Why Replacing Manual Doors with Automatic Doors is Worth It!

In today’s competitive and convenience-driven commercial environment, the entrance to your building often makes the first impression. For businesses, replacing manual doors with automatic doors is no longer just a luxury, it’s a strategic decision with operational, compliance and branding benefits.

A Brief History of Automatic Doors

Believe it or not, the concept of doors that open automatically goes well back! Heron of Alexandria (c. 10 AD) designed a temple entrance that opened using steam/heat and weights, effectively one of the earliest “automatic” door systems.

Fast-forward to the twentieth century: by the 1930s and 1940s the technological foundations for modern automatic doors were being laid, with sensor and actuation innovations. In the 1950s / early 1960s, engineers such as Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt developed commercially viable sliding automatic doors in the US.

While a dedicated UK-only chronological archive is less widely documented, the commercial adoption of automatic doors in retail, healthcare and public buildings accelerated from the 1970s onwards as sensor-technology, safety standards and mass manufacturing matured. Today automatic doors are ever-present in airports, shopping centres, supermarkets and many commercial premises.

For businesses considering replacing manual doors, you are investing into a mature, tried-and-tested technology with decades of evolution behind it.

Why Replace Manual Doors with Automatic Doors?

From a business perspective (commercial buildings, offices, retail outlets, hospitality, healthcare, industrial logistics etc.) there are several compelling reasons to replace manual doors with automatic systems.

Accessibility & Regulatory Compliance

Automatic doors offer hands-free entry, which is far more inclusive, benefiting wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, those carrying goods or pushchairs. This ties directly into the UK legal environment (e.g. the Equality Act 2010, access obligations, Building Regulations Part M) and can help demonstrate that your premises is accessible and inclusive.

Customer Experience & First Impressions

From a brand and operational viewpoint, an automatic entrance gives a modern, smooth experience: clients, visitors or staff approach and the door opens seamlessly. That feeling of “welcome” is important in retail and hospitality, manufacturing sites or high-foot-fall premises. It signals efficiency, modernity and attention to detail.

Hygiene and Touch-Free Operation

Especially in the post-COVID world, reducing touchpoints is a major concern. Automatic door systems minimise the need for physical contact with handles, reducing germ transfer and improving hygiene. That’s a strong argument for facilities such as healthcare buildings, food-handling sites, retail, labs etc.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Control

Manual doors are often left open or not closed quickly, leading to heat loss, cold draughts, and increased HVAC costs. Automatically controlled sliding or swing doors mitigate this by closing reliably and reducing unwanted air exchange. That helps reduce energy bills and supports sustainability goals.

Safety, Security and Traffic-Flow Control

Automatic doors allow for controlled entry/exit, integration with access-control systems and better management of foot-traffic flows, which is helpful for busy commercial premises, factories, distribution hubs or retail. In addition, modern automatic door systems include advanced sensors to prevent accidents and comply with safety standards.

Durability and Reduced Manual Effort

Manual doors, particularly heavy ones, experience wear and tear, hinge fatigue, locking mechanism failure, and many require frequent manual operation staff wise (e.g. staff holding doors). Automatic systems reduce manual labour, improve durability and reduce the risk of misuse or damage.

Competitive Differentiation

For business in retail, hospitality or customer-facing sectors, having an automatic entrance can be a differentiator in terms of aesthetics, convenience and brand perception. A modern entrance can signal quality, care and investment in user experience.

Key Considerations When Replacing a Manual Door with an Automatic Door

While the benefits of replacing manual doors with automatics systems are clear, achieving a successful installation requires thoughtful planning and consideration. The process begins with selecting the right door type and application. Whether sliding, swing, telescopic, revolving or bifold, each option carries specific advantages depending on available space, expected traffic flow, security requirements and clearance needs.

Understanding traffic volumes and user profiles is equally important. Businesses must assess how many people use the entrance daily, when peak times occur, and whether accessibility needs or goods-handling requirement influence the choice of system. For example, entrances serving both the public and delivery personnel may demand heavier-duty operators and wider openings.

Integration with sensors and control systems is another key step. Modern automatic doors often incorporate motion sensors, radar detection, push pads and access-control technologies.

Attention should also be given to energy and thermal performance. A well-specified automatic door supports HVAC efficiency by limiting open-time. This not only reduces heating and cooling losses but also supports wider sustainability objectives.

Compliance cannot be overlooked. All installations must meet the relevant UK and European safety standards, including BS EN 1605 for powered pedestrian doors. Working with a qualified installer who understands these regulations ensures the system operates safely and within the law.

Once installed, automatic doors need a structured maintenance and service regime. Regular inspection and servicing help preserve performance, reduce downtime and ensure continued compliance with safety requirements.

The financial aspect also requires careful evaluation. Although automatic doors represent a higher upfront investment than manual alternatives, businesses should assess the total return on investment by factoring in lifestyle savings, reduced energy consumption, lower maintenance demands and the improved experience for staff and visitors alike.

Practical considerations such as installation disruption must also be managed. Replacing manual doors can involve short-term disturbance to operations, so proper staging and coordination with building users will help minimise inconvenience.

Finally, businesses should think ahead in terms of futureproofing and integration. Modern automatic door systems can link seamlessly with building management systems, access control, and even IoT analytics, allowing organisations to monitor performance and enhance building intelligence over time.