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Biometric body building

Classique has distinguished itself among Fitness Centres by looking a little closer at the physique of its customers - specifically at their fingerprints, with a biometric turnstile that controls entry.

Deon Leach, manager of Body Classique checks his physique with a biometric scanner

Doug Swanepoel, of the rapidly expanding group of gyms sees benefits all round in installing a biometric turnstile for the members. "It is very similar in price to other access control systems and biometrics offers our members the benefit of ultimate convenience," he says. Fingerprint scanning ensures exclusivity while accessibility is always guaranteed for members.

There is also the aspect of being a leader in utilising 21st century technology. The novelty of a biometric access system seems to have taken with the imagination of the members. Even before installation, Doug says, the customers were very inquisitive regarding the prospective scanners at the access points.

Although fingerprint scanning is still relatively new technology for access control, Bret Gierke, branch manager for Accsys, East London, is confident that the gym is an ideal setting for a biometric scanner. "Generally, gym members are sophisticated technology users and used to following procedures," he says.

He also points out that the gym is a clean area and, with an external airflow, very well ventilated and therefore the ideal environment for the scanners.

The Accsys biometric system is installed at the first gym in the Body Classique chain in the beach area of Quigney, East London. The gym caters for different groups including bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts and the health conscious. It even sports a health supplement bar. Although it has not been launched yet, word has got out and the gym already has a growing membership of over 200 members in the first month and a half. The next branch was launched in August in Gonubie.

The process to validate the members' fingerprint with the biometric system is very simple and quick. It can be done by the gym staff as each member comes onto the premises for the first time. The system can easily store and recognise all the members' fingerprints in the growing gym.

According to Teryl Schroen, MD of Accsys, there is a growing demand for biometric access control technology because of the high level of security offered by fingerprint scanning. Accsys, provider of HR, payroll and access control solutions, incorporates biometric technology in its Time Manager range of products. The technology is fast becoming a global trend in access control, payroll and work floor management.

"Biometrics offers a fraud-proof system that identifies individuals by unique physical attributes that prevents 'buddy clocking' and significantly minimises losses," says Schroenn.

The system is locally developed and constructed. "We are proud to be South African and using South African know-how. Our system has proved to be reliable and stable, and we are proud to offer a local product of a high standard that is very cost effective," says Schroenn.

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