Itrim increases accessibility with mobile keys from Parakey

In the spring of 2023, the fitness chain Itrim started implementing mobile access from Parakey to increase availability and security at their centers. Their members can now work out at more flexible times, regardless of staff presence, and unlock the gym with the smartphone. Itrim has also chosen to activate the integration that exists between their CRM-system Gym Control and Parakey for a access management completely on autopilot.

On a sunny day in Stockholm, we step into Itrim and meet an equally sunny and exuberant Cicki Clauss, Site and Operations Manager for Itrim Sweden. The fitness chain has so far chosen to install the world's smallest access control system Parakey Slim in the entrance door to eight of their centers, and four more centers are planned to be enriched shortly. 

Parakey simplifies the workday for Itrim staff, saving both time and money. Previously, double staffing was required at opening and closing, which is no longer needed. This, combined with simplified administration, has freed up time for other tasks, such as membership sales and customer meetings. 

Increased accessibility and safety results in extended opening hours

Cicki expresses that the accessibility for their members is one of the biggest values of mobile access according to her, and an important reason behind their choice to install Parakey. With Parakey, the opening hours have been extended to 05-22 at their center as members can unlock the gym even when it is unmanned, creating more flexibility and allowing them to train when it suits them.

"Above all, members have more freedom at weekends, they no longer have to deal with our staffed morning or afternoon hours," says Cicki. 

Safety and security are also a major value of Parakey for Itrim, both for staff and members. 

Cicki mentions in part the peace of mind that they can always have the centers open no matter the circumstances, as they no longer depend on a physical key to unlock. She gives a messy snowstorm as an example of when they had problems in the past with staff getting stuck in traffic and not being able to open the gym. Cicki also says that security has increased at the centers: 

"In the past, the reception was often unmanned and the door was unlocked, but now when we are in talks or meetings, we know that only our members are in our premises and that no one who shouldn't be here is coming in. And the same goes for our members, that they can feel safe and secure that the door is locked and that only registered members have access to the center."

"Then it's very simple and user-friendly - that's where I really think Parakey stands out from other providers."

She continues to give Parakey praise: 

"Then it is very simple and user-friendly - where I really think Parakey differs from other providers. We hardly need to ask for any help at all, and the few times it has been needed, we have always received quick and clear answers from the support. When I also got to know Parakey's Help Center, I needed to email even less often, "says Cicki with a laugh. 

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Seamless integration between Gym Control and Parakey

Itrim uses the CRM system Gym Control to manage memberships, payments, direct debits and bookings - and now also members' access through an integration with Parakey. 

"Parakey is an innovative company that we have had the pleasure of following and working with since they started, and we have completed several successful projects together," comments Åsa Sjöström, Sales Manager at Gym Control. 

The integration automates Itrim's access management, virtually eliminating all manual handling. 

Once a customer has purchased a membership and been registered with their email address in Gym Control, a digital key is automatically sent to the member, who can directly unlock the gym with the Parakey app. In addition, when members unlock the door with Parakey, they are automatically registered at the center, reducing the need for additional check-in with membership bracelets.

The integration works just as smoothly when a membership is to be terminated: access is automatically restored and the mobile key expires when the membership expires. 

Do you own a gym and want to create a more flexible, seamless and safe workout experience for your members? Cicki says you should try Parakey!