In the leisure centre there are telephones that are used to communicate, but it is mainly manual systems that are used to run the leisure centre.
Problems with the existing ICT system within the leisure centre are:
- the poor standard of ICT equipment,
- most work is done manually and when the work is done using the computers work is made more difficult than it should be,
For example in reception there is no printer connected in there so the receptionist have to go else where to get work printed off.
In addition, due to the poor ICT within the leisure centre it is causing problems such as:
- Information has been lost which leads to numerous customer complaints, because sporting facilities are being double booked etc.
- This maybe due to the fact that the computers do not have appropriate software, or the fact that some of the staff are unsure of how to use the computers and are scared of using them.
- Other problems that exist in the leisure centre, are the fact that there are not enough computers that have the up to date programs that can be used, or printers.
Recommendations of improvements of the existing ICT system are to have:
- The computers all on one network so that the different departments can access data that is needed, and if there is certain data that should not be accessed then data can be restricted. Also back ups should always be made just in case there are, loss of files or corruption by viruses on the networks.
- Computers within the leisure centre that are not used, should be improved and made more efficient, so that they can be used, this may mean redesigning the computers software.
- Having software, the computers that allows different departments to communicate with one and other so that they can discuss work issues. These programs may include net meeting.
Improving departments facilities of ICT, such as admin, allowing them to be able to access programs that make there work easier, and been able to keep an organised system. Admin could use EDI electronic data interchange, which allows users to exchange important documents, invoices, receipts over a telephone network.
EDI can drastically reduce the number of paperwork, this also makes the transfer of documents a lot quicker, then if they were sent via post.
Example of EDI
Payroll in finance, this is the task of keeping records of financial data, the working out the number of hours that employees work, tax rate etc this is all worked out and then payslips are produced, all the data is then saved in a master file.
Communication with the employees and members/customer s of the leisure centre is very important. Telephone numbers, which customers can ring or vice versa the leisure centre can ring them. The Internet is also the way forward in communication, a web site that can be accessed to see local events that are happening at the leisure centre or to see what the leisure centre has to offer is also very important.
EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer at point of sales) maybe used in the restaurant/shop or to pay for bookings, within the leisure centre. The EFTPOS service provides, automatic debiting from customers bank accounts.
But before any ICT changes are made the employees of the leisure centre have to be well trained and feel confident about using the applications, the employees should also feel like they are working in a sufficient working environment, such as:
I. Suitable working terminals with sufficient space.
2. Comfortable seating.
3. Regular breaks.
4..That the work environment around them is safe, to avoid and accidents from happening.
Conclusion benefits of making these changes to the leisure centres ICT system are, a more sufficient and affective working environment, information is kept more secure and in an accessible manor. Makes work easier to do and done in a quicker time, having work on the network allows departments to pass on information to other departments. And allows the leisure centre to communicate with the consumers a lot better, which hopefully means that the leisure centre will gain customer loyalty.
There are also drawbacks to making changes, such as viruses, computers been damaged and important data been lost. This could increase the amount of customers compliments, facilities may be come double booked. If the network fails or needs repairing, that's why I recommend a computer in reception that is not linked to the network, so that if the network fails, the different departments can use the computer and run as normal with the back up data that they have.