Brivo Systems LLC, the leader in Web applications for access control and security systems, has announced that Shape.net, a provider of Web based health club management software systems, has partnered with Brivo to provide 24 hour access control to its health club clients. Shape.net joined the Brivo Technology Partnership program to develop a software integration that enables its health club customers to efficiently offer their members safe, round-the-clock access to health club facilities. Shape.net caters to health clubs, wellness centers, and personal trainers, by providing “one-stop shopping” for management, sales, installation, and support. Security 101, based in Birmingham, AL, was instrumental in orchestrating the partnership and designing and implementing this innovative system, which has been identified as a case study for health club security systems.

“Three years ago, if a gym owner asked if we offered 24-hour access capabilities and we said no, they would just keep on walking,” said Larry King, Owner of Shape.net. “Now with Brivo, as soon as I say we offer 24-hour access, it’s a done deal. It’s difficult to find a Web-based system; Brivo not only offers it, but has a great reputation to back it up.”

The Shape.net-Brivo integration is made possible by Brivo’s XML Application Programming Interface (API), which allows different systems to exchange data in the XML standard so they can “understand” one another. “We’ve always had 24-hour access, but never such a user-friendly system,” commented Karrah Hunt, General Manager of 24/7 Health Club and Tanning Salon. “If our staff has any problems when I’m not there, I can easily log onto the system at home from my own computer and correct the problem.” Hunt manages multiple locations using her Brivo ACS WebService-Shape.net integrated system. When a new member is enrolled, she can instantly assign which facilities the client can access. 24/7 Health Club’s clients don’t even need to worry about carrying access cards anymore: they are now granted access using biometric fingerprint readers at each site.  

Health club owners are now able to use Shape.net exclusively as a single point of data entry to more effectively and efficiently manage gym members’ access privileges to the facilities. This means club management no longer has to key in membership information in one system, only to have to access a different system and do it all again—saving time and money, and reducing the risk of data entry errors. Gym owners can easily stay up to date on the physical security status of their facilities. Owners also have the ability to set up a notification rule to email or send a text message if the gym is accessed by anyone outside of daytime business hours.

Client information stored with Shape.net is automatically transferred to that customer’s Brivo system without manual intervention, so gym management no longer has to hassle with constantly clicking an external utility to update or sync accounts—data is transferred immediately. This integration is compatible with all of Brivo’s offerings, including ACS WebService™, ACS OnSite™, and OnSite SE/XE™.

Shape.net customer Karrah Hunt also monitors both of her locations using Brivo’s email and text notification feature and through video feeds from integrated DVRs. The DVRs allow Karrah and her staff to monitor who enters—making sure multiple individuals don’t enter under one account. Hunt and her staff manage more than 10 doors using the new integrated offering including access to tanning rooms, on-site day care facilities, and even the ladies’ locker rooms.

The overall integration project was overseen by Jerry Graciano, Brivo’s Manager of Development Partnerships. Graciano worked closely with the Shape.net team every step of the way and the integrated offering enables Shape.net’s customers to increase revenues, cut costs, and most importantly, provide gym members with a better customer experience and higher satisfaction. “The new Brivo system helps us to cut down on salary and overhead by allowing us to be there—even when we’re not!” satisfied Shape.net customer Karrah added.

“This is yet another example of the benefits of a true IP-based system and an open and innovative use of XML programming interface. Our end users can improve productivity, increase cost savings, and do more with less—all the while enhancing their customers’ satisfaction,” said Steve Van Till, Brivo President and CEO.