Network technology

Networks

Based on the lecture a network is defined as 2 or more computers connected to each other. In our company, all computers operate on the same network allowing employees to manage client data, and progress. The main software used on our network is Data trek from ABC financial. All locations can access this information and are able to connect to this network improving our efficiency.

Hardware and Software

The hardware utilized by Retro for data management are primarily 2 to 3 dell desktop computers preloaded with windows xpos, in addition to this self service kiosks are used to assist in membership sign up as well as the updating of personal information. the desktop computers used are outfitted with bar code scanners, receipt printers, cameras, and cash drawers to make full use of the datatrak software.

Retro utilizes ABC Data-trak software for all database requirements as well as sales, inventory, employee tracking and billing. this software is an all inclusive program that is specifically designed to be used in the fitness industry and to be integrated into real world use within a gym

What are some hardware categories used in (or sold by) your company? What brands of computer? What types of computers? Who is responsible for the hardware and software? What types of system software is used (sold)? Is Linux used? What types of application software is used (sold)? What brands?

Currently Retrofitness does not sell any kind of computer software, however in all clubs a minimum of two dell desktop computers modified for pos transactions and bar code scanning functionality are used. Retrofitness and ABC Financial are in the process of installing self service kiosks which allow members to manage their membership themselves without the requirement of going through the gym or ABC over the phone to sign up or make changes to their account such as billing information and address changes.

The self service kiosks run windows xpos with a modified version of ABC data trac, the desktop computers also run windows xpos however have the full version of ABC's software in order to fully utilize its abilities.

ABC serves as the primary technical support for both the hardware and software used in the clubs the reason for this is mainly that ABC both modified and wrote the software being used and as such know the primary issues that occur and the quickest and most simple solution to the problems when they arise. this allows for a fairly stable and reliable system even while running on the windows os

What are some files used in your company? What databases? What brand of database software? Who is responsible for the database? How do managers get reports? What types of reports? Is OLAP used? Is a data warehouse used? Are data marts used? Explain. What types of data mining is used? Who is responsible? What software?

The primary database that is use is called ABC Data-trac, it is an all in one software database that keeps track of 80% of the operations within the gym including member services sales and inventory. The upkeep on this software and database itself it done by its provider, ABC financial in an out of state location for both data backup and tech. support.

Reports can be generated within the database using the reports and tracking feature within the menu. the primary reports that are used are membership sales and the time the sales take place and jucebar/cooler drink sales.
OLAP is not directly used however coorilations between time of sales and volume are made.

a datawarehouse is used to ensure that the data is kept secure due to the fact that if any of the information is lost particularly within the member profile the gym cannnot function due to the inability to confirm membership that would be caused.

the extent of data mining that is done is minimal, however the determination of what advertising method that works best is made by the close monitoring of membership sales within the time of that particular campaign.

Retrofitness uses ABC Financial Data trac software for all IT systems. this software offers comprehensive information on all aspects of the gyms activities.

Starting with POS systems Data trac handles the actual sale and tracking of the cash drawer, who the sale was executed by and the cash amount and change given for that sale. This system also offers inventory tracking and analyzing of the items sold and which are most popular items as well as the "actual" amount of inventory that should be in the storage room.

Data trac also uses employee tracking to track punch in/out as well as who is actually supposed to be working. It is also possible to use the punch in screen to communicate with other employees via employee alerts that appear just before they punch in to start their shift.

The most important aspect of data trac is the member tracking/check-in Data trac offers a full member profile that ecompasses name, address, contact information, emergency information as well as billing preferences and information so that ABC can automaticly bill them according to the date that they sign up. this also allows for a picture to be kept on file to verify that the member is actually who they claim to be and are not passing their membership keytag off to someone else to falsely use their account

Retro IT

Retrofitness uses ABC Financial Data trac software for all IT systems. this software offers comprehensive information on all aspects of the gyms activities.
 Starting with POS systems Data trac handles the actual sale and tracking of the cash drawer, who the sale was executed by and the cash amount and change given for that sale. This system also offers  inventory tracking and analyzing of the items sold and which are most popular items as well as the "actual" amount of inventory that should be in the storage room.
Data trac also uses employee tracking to track punch in/out as well as who is actually supposed to be working. It is also possible to use the punch in screen to communicate with other employees via employee alerts that appear just before they punch in to start their shift.
The most important aspect of data trac is the member tracking/check-in Data trac offers a full member profile that encompasses name, address, contact information, emergency information as well as billing preferences and information so that ABC can automatically bill them according to the date that they sign up. this also allows for a picture to be kept on file to verify that the member is actually who they claim to be and are not passing their membership key tag off to someone else to falsely use their account

For your company, what major business initiatives are used or being considered? What software is used? Are they top-line or bottom line?

At Retro Fitness, our major business initiative is mainly a focus strategy. Our biggest priority is maintaining the efficiency we have between our staff and our clients in regards to both services rendered and the payment methods we use. We like to keep our clients financial capabilities in mind when offering them certain deals or packages. For our financial needs, we utilize the services of a company called ABC financial, which helps us to achieve our goals with ERP. The primary software used is DataTrak. With this software, we can view, and update member information at anytime- from any location. Our most popular functions of this software are: member check in, appointment scheduling, and point of sale transactions. The key priorities of DataTrak are stability, security, flexibility, and user friendliness. Our initiative is bottom line, since we focus more on improvement of our current system to enhance efficiency, rather than trying to market to our services to new customers. Our system helps us achieve CRM by allowing us to see what their goals and problems are so we can help them accomplish their objectives with us. We definitely use CRM more often than SCM because we don’t necessarily sell a product but we do have inventory such as our exercise equipment that is tracked in our order process with the private company that provides our equipment.