Why? Because, as wearable devices continue to impact the health, wellness and spa industry – the American College of Sports & Medicine (ACSM) cites wearable technology as the top fitness trend for 2016 – operators are realising the benefits that electronic locking systems working in conjunction with Mifare wristbands can offer.

Leading innovator Center Parcs was an early adopter of the technology working with locking solutions specialist Ojmar to install its OTS Transponder System at the new Center Parcs Village at Woburn Forest. Following their successful installation at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest and in a number of the group’s Aqua Sana spa facilities, approximately 2,000 locks were installed throughout the Woburn Forest village, including the Aqua Sana Spa. Using the wristband, guests can operate lockers, access accommodation and make cashless payments. This means no more trips to the locker to collect a wallet to pay for drinks or food by the pool, The Mifare wristband is becoming the wearable of choice for operators. As well as being cost effective, the silicone wristbands are waterproof and can be branded with the facility’s logo for further marketing opportunities. In addition, operators can increase their secondary spend through band rental and cashless purchasing.

Easy integration
Implementing an electronic system requires operators to take a leap of faith. They need to be assured that the system is reliable, cost effective and easy for staff to manage and maintain. The technology also has to perform well with existing systems without complicated integration.

Ojmar’s systems are constantly being upgraded to work seamlessly with other technologies such as cashless payment systems, cardio equipment from suppliers like Technogym, Precor and Milon, as well as with membership systems provided by the likes of Gladstone MRM.

The OTS Advanced locks have been improved to work with multiple technologies, including Ojmar’s new Near Field Communication (NFC) programmer offering wireless reporting from the locks and over 100 use events logs as well as instant lock programming and battery testing. The locks can be future-proofed with simple firmware updates, achieved by touching the unit to the lock. Ojmar will continue its programme of innovation throughout 2016.

With the new 12-sided £1 coin due to be introduced in 2017, there has never been a better time to go digital.