How much does automation implementation cost? – case study
When talking to our clients, we often learn that before deciding to automate their club, they were concerned that the costs would exceed the budget they had planned. To show what automation costs look like in reality, we have prepared a comparison of several case studies. In the article below, we describe smaller clubs where the cost of implementation played a key role.
What are the benefits of automating a sports facility?
The most important benefit of implementing unattended access control is a significant reduction in costs. Nowadays, expenses for sports facility owners are constantly rising. The biggest costs are usually generated by staff. The minimum wage is steadily increasing, which forces employers to face higher expenses. Replacing reception staff with technological solutions reduces the cost of running a club to a minimum.
Case Study – GYM4YOU
Get to know the club
GYM4YOU is a fitness club located in the Świętokrzyskie region, established in 2017 to provide people with a place to take care of their body and health. The club offers four training zones: personal training, free weights, cardio, and semi-free weight machines.
Why GYMMANAGER?
Before partnering with GYMMANAGER, GYM4YOU used a basic system for managing client lists and active memberships. Due to the desire to introduce automation, the club decided to switch to GYMMANAGER, which offers a wide range of automation features.
Implementation process and costs
The owner decided to implement automatic access control at the entrance to allow clients to use the club even when the reception is closed. The chosen solution, after consulting GYMMANAGER experts, was a door with an electromagnetic lock operated by a Virdi AC 2100 reader extended with a QR code reader. The device was installed at the entrance. Outside reception hours, clients with active monthly memberships (purchased online or at reception) can use a QR code to unlock the door. Exiting the club is possible without scanning a code, by pressing a button located next to the exit door.
The cost of this solution, including installation and support from GYMMANAGER technicians, was approximately PLN 7,000.
Case Study – MIX Fitness
Get to know the club
MIX Fitness is a 24/7 fitness center located in the Opole region. It is a small club with a single cashier station and offers four training rooms.
Why GYMMANAGER?
MIX Fitness first contacted GYMMANAGER in 2019. The club was looking for a system that would eventually allow them to create a fully unattended facility with biometric access control.
Implementation process and costs
At the beginning of the cooperation, in May 2021, the club was already using the GYMMANAGER system for customer management and at the same time began implementing automated access control. The solution chosen by the club was to build an entrance gate system combined with two sets of Virdi readers, extended with QR code scanners, installed at both the entrance and the exit of the facility.
The cost of this solution (two sets of Virdi AC 2100 readers with QR extensions), including installation and technical support, was approximately PLN 11,000, plus the construction of the airlock (built independently by the client with GYMMANAGER’s support and expertise).
Additionally, since 2023, MIX Fitness has been using a dedicated mobile application that allows clients to book and cancel class reservations.
Case study – Iron Gym
Get to Know the Club
Iron Gym is a modern sports center with three different fitness zones. The club offers a wide range of memberships, including annual, weekly, and single-entry passes.
Why GYMMANAGER?
In 2020, Iron Gym decided to eliminate the reception desk and fully automate access control. GYMMANAGER was able to provide a solution perfectly tailored to the club’s needs.
Implementation Process and Costs
To allow clients to register and purchase passes, the club installed a kiosk with a payment terminal and a fingerprint scanner. The access control system is based on a turnstile equipped with a fingerprint reader.
The total cost of this investment was approximately PLN 30,000.