The role of the corporate lobby has undergone a radical transformation as the manufacturing sector continues to modernize.
Once primarily a space to showcase brand identity and offer a welcoming first impression, the lobby is now a strategic hub for security, efficiency, and technological integration. This evolution is especially critical in manufacturing, where protecting personnel, products, and processes is essential.
The Rise of the Smart Lobby
Smart lobby design is no longer about aesthetic appeal alone. In manufacturing facilities, it’s about merging form with high-functioning security and operational intelligence. These lobbies serve as the entry point to some of an organization’s most valuable and sensitive zones, housing everything from intellectual property and raw materials to advanced machinery and proprietary workflows.
Post-pandemic, the shift to hybrid work models and heightened security awareness has redefined what it means to have a smart lobby. Today’s designs must accommodate dynamic foot traffic patterns, incorporate touchless and biometric technologies, and support sustainable building practices—all while maintaining stringent access control.
Secured Entry Solutions
At the heart of smart lobby transformations are secured entry solutions. These technologies do far more than manage entry for manufacturing operations; they prevent unauthorized access, protect against shrinkage, and streamline facility operations.
Security revolving doors, for instance, offer airtight control by allowing only one person at a time to pass, effectively eliminating tailgating and piggybacking. When paired with advanced access control systems, these entrances deliver both peace of mind and labor cost savings, reducing the need for on-site security staff.
Optical turnstiles provide a high-throughput solution for bustling environments, integrating with mobile credentials and visitor management platforms to facilitate seamless and sanitary access. These turnstiles can also incorporate facial recognition or other biometric tools to verify identity while preserving the touchless experience that today’s workers and guests expect.
Reducing Risk and Congestion
In manufacturing plants where employee shifts begin and end at the same time, managing lobby congestion is more than a matter of convenience—it’s a security imperative.
Smart lobby designs often include designated employee-only entrances equipped with security portals or revolving doors to minimize bottlenecks and enforce access control independently of the main lobby. These segregated traffic flows help reduce security risks and enhance the overall visitor experience.
The modern manufacturing lobby is more than just a point of entry—it is a frontline defense.
Sustainability Meets Security
With environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards taking center stage, manufacturing companies are seeking to balance security with sustainability.
By their design, security revolving doors reduce air exchange significantly compared to traditional doors, improving energy efficiency and maintaining temperature stability—both critical in temperature-sensitive production environments.
Customization and Aesthetics Still Matter
Even in highly functional manufacturing spaces, aesthetics remain important in lobby design. Today’s secured entry solutions come in various materials and finishes, allowing security features to blend seamlessly with a company’s architectural vision.
Whether the facility calls for an imposing full-height turnstile or a sleek, modern optical gate, these solutions not only serve a security purpose but also reinforce the company’s image of professionalism and innovation.
Opportunity for Security Integrators
For systems integrators, the manufacturing vertical presents a significant and growing opportunity. As companies retrofit facilities or break ground on new ones, the demand for secured entry solutions will only increase. These solutions extend beyond the initial sale, creating opportunities for long-term service agreements and the continued integration of technologies such as AI-driven analytics and biometric access control.
By delivering secure, sustainable, and technology-enabled lobbies, integrators can position themselves as strategic partners to manufacturers—not just vendors. With ROI often achieved in under a year through reduced labor costs and loss prevention, the value proposition is compelling.
The modern manufacturing lobby is more than just a point of entry—it is a frontline defense, an efficiency engine, and a reflection of the company’s commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence. As threats evolve and technologies advance, so must the ways we design and secure these critical spaces. For manufacturers ready to lead in the era of smart facilities, secured entry solutions are not just a recommendation but a requirement.
Greg Schreiber is the senior vice president of sales and marketing at Boon Edam. Schreiber’s career spans almost 30 years in the security entrance and door industry in a variety of sales management roles, including national sales manager from 2007-2012 and vice president of sales from 2013-2016. Since 2013, Schreiber has successfully steered the North American and global accounts sales teams to produce double-digit sales growth. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Schreiber graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in Business Administration and currently lives in Venetia, Pennsylvania.
© Greg Schreiber