In June 2018 Scott and Rachel Davis, who have been using cloud-based class management software since 2004, finally went totally digital. They had already realized amazing benefits from implementing the children’s activity center sector’s most popular software solution AND they were keeping some paper back-ups in place. The back-ups were something they were a little ‘old school’ about. When they finally let go, the payoff for using cloud-based class management software skyrocketed!
Up until a few months ago, Scott and Rachel’s gym – eNeRGy Kidz – had used their cloud-based system for most everything but had not totally leveraged the system’s features because of the potential distress of internet interruptions.
They spent lots of time keeping up with printed rolls, students’ skills charts and communicating with the staff when there were absences or makeups AND inputting much of the same data in to their software system which was a VERY time-consuming ‘just in case’ work, but work they felt was a necessary safety net.
Today, the paper updates are gone. Everything is done in the cloud in their class management software. There are no more stacks of paper shuffled around the office. They purchased 20 tablets and all instructors use them on the floor.
On a weekly basis, their office manager downloads a PDF version of all the rolls so that, during the rare internet interruption, office managers will be able to maintain some organization amidst the inconvenience. Now it takes only a few minutes each week to have the backup for the sense of security they need.
There are pros and cons to digital. Let’s look at the cons first, just because I like knowing what I’m up against when I’m looking at pros.
The cons
- There is the Internet thing. No software system can control it and it CAN go down.
- There is the purchase and management of the tablets (remember, you’re putting them in the hands of teachers who are on the floor while using them)
- There is the management of the connections of each tablet to the router and the stability of the router in your network.
The pros
- Processes are streamlined through automation and access to a database.
- Paperwork shifts and archives are eliminated.
- Time-savings is almost unimaginable – even for seasoned users – including absence entry, skill tracking, scheduling make ups, transferring students between classes.
The magnitude of the pros make the cons look ridiculous. Knowing what the cons are now, look at how obviously awesome the pros are.
The internet. Be realistic about how much internet interruption actually happens. Be realistic, not paranoid. If downtime is a pattern, it’s time to get with your internet service provider. Jackrabbit has no control over the reliability or speed of your internet connection except provide best practices for browser maintenance.
Tablet cost. You just sort of have to roll with this one. The increased productivity for your employees FAR exceeds any device investment.
Router connectivity. Some folks are technically inclined for such tasks and some are not. If this overwhelms you, get technical help.
Let’s detail the pros.
Streamline processes. Employee productivity skyrockets and energy can be directed toward more valuable human interaction – which also improves the experience you provide to your families.
Paperwork is eliminated. The costs of the paper itself and to the environment that printing literally tons of pages causes is magically gone.
Time-savings. No one has to spend time hovering over legal pads and sign-up sheets, transferring information from one sheet to another or a host of other manual tasks.
Never-ending improvement. The savings and productivity are recurring. And additional ways to save or become more efficient are continuously discovered or added via technology.
You can put cloud-based, class management software to work for you without being a technology genius and – as Scott and Rachel have illustrated – you can jump into the totally digital world immediately or work through it gradually. The power is truly put in your hands.
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The United States Gymnastics Suppliers Association (USGSA) is an organization of member companies who supply high quality products and services to the gymnastics industry. We are the world’s largest association of Gymnastics Suppliers and Manufacturers and are here to help guide, develop and lead the industry for a better future for gymnasts, clubs and companies servicing the Gymnastics community.
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