Choosing gym management software is not always a straightforward affair. There are very many health club management systems out there in the market, and you can easily be confused by the add-ons and features. It is evident that you want to improve your health club by incorporating software that will handle various gym operations while at the same time, improving efficiency and effectiveness. This article details some of the factors that you should consider before making the buying decision.
1. Software Features
One of the main factors that you need to consider before buying gym software is the features that you want. There is a lot of software out there, and they all vary in the features they have. For example, you should check whether the software has the billing system for gyms. It is not worthy of investing in expensive gym software that does not have a billing system. Billing is a significant administration in any health club, and lack of billing features could be detrimental to the operations of the entire gym.
2. Mobile Application for Members
Smartphones have become vital communication devices in the lives of individuals around the world. They should be integral devices in your health club. By having a branded mobile app for your health club, you will be able to provide unmatched user experience to your customers. Some of the functions of a branded mobile application include mobile push notifications, instant mobile cancellations, mobile payments, and mobile booking. Labor statistics from the U.S. Bureau indicate the number of employees in the fitness sector will increase by more than 23% in ten years so it is advisable that your application support staff data.
3. Website and Facebook Integration
For an advanced gym that is targeting high-end customers, you need a website and Facebook integrated health club management software. With an integrated website, you will be able to create a membership portal for your members so that they can easily log in and see their subscriptions and what else they need to do. You can offer online sessions to members while, at the same time, sell fitness courses to the interested parties.
4. Cost Implication
The cost implication is a major aspect that you should consider when you are buying gym equipment. Your aim should be to hire a system that increases revenues in your organization. Software that takes money from your account is not adding any value. Therefore, all repairs and maintenance should be handled by the seller and not you.
Moreover, some software charges money every time you add a user. This is not a problem if you have a considerable number of members. However, startup fitness facilities could find it hard to deal with increasing costs. It would, therefore, be advisable to avoid systems that charge when a user has been added.
5. Security Features
Like banking software, software for gym management stores sensitive information about the health club. There are personal details concerning each member of the gym, the members of the staff, and other contractors or people who provide services to the facility. Besides the personal data, there is payment and financial details. Therefore, the security of the entire software should be at an all-time high. You don’t want cybercriminals to steal vital data belonging to your members and also divert payment from your club to their accounts.
6. Core Needs
The primary role of the fitness studio software is to work for you, not against you. Therefore, the software should be made to address your core needs and eliminate inefficiency in your operations. It should be highly automated so that it can handle most of the tasks without your input. This will give you more time to focus on your services; enhancing people’s fitness. Gym software that needs your input and total attention could be a distraction and could end up bringing more harm than good in your fitness facility.
These are some critical factors that you need to know and to analyze before you can agree to sign any contract. Always focus on understanding the user policies and the benefits that the system will provide to your gym. Avoid expensive systems that are treating your health club as a money printing machine.