The main job of matting is to stop as much dirt as possible from progressing further into the building. If possible, there should be a combination of mats, including a scraper mat just inside the door, and one or more finer, carpeted mats, that will continue to capture dirt and debris as individuals walk into the building. Think of mats as entrance filters, because they filter the dirt that comes in from the outside.
Because people don't always stop to wipe their feet, it is best to allow enough matting for at least four or five steps once inside the building - that's about 12 to 15 feet of matting at the door.
These types of mats are placed outside your building as your first defense against dirt, grime, and moisture. Ask your sales rep about available size & colors:
Depending on your entry way, these mats can be placed indoors or outdoors. Scraper/wipers should have a bi-level surface that removes and traps dirt below foot level, but also be designed to prevent moisture from leaking around the edges. Ask your sales rep about available sizes & colors:
Carpeted (wiper) mats provide a few more steps to remove the last bit of dust and moisture from shoes.