We scaled a prototype into a system for 130 schools in weeks
Year: 2024
What the client needed:
- Quickly replace the original supplier during development
- Develop a proprietary access system for schools
- Ensure secure and scalable device management
- Transition from prototype to stable production solution
What we used:
- .NET platform and C# for stability and performance
- OSDP communication protocol for secure device connectivity
- Raspberry Pi as the computing unit for edge computing
- GRPC for efficient communication between hardware and server
- Internal knowledge-sharing across Bootiq teams
What we focused on:
- Taking over and stabilising an unfinished solution
- Transitioning from prototype code to a robust architecture
- Monitoring and remote device management
- Minimising the impact of the transition on schools and end users
Etugate needed a secure, scalable access system for everyday school use.
Etugate is a technology company helping schools create safer and healthier environments through access systems, sensors, and digital automation. Its solutions cover attendance management, access control, and air quality monitoring in school buildings. It is part of the GTS ALIVE Group, operating in 20 countries. The company wanted greater control over the development of its own system – one that would be more cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable. When the original supplier unexpectedly dropped out, Etugate urgently needed to launch its own device to secure operational stability and enable further expansion. The project accelerated dramatically, forcing the deployment of the prototype into production within a shortened timeframe.
Etugate now has a stable system that processes millions of events each month and is ready for further growth.
The challenge
The original supplier terminated cooperation at a critical stage of development. The project was stuck at the prototype phase without a fully tuned infrastructure. Etugate, however, urgently needed to continue and roll out the system in live operation. Technologically, the solution combined hardware and software that had to reliably communicate with card readers, locks, and sensors – while also being prepared to scale across dozens more schools and even other countries.
How we solved it
We stepped in as a crisis partner. Through internal analysis, we designed a new technical architecture and rewrote the system core from the original code into C# on the .NET platform. We ensured stable communication between components via OSDP, deployed a more powerful Raspberry Pi version, and added monitoring and remote management. The new solution not only handled the original functions (card reading, lock control, door sensors) but also centralised logic on the server, enabling rapid response to incidents.
From an experiment, we built a stable production system that scaled to more than 130 schools in the Czech Republic and Romania within just weeks. Bootiq proved it can quickly take over an unfinished project, strengthen its architecture, and give the client confidence even in a crisis situation. The system is now ready for expansion to other GTS ALIVE markets. Beyond standard access control, it also integrates with digital lockers, bike storage, and credentials ranging from ISIC cards to smartwatches.
Delivered services
- Crisis project takeover
- Analysis and design of new architecture
- Development in C# / .NET
- Edge computing with Raspberry Pi
- Monitoring and remote device management
- Preparation of scalable operations
„After a challenging start, we are now at a stage where we can scale the system safely. We are working on a service contract and plan to roll out new solutions beyond the Czech Republic. Without a partner able to handle extreme pressure and move rapidly from prototype to production, this would not have been possible.“
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From crisis to product vision to reliable deployment.
