| Innovations | FIT Extra Computer Applications
Optimizing Online Offerings
For members and clubs, software innovations maximize efficiency and streamline operations
As people increasingly accomplish more via the Internet, health clubs are working to satisfy their members’ burgeon- ing demand for online capabilities. Software companies are obliging with expanded ways in which individuals can join a health club, schedule services, pay dues, change billing preferences, and more—all online.
“The continued use of online services, along with sophisticated scheduling for personal training, group exercise, and tennis are all gaining traction,” contends Andrew Wigderson, the vice president of sales and marketing for CSI Software, in Houston.
In addition to affording convenience for members, the ability to
register for and purchase spa sessions, classes, and personal training online also enables clubs to better track usage to capture income and encourage repeat sales. “Software can help clubs focus on additional revenue streams and
increase profit per member,” explains Sean Kirby, the national sales director of ASF International, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. “We can link personal training packages sold to the member’s profile for scheduling and session-tracking; can break up payments for PT packages; and automatically bill them via EFT or credit cards. These features keep our clients from paying the overhead of fulfilling PT sessions that have not been properly paid for.” With online scheduling, software is adapting to accommodate each
club’s services, notes Carole Oat, the national sales manager at Twin Oaks Software, in Berlin, Connecticut. “With the variety of personal training sessions available, along with different pricing packages, the software needs to be flexible and offer multiple options, yet be locked down enough so the rules aren’t bent too much.” And, as economic uncertainties continue, software providers
recommend that clubs scrutinize valuable usage reports from online functions to help identify opportunities, create promotions, expand services, or communicate with members—all to help boost revenue and retention. For clubs, the convenience of online functions has also extended to
paperless billing. Operators have found that e-mailed statements and late notices, accompanied by links for members to make electronic payments online, provide faster communications and collections. With additional online transactions, however, technology suppliers
warn that health clubs must protect themselves from exposed vulnerabilities, and eliminate liability, by ensuring that their technology provider is compliant with the new Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCC-DSS) regulations. —|
www.
ihrsa.org |
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
A&A COMPANY
A&A Club
The comprehensive A&A Club software supports a variety of functions, including short- or long-term contracts; member database; CRM; KPI support; check-in and check-out, barcodes, smartcards, and magnetic strips; booking systems; employee time-tracking; integrated SMS; electronic locker systems; warehouse, retention- management; and payroll. It also includes advanced security systems capabilities; price lists for several club areas; cash-free tech- nology; a club parking module; and several reporting options. It operates on Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
ABC FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 16
24 Hour Security Access Systems
The customer interface from ABC Financial controls member admittance to facilities. The 24-hour club access and security features are adaptable to individual club needs, integrating Datatrak Club Man- agement Software from the entry door to the front desk. Datatrak software also supports current technologies, such as proximity cards and Ethernet access control. An outdoor, weatherproof bar- code-reader enables members to scan cards or key tags for automatic entrance approval or rejection, based on their account status.
JANUARY 2011 | Club Business Internat ional 81
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