Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1029542
36 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2018 USICERINKS.COM in the lobby to see which locker rooms they have been assigned. They dress in locker rooms where the lights and heat have already been appropriately adjusted. Finally, they hit the ice, where the temperature has automatically been lowered a few degrees specifically to accommodate their particular level of play. Where do you think this team is going to want to skate? Happy customers equal repeat customers and repeat customers equal increased revenue. None of the activities described above require any additional work on the part of the arena staff. The facility simply made use of technology that is currently available. Outsourcing – The Next Big Trend For those of you who would like to receive the benefits of the latest technology without the headache of managing it, you may want to consider outsourcing. Application Service Providers (ASPs) are a new concept in the arena industry whereby a facility's software applications and data reside outside the facility. Facility management, staff, and potential customers gain access to information via the internet, while the security of the data and all application upgrades are the responsibility of the ASP. Instead of paying a large, upfront fee for hardware and software, facility managers/owners pay a reasonablemonthly fee instead. This approach is especially attractive to facilities with multiple locations, where administrators can access the data for all of their facilities from any single location with internet access. Programs are available for all areas of operation to help facility managers achieve maximum benefits. Facility scheduling, activity registration, point of sale, league scheduling, and event management are just a few of the software applications that can improve rink operations. No rink is too small. The only difference between a single sheet arena and an eight sheet multipurpose facility is in the amount of benefit derived. In today's highly competitive and everchanging skating industry, managers who run an efficient operation and take care of their customers are at an advantage. Those who have the advantage generally stay ahead of their competition. Let technology help you be a leader in your market. J Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the July/August 2007 issue of RINK. APPLICATION SERVICE PROVIDERS (ASPS) ARE A NEW CONCEPT IN THE ARENA INDUSTRY WHEREBY A FACILITY'S SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS AND DATA RESIDE OUTSIDE THE FACILITY. Efficient IT 36 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2018 USICERINKS.COM