The ability for club management software to integrate with external applications should be an important consideration when choosing club management software. These integrations are becoming common requirements, rather than "nice-to-haves". In fact, there are mini-verticals developing within the fitness industry specializing in software addressing fitness assessment, online scheduling, retention, nutrition, and rewards programs.

It's important that you don't operate these applications independent of the club management software; if you do, you run the risk of data duplication and/or inaccuracy. This translates to inefficiency in your operations, which ultimately reduces your bottom line. Club management software should serve as the centralized hub, or foundation, on which all of these applications "bolt on".

Partnering with a club management provider who has integration capabilities and interfaces with these service providers (in addition to other software that may be specific to your club environment) will only add value to your club management software and ultimately, your business.

It seems that this particular sparks a lot of debate among owners and operators. However, 68 degrees is the acceptable standard in our industry. I’ve worked on several projects for new facilities where the mechanical engineer will recommend up to 76 degrees. 76 degrees is pretty standard in an office building, but a fitness/health club is a unique environment with many more considerations. Anything over 70 degrees in a cardio/strength area is way too high.

Hosted solutions are essentially an external IT (information technology) solution. “Hosting” your Club Management Software application provides all of the functions and stability of a Fortune 500 IT department in a single outsourced service. Through “hosting”, your club management software application is delivered and fully supported from a secure data center. All you have to do is login through the internet. Despite this operating difference, the software application will work exactly as if you were running it locally. All the services, applications and files are housed within an advanced, secure, data center. This service caters to organizations and facilities who do not have any IT personnel, or do not want their staff burdened with day-to-day IT/systems work. Hosting removes your dependence on servers, software, computers, and support personnel. Everything is delivered and fully supported by your provider from a “secure” data center.

A solid hosting solution ensures “bulletproof security” with backup and disaster recovery. This model also provides access to your data from anywhere that provides internet connectivity, centralization of multiple clubs/facilities, and a cost savings since you no longer have to rely on servers.

Choosing a club management software solution is one of the most important decisions you, as a club operator, must make.

First you must look to see if the club management software you are evaluating can scale as your business grows. This is not a buying decision that you want to make again because you've outgrown your current solution; the right club management system should only improve over time. Good club management software touches all aspects of your business – from the front line to the back office and everything in between. You want to make sure the product has the depth and flexibility to meet your needs - both current and future.

Technology and overall product strength will drive the solution. However, there are many other important considerations that are involved in this decision. Such as, how well does the company respond and adapt to the changing and growing needs of your operation and of the industry as a whole. Is the product constantly evolving? And, do they take full advantage of current technology so that you, as an end user, are always in a position to improve your processes and operate more efficiently and more profitably.

The software company who positions itself as a partner– working just as hard as you are to make your facility a success – will not only provide the most satisfying relationship, but ultimately, help you grow your bottom line. Do they have a commitment to serviceability? What is their industry experience? Do they have a team of people behind you who understand your needs, and can help you achieve your goals? Don’t be afraid to ask!