Where Technology , Operations and Efficiency Meet
2020 Issue 4 | GearedUp
48
In today ’ s world , it is impossible for fitness clubs to escape the looming beast of technology . There are pros and cons of using different technologies , whether it is a messaging app , a project management platform or a computer system . Here are a few ways that technology can be leveraged to improve efficiency at the club level and beyond .
Communications
In the age of COVID , finding ways to communicate is crucial . Updates need to be shared quickly ( and virtually ) and information or training needs to be given to many people . This is where messaging apps like GroupMe and other communication platforms can come in handy across franchise organizations – they can break down the geographical distance separating people . “ Team messaging makes it easy to compare ideas , creative concepts , memos or any other relevant information ,” said Shannon Spencer , operations director for the Belmont Group .
John Holt , chief operating officer of PLNTF Holdings , explained that his team uses Microsoft Teams for both communication and meetings . “ When team members can work together , they tend to generate more ideas , feel more connected to their work and improve engagement and retention ,” he said , adding that communication platforms like Microsoft Teams can streamline collaboration and teamwork .
Director of Global IT and Business Analytics for Taymax Group , Eric Darbe , explained that while technology can be helpful , it has to have process and measurability in order to truly improve efficiency . “ While [ messaging ] apps can help with connectivity among teams , true efficiency requires more purpose-built and functional-based applications that address key areas of your business ,” Darbe said , pointing out that there needs to be a way to measure the consumption of the message among the team in order to ensure accountability for the desired outcome . “ Communication does not equal efficiency . A communication platform is only as good as the process to which it is aligned .”
Project Management
Along with communication , franchisees can leverage project management platforms ( for example , Trello or Asana ) to keep everyone updated , on track and organized . When it comes to giving status updates , collaborating on projects that need to be done , and assigning tasks to various team members , a project management platform can spare teams from the guesswork of figuring out who is working on what and where they are in the process .
“ A common challenge in multi-unit franchises , especially across multiple regions , is how to communicate and manage follow through on facilities and maintenance by Kate Betts issues ,” Darbe said , adding that as a business scales , email , text , chat and phone calls become unrealistic platforms to use to manage issues that affect members , team members and the club itself .
Additionally , there are plenty of other platforms to assist with managing fitness clubs ; Spencer reeled off a list of five potential candidates – SimplyBook . me , Zen Planner , Club Automation , TeamUp and ClubExpress .
Data / Business Intelligence
Franchisees also must consider what tools they are using to manage their data . Mike Margas , vice president of analytics and insights for PLNTF Holdings , suggested tools “ with a common , company-wide data warehouse that utilizes data-level security and provides a set of common measures and calculations .” He pointed out that this allows for broader ( and more precise ) club benchmarking , better diagnostic tools and so on .
Asset Management
Franchisees can consider using an asset management platform to help with managing their clubs . “ Asset management platforms , like Service Channel , ensure that all issues are reported and logged in a system that assigns accountability and measures effectiveness of resolution ,” Darbe explained . “ These systems can be tied into your financial platform as well to ensure proposal automation and invoicing and payment approvals are always managed and tied back to the asset issue being addressed .”
Advice on Implementing Technology
Technology is meant to make life more convenient but implementing it can be easier said than done .
Margas advised groups to think about the endgame that