PREMIER SPA+ ENTERPRISE EDITION

THE SPA MARKET

Premier Software Solutions will be releasing new products, developed using .NET / SQL 2005, which build upon the existing versions of the highly acclaimed Premier range of products. The range already includes Fitness, Salon, Spa and Golf solutions. The new development will promote the range into a new market sector that can be run over the Internet if required.

The new development, internally identified as ‘3G’ will probably be branded Premier Enterprise [or something similar] to reflect the new architecture that enables client’s to operate a totally centralised system over the Internet with individual spas located in different sites, towns, or even countries. Thus it will control systems at both a local and enterprise level.

TIMESCALES

The software is nearing completion and will be going through exhaustive QA and beta testing over coming months ready for a launch at the start of 2007.

FUNCTIONALITY - GENERAL

Premier 3G will have all the functionality of the existing Premier Spa+ so that existing clients who migrate to the new version will lose none of the powerful features of the current system.

The product, unlike some systems on the market, provides a full suite of fully integrated modules – spa booking, stock management, membership, POS and management reporting. Golf is an add-on that that integrates with Spa+ and will be integrated to 3G later next year (no date has yet been scheduled).

Again the extensive features in Spa+ such as 4-hands treatment, 2 guests to 1 room, intelligent wait lists, treatment and product waiting lists, recommended stock reorder, historic hair formula, point and click appointment moves without losing verification integrity, appointment linking (multiple booking - 1 check-in/1 bill), contra medical indicators, etc are all included in 3G.

FUNCTIONALITY - MULTI--LINGUAL

Furthermore, like Spa+, 3G will be multi-lingual but with the additional benefit of the user being able to log in and see screens in their preferred language. Spa+ has already been translated into Japanese, using the ‘double-byte’ technology, and French. As with this product localization, translation will be carried out by Premier Software’s regional Business Partners.

FUNCTIONALITY - NEW

The .NET / SQL 2005 architecture will clearly enable the system to be used in a totally different way – although it is anticipated most clients will continue to operate in a single-server, local configuration. The current Spa+ product will continue to be available and developed dependant on market demand.

Where required a user could operate over the Internet, for example if one treatment room was located too far away from the main server for a direct connection, access could be provided over the web. The future development sees members being able to access the system via the Internet maybe to check Loyalty points or amend bank standing orders. Due to the open architecture it will be possible for 3 rd parties to integrate their systems into Spa+. For example a clients web site may sell products, and the order is sent to Spa+ via XML / Web Services for the integrated Mail Order module of Spa+ to process. As spas pride themselves in the ultimate service standards, and as there is much confidentiality in patient’s medial history for example, the concept of web booking (whilst technically feasible) is unlikely to be required by top spas.

However there is the potential for larger Groups to manage systems using the web in an ASP (Application Service Provider) configuration. In this scenario 3-4 spa operations with diverse locations could all be operated using the web (as a growing number of applications do) and the main server will be located at head office. The spa operation will therefore need no server – lower hardware costs, less IT-minded staff as back-up is managed at head office and all updates and supplier communications will come from one place. The Group can then manage staff, stocks, revenue and consolidated information from the centre.

In addition there are many features of an SQL database that provide faster, more flexible searches and the ability of users to select data and create extracts for reporting.

ARCHITECTURE

The system is written using the .NET Framework (using C#) and SQL Server 2005. These are currently, in most people’s eyes, the de facto standard for business application software providing the open architecture, resilience and portability across many devices.

COMPATIBLITY

As previously stated the system will be compatible with the current release of Premier Spa+ in (a) functionality and (b) there will be a utility provided to convert data from the current Visual FoxPro systems. Users will clearly not be able to mix and match and have the FoxPro Golf application interfacing with the 3G product when it is released.

FUTURE INFORMATION

One of the greatest signs of a quality product is a prestigious client list. Premier certainly has that with top spa brands such as Champneys in the UK, Le Meridien (European Spa of the Year) in Cyprus and Six Senses in Maldives as examples. Conversations with several spas in the UK validated the general impression of market leadership. Feedback highlighted the financial returns from using Premier Spa+ which included improved quality of services to guest – the ultimate goals and a priceless asset, increased sales through upselling products and marketing facilities, cost saving by efficient stock utilisation, increased revenue by using Wait Lists and SMS texts. One top London spa commented the greatest benefit was the therapist’s total satisfaction with the system. He said “these girls are like gold-dust in London and they love the product as it helps them provide the best service and it help retain key staff.”

In summary the product has all the attributes of a brand leader. It has been developed specifically for the spa industry, it has the functionality, ease of use and flexibility to meet spas needs in hotels, destinations, resorts, health farms or day spas. It is highly acclaimed by consultants and users. It has international recognition, the technology requirements are all met by the new release and it contributes to delivering the ultimate spa experience for many users around the world.