Flow Systems Installs High-Security Spike Boom Gate at SAMCOR

Securing vehicle access: Flow Systems installs spike booms at large South African manufacturing corporation

November 3, 2025

Flow Systems recently completed a high-security Spike Boom installation at SAMCOR, underscoring the company’s strength in delivering robust, purpose-built vehicle access solutions. This project highlights the growing demand for advanced barrier systems in commercial, industrial and residential settings within southern Africa.

Who is Flow Systems?

Founded in 1975, Flow Systems designs, manufactures, installs and services a comprehensive range of access control barriers – from boom gates and spike barriers to turnstiles, revolving doors and speed gates.

Our solutions are used in sectors including banking, office parks, mining, industrial complexes, universities, retail, health care, and stadiums. We also offer integrations with access control systems, such as card readers, biometric devices and remote management to create seamless security systems.

As a company, we place emphasis on quality, reliability and customisable design, often producing manual, automatic and spiked boom gates tailored for specific sites.

Why Spiked Boom Gates?

A spiked boom gate or spikeboom combines a conventional barrier arm with road spikes. When lowered, the spikes deploy to physically prevent unauthorised vehicles from passing – even if the barrier arm is forced open. These hybrid systems are especially effective at:

Deterring tailgating or forced entry in high security zones
Providing layered security. If a vehicle tries to breach, the spikes offer a backup barrier
Supporting traffic control in complex entrances, gated communities, office parks and industrial zones.

Compared to plain boom gates, spikebooms raise the security threshold significantly without needing a full gatehouse or heavily fortified wall. In many high-risk zones, they are a better fit than static bollards or concrete barriers.

Safety First: Built-in Protections

Flow Systems’ spikebooms are designed with safety as a priority. Vehicle detection loops and sensors ensure the spikes retract fully during authorised entry, preventing accidental tyre damage. In the event of a power failure, manual override and emergency release functions allow safe passage. These features make the system not only highly secure but also user-friendly for daily operations.

Engineered for African Conditions

Flow Systems manufactures locally to meet the demands of the southern African environment. Each spikeboom is built from heavy-duty steel, with weatherproof coatings to resist dust, heat and rain. The design ensures long-term durability under high traffic volumes and reduces the need for frequent maintenance, delivering dependable performance year after year.

The SAMCOR Project

While the precise technical specifications of the SAMCOR Spikeboom installation are proprietary, this deployment demonstrates how Flow Systems can supply, install and integrate a high-security vehicle control solution in a live operational environment. This installation included the following features:

A selection of spike-depth, retracting mechanism and durability to handle frequent use
Integration with SAMCOR’s existing access control system.
Safety measures like vehicle detection loops to prevent damage to vehicles or the barrier
Site customisation (foundation design, weatherproof housing, maintenance access)

This successful deployment will serve as a reference for future installations in industrial and commercial contexts.

Integration with Modern Security Systems

The spikeboom can integrate seamlessly with a variety of access control technologies. From ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras and RFID tags to biometric readers and remote monitoring platforms, Flow Systems ensures your barrier system is part of a comprehensive security solution. This layered approach allows property managers to control, monitor and audit vehicle access in real time.

A Wide Range of Applications

Spiked boom gates are an ideal fit for:

Residential estates and gated communities
Logistics hubs and distribution depots
Corporate campuses and office parks
Mining and industrial zones

Wherever controlled vehicle entry is required, a spikeboom provides both a visual and physical deterrent.

Why the need for these systems in South Africa?

South African facilities increasingly require upgraded perimeter security and controlled vehicle access, due to rising concerns over crime, unauthorised entry and asset protection. A few trends supporting this shift include:

Many office parks, industrial estates, logistics hubs, and residential complexes now include multiple layers of access control (barriers and surveillance).
As property owners look to improve occupant safety and asset protection, demand for hybrid systems (barrier + spike) is rising.
Over time, maintenance and lifecycle costs of high-security access systems become a differentiator: a durable, well-engineered spikeboom can save in repairs and reduce breaches.

Flow Systems already offers a variety of boom gate types, which include manual, automatic, spiked and heavy-duty gates – for use in commercial parking, office parks, shopping centres, mining sites and residential security. Our product range covers everything from simple boom barriers to robust spike-equipped systems.

Long-Term Value for Facility Owners

While the upfront investment in a spikeboom may be higher than a conventional boom gate, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower. A robust, locally built system reduces the risk of break-ins, prevents costly repairs to weaker barriers, and helps avoid liability risks linked to unauthorised entry. For property owners and facility managers, it’s a security solution that pays for itself in reliability and peace of mind.

What do we offer our clients in southern Africa?

Custom engineering & integration: Every installation is adapted to site characteristics and operational needs.

High reliability: We work according to ISO principles and use durable materials suited for harsh climates and heavy usage.

Service & maintenance: We don’t just supply, but we maintain, repair and support our systems.

Comprehensive access control portfolio: Our capabilities extend beyond vehicle barriers to pedestrian turnstiles, revolving doors, speed gates, bollards, etc.

Local manufacturing & support: As a South African manufacturer, we can respond faster and understand local challenges better.

In a security environment that demands greater protection, spikebooms offer a balanced, effective solution, which combine physical deterrence with barrier control. If you manage a facility with vehicle entry concerns, a spikeboom or advanced boom gate deserves serious consideration. Flow Systems has the technical depth, local presence and proven experience to design and deliver the solutions you need. Contact us today on info@flowsystems.co.za for more information. You can view our range of boomgates here.