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If your community or commercial property still relies on gate remotes or key fobs for vehicle access, it may be time to upgrade. Clickers can break, get lost, or fall into the wrong hands. Managing them takes time and leaves you guessing who actually entered your property. That’s where an automatic license plate recognition system, ALPR, comes in.
Switching to ALPR means moving from physical devices to a camera-based, cloud-connected solution that recognizes license plates and automatically grants access to approved vehicles. But what does that change actually look like for property managers, board members, or residents? This article breaks down the process step by step, so you know exactly what to expect.
What Is an Automatic License Plate Recognition System?
An ALPR uses specialized cameras to capture vehicle plates as they approach your gate or entry point. The system reads the plate, checks it against an approved list, and opens the gate if it matches.
Instead of issuing clickers, fobs, or codes, residents and staff simply register their license plates. The system handles the rest, automatically and instantly.
The Benefits of Ditching Clickers
- Hands-free entry: Drivers don’t need to roll down windows or search for remotes.
- Fewer lost credentials: No more replacing broken or missing clickers.
- Instant credential management: Add or remove access remotely through a cloud dashboard.
- Better tracking: Every plate is logged, giving managers a clear entry history.
- Tighter security: Shared remotes can’t be passed around if access is based on a unique license plate.
For properties that already have issues with tailgating or untracked access, this system offers a big step up in accountability.
What to Expect During the Transition
Step 1: Site Evaluation A technician or contractor will assess your gate(s), driveway layout, and lighting. They’ll determine the best angle and height for mounting the cameras. The goal is to ensure the system can consistently read plates, day or night, rain or shine.
Step 2: Hardware Installation This involves mounting the ALPR camera(s) and connecting them to power and your network. The cameras are typically installed on a pole or gate pedestal, facing incoming traffic lanes. Some systems also include a secondary camera for reading the rear plate or capturing vehicle characteristics.
Step 3: Software Configuration The cloud-based dashboard is where you’ll manage your list of approved license plates. This portal also stores entry logs, issues alerts for denied access attempts, and allows real-time monitoring.
Step 4: Resident Registration Each resident will submit their vehicle information, typically including the plate number and possibly the make/model. Managers or residents can add plates through a web form, app, or admin portal. For some systems, bulk uploads are supported for fast onboarding.
Step 5: Testing and Go-Live Before removing clicker access, the system will be tested for accuracy. Managers can simulate entries or monitor real usage for a few days to make sure everything is working properly. Once confirmed, the clicker-based system can be deactivated.
Managing Access Long-Term
With the automatic license plate recognition system operational, ongoing access management becomes significantly easier.
- Need to revoke access? Just remove the plate from the system, it takes seconds.
- Vendor or short-term guest? Add a temporary plate with a built-in expiration time.
- New resident? Add their plate from your phone or computer, no equipment handoff needed.
What About Guests and Deliveries?
Most ALPR systems work alongside other access tools, such as visitor kiosks or QR code passes. Guests can be pre-registered and issued digital passes, or their plates can be added for scheduled access windows. Delivery vehicles can also be managed with vendor-specific rules and reporting.
If the plate isn’t recognized, the system can trigger an intercom, alert a gate guard, or deny entry, based on your configuration.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Accuracy depends on placement: Camera angle, height, and lighting all affect how well plates are read. Professional installation matters.
- Plates must be clean and legible: Very dirty or damaged plates might not be recognized.
- Internet access is required: Since the system is cloud-based, a stable connection is key to managing and logging access.
Conclusion
Switching from clickers to a system for automatic license plate recognition might seem like a big change, but the benefits are clear. You gain better control, real-time visibility, and far less manual work. Residents enjoy a smoother entry process, and managers gain a system that adapts to real-world needs without the hassle of issuing and tracking physical devices.
