8
Jun
Access

Hallenbad Weißenfels

Wanzl’s entrance system regulates smooth entry and exit

Sports swimmers, senior citizens, and even mermaids and pirates are all regularly drawn to Hallenbad Weißenfels to train, keep fit or learn to swim. The public indoor swimming pool, built in 1969, attracts around 55,000 visitors per year. Regular improvements and updates ensure that the fun in the pool can continue without a hitch. Following the renovation of the water technology (2014) and the changing and sanitary facilities (2015), the sports and leisure centre of the town of Weißenfels has now equipped the entrance area with a state-of-the-art entrance system from Wanzl. It is an investment in efficiency, comfort and customer friendliness. "We were looking for a new entrance system because the lease agreement for our previous one came to an end. We initially wanted to retain the existing turnstile and integrate it into the new system. However, due to the outdated technology, control was not possible or would have involved a very high level of effort and expense. To ensure smooth access to the swimming pool, we opted for a coordinated and compatible system from Wanzl," explains Dipl.-Ing. D. K. Elison-Böckler, who is responsible for the structural and technical maintenance, repair and equipment of the swimming pools in the sports and leisure centre of the town of Weißenfels. For this reason, V21 ticket machines and the Galaxy Gate access control system now welcome and bid farewell to bathers.

wanzl-access-solutions_kassenautomat-v21-und-galaxy-gate_hallenbad-weissenfels4.jpg

The first stop before taking the plunge is the fully automated V21 ticket vending machine. In striking metallic grey, it looks like an oversized smartphone, welcomes visitors and takes over the ticket sale function from start to finish. Whether a normal or reduced hourly rate, season ticket or special services such as swimming badges and course offers, all tariff systems specific to the indoor swimming pool in Weißenfels are controlled by Wanzl's ETISS ERP® management software. In spite of the different options, every guest gets their desired ticket quickly and easily thanks to an interactive menu navigation, the individual steps of which are displayed on the clearly arranged 21'' touchscreen in an easy-to-follow manner. In addition, LED strip lights signal the operating status of the respective fields of action in the vending machine housing. When they flash, they are ready for operation and guests can immediately see what needs to be done. Elison-Böckler: "The simple, self-explanatory operation of the ticket machine was and is very important to us. After all, we have visitors from all age groups who use this payment system. If necessary, a 'Call Staff' button can also be found on the display.” The choice of payment methods is also adapted to the situation in Weißenfels. "Wanzl offered various payment options from cash or EC/credit cards to NFC (Near Field Communication). We opted for suitably configured coin and banknote receivers with a change function, which can be used to pay with coins from 10 cents and notes up to 20 euros," says Elison-Böckler. Once the payment process has been completed, the integrated printer generates a ticket with a barcode and, if desired, a payment receipt.

wanzl-access-solutions_kassenautomat-v21-und-galaxy-gate_hallenbad-weissenfels2.jpg

This ticket is taken to the Galaxy Gate where the barcode reader in the handrail scans the access authorisation in a flash, the arms of the Galaxy Gate open, and customers can get straight to the fun part – swimming! "Long waits at the entrance disrupt the regular flows and decrease the anticipation. With the new entrance system we guarantee every indoor pool visitor a fast, reliable and structured entry," Elison-Böckler explains enthusiastically. The entrance system offers another advantage: access is entirely autonomous, saving guests time and the sport and leisure centre of the town of Weißenfels resources. Employees can take care of visitors' welfare where it really matters: in the swimming pool. And after hours of refreshment in the water, the checkout process is also smooth with a second V21 ticket machine checking the stored data of the ticket. If guests are unable to tear themselves away from the pool in time, the V21 ticket machine calculates the additional payment. As soon as this has been paid, the Galaxy Gate checks the new data by scan and bids the visitors farewell.

wanzl-access-solutions_kassenautomat-v21-und-galaxy-gate_hallenbad-weissenfels3.jpg

This is where the high level of the system’s flexibility pays off. The bi-directional operation of the Galaxy Gate allows it to be used as an entrance and exit and the extra-high ESG swivel arms efficiently prevent people from climbing over the equipment. In addition, the combination of Galaxy Gate and ticket machine could be optimally adapted to the architectural conditions in Weißenfels thanks to the variable dimensions and passage widths of the access gate. Revision-proof processing and complete logging of payment transactions, which are guaranteed by the ETISS ERP® software, are also important for the smooth operation of the swimming pool. Thanks to standardised interfaces, this can be easily implemented in existing IT structures. "We are completely satisfied with our state-of-the-art facility. The investment was an important and correct step to offer our guests more convenience and to take the indoor pool into the future," Elison-Böckler summarises.