24 Apr 2009
 Brivo XML integration improves Shape.net customers’ satisfaction and bottom line
Brivo Systems, LLC announced that Shape.net have partnered with Brivo to provide 24-hour access control to its health club clients

Brivo Systems, LLC, the leader in Web applications for access control and security systems, today announced that Shape.net, the Web-based club management system, have partnered with Brivo to provide 24-hour access control to its health club clients. Shape.net has joined the Brivo Technology Partnership program to develop a software integration that would enable its health club customers to safely and efficiently offer members round-the-clock access to health club facilities.

"Three years ago, if a gym owner asked if we offered 24-hour access, 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, and Brivo not only offers it, but has a great reputation to back it up." Shape.net's integration with Brivo was 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. Shape.net now caters to health clubs, wellness centers, personal trainers, etc., offering 24-hour access by providing "one-stop shopping" for management, sales, installation, and support.

In order to manage gym members and their access privileges to the gym's doors, health club owners are now able to use Shape.net exclusively as a single point of data entry. This means they no longer have to key in membership information in one system, only to access a different system and do it all again-saving them time, money, and reducing the risk of errors. Gym owners are now kept up-to-date with the ongoing physical security of their facilities. Clients 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.

Shape.net scomplete software integrates with Brivo security products 
 Shape.net's integration with Brivo was made possible by Brivo's XML Application Programming Interface (API)

The information stored in Shape.net is automatically transferred to the customer's Brivo system without manual intervention, so a client doesn't have to constantly click an external utility to update or sync accounts-it's transferred immediately. The integration is compatible with all of Brivo's offerings, which include ACS WebService™, ACS OnSite™, and OnSite SE/XE™.

"We've always had 24-hour access, but never such a user-friendly system," says Karrah Hunt, General Manager of 24/7 Healthcare 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." Karrah 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 should have access to--one, the other, or both.

Karrah'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. She also monitors both locations using Brivo's email notifications and integrated DVRs. The DVRs allow Karrah and her staff to monitor who enters-making sure multiple individuals don't enter under one account. Karrah 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 system is completely automated, requiring no manual updates and no dual entry. Members use their fingerprints at the front door and front desk, and are automatically granted or denied entrance to the club based on their "account status" in the database. The system also automatically retrieves and displays the attendance records from Brivo ACS control panels, allowing the gym owner to view member attendance history.

Shape.net has joined the Brivo Technology Partnership program to develop a software integration that would enable its health club customers to safely and efficiently offer members round-the-clock access to health club facilities 

The Shape.net-Brivo 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 its mutual clients have been pleased with the outcome.

The Shape.net-Brivo integration offers Shape.net's customers the ability to increase revenues, cut costs, and most importantly, provide gym members with a better experience that improves their level of satisfaction. "The new Brivo system enables us to cut down on salary and overhead, by allowing us to be there-even when we're not!" Karrah adds.

"This is yet another example of the benefits of a true IP-based system and open XML API. Organizations can improve productivity, increase cost-savings, and do more with less-even while enhancing the customer experience," said Steve Van Till, Brivo President and CEO.