Automatic Sliding
Doors
If you run a business then you will have probably seen legislation that requires
you to have access for people with disabilities. This should not simply mean someone being on hand to help them out
or a ramp. Another option is providing automatic sliding doors. However automatic sliding doors also provide better
access in a number of other ways.
You have probably seen automatic sliding glass doors in supermarkets, outlets in
malls and a number of other places. Unlike power assisted doors they do not require any additional force to open.
This is ideal if someone comes to your store but they do not have motor skills and therefore are not capable of
hitting a button with force as would be the case with a power assisted door.
However it is also worth noting that automatic sliding doors improve
the access for everyone. Nobody has to hold the door open for anyone
else meaning more people can enter and exit the store at any given time. This increase in flow means more
people are likely to visit at be aware of what you have to offer.
In terms of the operation of your business it is also advisable so that anyone
delivering items to your store can do so without having to stop to open a door before they continue carrying items.
This then means you spend less time assisting them getting stock in and more time getting it on to the shop floor
and getting it sold.
When looking at potential options it is worth noting that there are a number of
costs involved. This is not to say that it is expensive but you need to be aware of the overall cost. This includes
the purchase cost, covering both the material needed to make the automatic sliding doors and the technology
involved in building them. If you get quotes from a couple of companies you should be able to gauge the average
cost for your local area.
Another cost to consider is the installation cost. While you can do this yourself
it is probably best to use the services of an experienced professional. Even if you do install it yourself you
should get someone to independently test it to ensure it is in correct working order. Other costs include
operational costs such as energy and maintenance. Ideally you should look for the most energy efficient brand and
ideally one that is low maintenance. This should mean that you do not have to spend too long restricting the access
of your customers while the door is being fixed.
You should also be aware of the overall look and design of the automatic sliding
doors. They will be a part of your store front and therefore it is worth carefully reviewing the options available
to you. There are various websites that advertise these products and it is worth looking to see if they have
demonstration videos of businesses similar to your own. That way you can gauge if their brand is best suited to
your commercial needs.
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