We sat down with Bob Parise, President of ForeTees club management software, to learn about his experience integrating Sentry Interactive’s mobile credential feature into the ForeTees ClubCentral application. The goal was to provide clubs and their members with a convenient, secure, and seamless way to manage access to club facilities. Here’s what Bob had to say:
Why did you choose Sentry Interactive’s mobile credential software for ForeTees?
As a club management software provider serving over 700 clubs, we value flexible, innovative solutions that simplify daily operations for our clients. Therefore, when looking for a new feature, in this case the mobile key, it had to be able to work within our app with minimal friction points for the customer. Our clubs use a wide variety of access control systems, and after extensive research, we found that Sentry Interactive offers the broadest range of access control system integrations. Sentry’s mobile access solution stood out because it eliminates the need for costly reader hardware upgrades, allowing clubs to enable NFC and QR code mobile access, without replacing their existing door readers. By embedding Sentry Interactive’s SDK directly into the ForeTees platform, we can now provide our customers with seamless, cost-effective mobile access that saves both time and money.
How did you find the integration process?
Quick and easy, Sentry Interactive’s documentation and integration instructions were clear and straightforward, and their experienced development team guided us through the process and were always available if we had any questions.
How does the Mobile Key feature complement the existing ClubCentral app features?
The ‘Mobile Key’ feature integrates with operational features like our booking management, events calendar, and membership billing. Mobile access is really convenient for member access and their guests. It all just syncs perfectly. If a member or guest hasn’t been granted access for a specific date or time the door won’t open. This helps the club to make sure that they are operating safely and that the premises are secure.
You recently introduced the new mobile credential feature to the Black Creek Club… What were the key reasons why Black Creek wanted mobile access?
They wanted a way to manage member access remotely and automatically, without adding another system and platform, or requiring additional staff training. As an existing ForeTees customer, Black Creek found this integration ideal since their team was already familiar with the platform. The seamless synchronization between access management, club operations, calendars, and booking features made it an effortless fit.
They also appreciated that they could enhance the member experience without investing in costly access control hardware upgrades. By eliminating the need to issue the pin code, which was frequently forgotten, they gained a smarter, more efficient system. Now, member access can be managed dynamically; if a member cancels their membership, their access permissions are automatically revoked, ensuring security and convenience for both the club and its members.
What do the club and their members most like about the new mobile credential feature?
It’s easy to use and just works. They can make bookings in the app and get granted the access they need at the time that they need it and no longer need to wait at the front desk to get the access to the doors that they need.
How easy was it for Black Creek to issue mobile credentials to their members?
Really easy, ForeTees were able to do this on Black Creek Club’s behalf and just assign access to members that already used the ClubCentral app. The members received an email explaining how to use the feature and all of the staff received training on how to add, remove member access, and assign guest access.
How does mobile access help clubs deliver net operating income?
With the ForeTees Club Central ‘Mobile Key’ feature clubs can now reduce their operating costs as they no longer need to invest in ordering and provisioning cards. It can also help to reduce the admin work for the front desk teams and free up time for them to assist in other areas of the club to help provide better member experience and an extra pair of hands in the bar or restaurant areas if needed. In addition, club members can easily share digital guest passes which can be free or chargeable, providing the opportunity for members to drive additional revenue for the club.
Have many of the other clubs that use ForeTees expressed interest in adding the Mobile Key feature to their Club Central app?
We’ve had a lot of interest, yes. Clubs like that NFC mobile access is integrated into the platform and app features that their members already use. It makes sense to the club as the mobile credential access syncs with club operations, bookings and subscription payments.
The integration of Sentry Interactive’s readerless mobile credential SDK into the ForeTees ClubCentral app supports ForeTees’ commitment to software innovation. By combining readerless mobile access software with existing club management features, ForeTees has delivered a seamless, secure, and user-friendly access experience for both clubs and their members, without the need for costly hardware upgrades or complex new systems.
The success at Black Creek Club demonstrates how easily clubs can adopt this technology to improve security, streamline operations, and enhance the member experience. As more ForeTees clubs express interest in enabling mobile credentials, it’s clear that this integration is setting a new standard for convenience and smart access management in the member and club management space.
