Case Study

David Lloyd Clubs

Freeing the GM from the backoffice with Windows 10 and Surface

Microsoft Surface, Office 365, Windows 10

A secure, remote working solution implemented across 100 leisure facilities, Europe wide, transformed both internal and external communications and revolutionised client management systems.

"Centrality had total coherent understanding of our needs at the very start of the project. All the senior team were involved in the initial conversations, and oversaw the project as it developed to delivery and installation.”

Bruce Gardner, IT Director

The Challenges

The individual clubs’ General Managers were tied into undertaking their administrative tasks in their Club Office using their wired network based computers, with no opportunity to work out in their Club and remotely. This meant the General Managers had a reduced presence within their Club premises, both with Club members and their own teams. It was certainly a far from ideal scenario .

The Objectives

“The initial engagement was excellent and we quickly had clarity on the price, content and scope of the project.”

The Solution

Linking general managers with their workforces and keeping them in touch via email, internet and Skype for Business, as well as connecting them with the business applications needed to undertake and collaborate on their daily tasks on an any-time, any-place basis, was to be made possible by the implementation of Microsoft Windows 10 and Office 365 incorporating OneDrive for Business. Access to a virtual private network (VPN) would also be provided to allow access to back office applications.

The hardware chosen was the Microsoft Surface Pro. This is in essence a tablet designed to replace a laptop. Created to optimise the benefits of Windows 10, it offers the same power as a laptop, but far greater portability and flexibility: perfect for the on-the-go needs of David Lloyd Clubs’s busy General Managers.

Project Challenges

A key element of the brief for Centrality was to ensure least possible disruption to the staff and members at each of the clubs across Europe. Delivery would have to be seamless, with every eventuality considered. Centrality formed a dedicated consultancy, design and implementation team to work closely with the organisation’s IT director and IT architect, ensuring every detail was taken care of ahead of approval by the main Board.

“Centrality listened to our ideas and through joint discussion those ideas were progressed and turned into reality.”

Delivery

Preliminary discussions were held in November. By Christmas, the new system was being trialled, and in February and March, it was rolled out to all Clubs Europe wide. The deadline was accomplished.

The Benefits

The organisation’s General Managers now have much improved visibility within each of the clubs. They can be much more closely involved on a one-to-one basis with their teams, and have the added flexibility of being able to work remotely, either in any part of the club, at home or anywhere they choose.

The new system has also boosted the speed at which enquiries from current and prospective members can be dealt with, and revolutionised member management systems.

“The rollout has been managed to plan in a very professional manner with regular accurate updates. Any additional requests from David Lloyd Leisure have been listened to and actioned without any fuss. This has been a great example of how to execute a project professionally from the initial idea through successful rollout. Well done to all the team involved.”

David Lloyd Clubs

Freeing the GM from the backoffice with Windows 10 and Surface

A secure, remote working solution implemented across 100 leisure facilities, Europe wide, transformed both internal and external communications and revolutionised client management systems.

The Challenges

The Objectives

The Solution

Project Challenges

Delivery

The Benefits

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