterior accesses

Exterior access points require doors capable of withstanding intensive use and maintaining reliable operation even when exposed to adverse weather conditions.

High-speed stackable doors are a particularly suitable solution. Its opening system, by stacking the curtain, allows covering large dimensions without sacrificing strength, tightness and operational safety.

3. High-speed doors for areas with continuous vehicle traffic

In many logistics facilities, accidental impacts are part of everyday life due to the constant traffic of forklift trucks and other vehicles.

When these incidents are frequent, high-speed self-repairing doors help to maintain operational continuity. Its system allows the curtain to automatically return to its position after an impact, reducing the need for repairs and avoiding unnecessary stops.

This is an especially interesting solution for centres where productivity depends on maintaining a continuous flow of goods.

4. High-speed doors for cold storage chambers and refrigerated areas

Logistics facilities dedicated to food, the pharmaceutical industry or other sectors that work with sensitive products must maintain stable environmental conditions.

For these environments, there are high-speed doors designed to operate in temperatures up to -5 °C. These doors are equipped with heating systems using thermal cables, a stainless frame and anti-humidity protection. Their fast operation helps reduce cold losses and maintain optimal conditions, preserving the necessary conditions for the conservation of the product.

What aspects should be considered when selecting a high-speed door and how to choose the most suitable one?

Each logistics centre has different needs. Before selecting a high-speed door, it is essential to evaluate various factors that will affect its operation and long-term performance.

Among the main factors that should be taken into account are:

• Whether the access is located in an indoor or outdoor area, since the operating and resistance requirements are different in each case.

• The dimensions of the gap, because they condition the type of door that can be installed and what its opening system should be.

• The intended frequency of use, especially if the door will be opened and closed many times each day.

• Exposure to wind or other environmental conditions, an essential factor in outdoor access points or facilities subjected to demanding climatic conditions.

• The need to maintain stable temperature conditions, especially in cold storage chambers or heated areas where it is important to limit energy losses.

• The type of vehicles and goods circulating through the facility, to ensure safe passage.

Analysing these aspects helps us to identify which type of industrial high-speed door offers the best performance for each access point. While a high-speed roll-up door is particularly suitable for indoor areas with heavy traffic, a high-speed stackable door offers better performance in large outdoor entrances, and a self-repairing door provides added value where impacts are common.

Selecting the most suitable solution for each facility point helps improve operational efficiency, reduces incidents and maintains a consistent work rate. If you are designing or renovating a logistics facility, at Manusa we can assist you in identifying the high-speed door that best suits your project. Get in touch with us!