With several different sites to watch over security was a challenge for the Bolton Metropolitan Council. In addition to a large town hall which hosts most of the council’s business and boasts the town’s central registry office, a theater, and other public rooms, the Council also operates several over satellite buildings around the area. To keep better track of the more than 4,500 people coming through the doors the council installed an access control system using proximity cards that ensures building users are only permitted to enter pre-approved areas at designated times.

The new security system includes a network of proximity card readers. Proximity cards increase the ease of use of the entrances and cut down on time for people entering the building. Employees and authorized users no longer have to physically hand their card to a reader. They only have to be within one meter of the card reader to allow access. Cards can even be kept in pockets when walking through doors equipped with detectors. The doors soon close after opening adding another layer of security.
The proximity card system also allows easy control for security staff. Authorized security personnel can access the system from any Internet connected laptop. They can add or delete users or give them extended hours for their visits to the site. The proximity card program gives the Bolton Metropolitan Council a versatile and easy-to-use security program.