That's a big word that we hear thrown around all the time. What does it really mean and how does an integrated software product affect your club?

Definition: Integration (n.) a combination of parts or objects that work together well (Encarta Dictionary)

In the world of software it means that all the systems are connected and work together. Jonas software is unique in that it has always had one developer from the core on out with a stable flow of information across all modules. The common look and feel make training the Jonas system to multiple team members easier. Because of the integration, information is entered once and flows seamlessly to the other modules reducing workload and data entry mistakes.

Here's a quick list of bullet points of why an integrated, single source software system makes sense in a club:

* Flow of Data - systems are easier to use, easier to train, and reduce human errors

* Flow of Data - systems give access to member information when and where your team needs it, making member service better

* Flow of Data - strong reporting capabilities

* Flow of Data - all pieces of the system work seamlessly together so daily processing is simplified at all levels: accounting, member billing, POS, retail, reservations, online web hosting, etc.

So let's go into a little bit more detail --
As our your club's goals become more centered on providing club value and convenience, the need for an easy and scalable club system will also grow. Internal software systems are at their strongest and feature-rich when they are integrated. Core accounting systems where information flows across multiple areas gives robust reporting capabilities such as Cash Flow statements, member spending by profit center, member retention reporting, Profit/Loss (consolidated and departmental), and the list goes on...

Integrated reservations systems where general member and demographic information flows into booking screens makes a faster system with member-centric information. The features of the integrated POS into the Reservations systems gives your team to setup each sales item with billing and reporting tracking then have it flow onto each reservation with very few steps. Member charges are stream-lined when the reservation are settled enmass or individually.

Integrated club management systems provide your membership with online tools that flow directly from the database such as ePayment & Statements, roster, online reservations systems, and eMarketing. Web products allow your club to offer a cost effective way to engage and expand your club into the lives of your membership which drives member participation and retention.

An integrated member database with user defined information fields will allow your team to build profile information and pictures that will not just benefit your accounting team with access to information but flow out to the POS with dining information, the fitness class for health information, to check-in point stations (front desk) for verification, golf shop with preferences, to your receptionist desk, and the list goes on and on....

This article could really go on for many more paragraphs. Ask yourself where in your club could your use information or a simplified process. Perhaps it's as simple as a wireless POS terminal table side to speed up the order processing? Wherever you have a need, I bet there is an integrated solution that will make a big difference.

Want to talk about your club? Give me a call - I'm at your service!