Frequently Asked Questions
Gate Sentry & Sentry Solo
Get quick answers about installation, features, compatibility, and support for our hardware-free access control and visitor management solutions.
Gate Sentry (Manned Entrances)
What is the core function of Gate Sentry?
Gate Sentry is a visitor management system designed for staffed entrances. It equips security guards, front desk staff, or any team running visitor check-in with an intuitive tablet to digitally verify guests and vendors, log vehicles, and notify users in real time.
Is the Gate Sentry tablet easy for security staff to learn?
Yes. Gate Sentry is built with an intuitive, user-friendly interface that requires minimal training. Guards can look up users, verify guests, and log entries in just a few taps. We also provide comprehensive onboarding and training courses to ensure staff feel confident from day one.
What happens if an unexpected visitor arrives?
If an unlisted visitor arrives, security can use the Gate Sentry tablet to securely contact the resident or user through the system without revealing personal phone numbers. The resident can instantly approve or deny entry via a push notification.
What information does security see when logging a visitor?
Security can log details such as the visitor’s name, license plate number, and ID—based on your property’s requirements.
What if our property doesn’t require ID or license plate information?
No problem. Gate Sentry is flexible and fully customizable. ID and license plate collection are optional and can be enabled or disabled to match your policies.
Can residents or users still call security?
Yes. Whether residents or users can call security depends entirely on your community’s setup and access rules.
What happens if a guest is not on the list?
If a guest is not pre-registered, security can contact the resident directly through the Gate Sentry tablet to request approval.
How are delivery drivers handled?
Residents can add recurring delivery drivers to their visitor list, or administrators can add them as property vendors. All delivery drivers are still checked in by security at the entrance.
Can visitors be checked out?
Yes. Gate Sentry supports both visitor check-in and check-out tracking.
Sentry Solo (Unmanned Access)
What is Sentry Solo, and how does it work?
Sentry Solo is a 100% hardware-free access control system designed for unmanned gates and entrances. Users open gates using a mobile app, while visitors scan a QR code on the SentrySign. This launches a secure VirtualKeypad in the visitor’s mobile browser for access code entry.
Can I set specific access hours for visitors?
Yes. When residents or users send a visitor invitation, they can set specific start and end times. The access code only works during that window and automatically expires afterward.
Do visitors need to download an app?
No. Visitors do not need to download an app. They simply scan the QR code with their phone’s camera, which opens the VirtualKeypad in their mobile browser for fast, frictionless entry.
How does Sentry Solo prevent unauthorized code sharing?
In addition to time-based access windows, codes can be configured as single-use only. Even if a code is shared, it cannot be reused.
What if a visitor arrives without a code?
Visitors can use the Intercom feature built directly into the VirtualKeypad. A blank search field appears, allowing them to search by address and place a secure call to the account holder. No personal phone numbers or account details are ever shared.
Can visitors be required to check out?
Yes. Sentry Solo can log both visitor check-in and check-out activity.
Is there a record of each visitor?
Yes. Detailed visitor logs are maintained, including visitor name, date, and time of entry.
Industry-Specific Solutions
Multifamily Communities
Sentry Solo + VirtualKey + VirtualKeypad + Visitor Intercom
Multifamily properties benefit from fast, self-service access without on-site staff.
Multifamily properties benefit from fast, self-service access without on-site staff.
- Residents use VirtualKey to open gates and entrances directly from their mobile device.
- Visitors scan the SentrySign QR code and enter a secure access code using the VirtualKeypad—no app required.
- If a visitor arrives without a code, they can use the Intercom within the VirtualKeypad to securely contact the correct unit by address.
- Visitor access is time-based and automatically expires.
Gated Communities with Overnight Security Hours
Gate Sentry + VirtualKeypad
For communities staffed only during certain hours, this hybrid setup ensures consistent access control.
For communities staffed only during certain hours, this hybrid setup ensures consistent access control.
- During staffed hours, security uses Gate Sentry to verify guests, log vehicles, and contact residents.
- During off-hours, visitors enter using secure, time-based codes via the VirtualKeypad.
- All activity is logged in one system, regardless of time of day.
Gated Communities with Secondary Gates
Gate Sentry + Sentry Solo
Many gated communities operate a main guardhouse along with unmanned access points.
Many gated communities operate a main guardhouse along with unmanned access points.
- Gate Sentry manages visitor and vendor check-in at the main entrance.
- Sentry Solo controls access at back gates, resident-only entrances, and amenities such as pools or gyms.
- Administrators manage schedules, permissions, and logs from a centralized dashboard.
Admin & Technical Features
How do you handle data transfers?
We handle the setup for you. You simply provide the data you have available, and we take care of the transfer and configuration.
How is this better than a traditional callbox?
Traditional callboxes rely on expensive hardware and maintenance. Our software-based solution provides real-time updates, digital audit trails, scheduling controls, and remote management.
What happens if the power or internet goes out?
The Gate Sentry tablet includes an offline mode for guards. For Sentry Solo, gate controllers can be equipped with battery backups and cellular connectivity.
General Questions
Can users have direct access?
Yes. VirtualKey allows users to open gates and entrances directly from their mobile device.
Can guest or vendor access be edited?
Yes. Guest and vendor access can be edited at any time, with changes updating instantly in real time.