EVO case study
First major Nordic fitness operator to launch Apple Wallet and Google Wallet digital membership cards
About EVO
EVO is one of the leading Nordic fitness operators, providing premium fitness clubs across Norway and the DACH region that are open from 5am to midnight every day. Built around a digital-first operating model, without a front reception desk, EVO continually invests in technology that simplifies the member experience while maintaining secure, frictionless access across its estate.
The challenge
EVO has built its reputation on delivering a simple, digital member experience across its clubs. As the business continued to grow, it recognised an opportunity to further improve both convenience and security by modernising how members access its facilities.
Members traditionally used an RFID membership tag to enter and exit clubs. While these provided reliable access, they still required members to carry a separate key-fob and introduced the ongoing cost and administration associated with issuing and replacing physical items.
In addition, PIN-based access used by some third-party fitness aggregation platforms presented further operational challenges, with PINs susceptible to being captured and shared through screenshots and messaging apps.
EVO wanted to introduce a more intuitive and secure alternative that would allow members to access clubs using the smartphone or smartwatch they already carry every day, while protecting its existing investment in access control infrastructure.
A key requirement was the ability to introduce any new technology incrementally, allowing digital membership cards to be rolled out progressively alongside the existing RFID access tags, creating a smooth migration path for members while also allowing for a future option to replace the PIN-based access used by partner platforms.
The solution
Working with Dot Origin, EVO introduced NFC-based digital membership cards using Apple Wallet and Google Wallet across its fitness clubs.
The solution combines Stell's digital wallet platform for NFC-enabled membership pass issuance and lifecycle management with EVO's own member management system. VTAP100 NFC access control readers were connected via OSDP to existing Lenel door controllers and configured to operate with the existing access control system with minimal changes.
Members simply add their digital membership card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet once and can then enter and exit participating fitness clubs by tapping their smartphone or smartwatch on the VTAP reader. Existing RFID key-fobs are also read by the VTAP reader, providing a single check-in solution for all contactless technologies.
By replacing legacy RFID readers and deploying VTAP NFC readers alongside the existing infrastructure, EVO can introduce digital wallet membership cards progressively without disrupting day-to-day operations. As adoption grows, physical RFID tags can be phased out while maintaining a seamless experience for all members.
The same platform also provides a migration path for third-party fitness aggregation services that currently rely on PIN-based access, enabling those access tokens to be replaced with secure digital wallet passes as a future enhancement.
Benefits include
Progressive migration
Introduce Apple Wallet and Google Wallet alongside existing RFID cards and fobs, allowing members to be upgraded over time without disrupting operations.
Simple integration
VTAP100 NFC readers integrate with existing access control hardware and software, avoiding costly replacement of existing systems.
Better member experience
Members simply tap their smartphone or smartwatch to enter and exit clubs, removing the need for their physical key-fob.
Enhanced security
Digital wallet credentials are securely stored on members' devices, helping to reduce the risk of RFID fobs and PIN codes being shared by unauthorised users.
Delivering frictionless NFC Wallet access for fitness clubs across Norway and the DACH region
120+
fitness clubs
100K
members
1st
Nordic NFC Wallet deployment
Morten Hellevang, EVO, says,
"At EVO, we're always looking for ways to make the member experience simpler while continuing to invest in innovation. Launching Apple Wallet and Google Wallet membership allows us to offer members a fast, intuitive way to access our clubs using the devices they already use every day.
Dot Origin has been an excellent technology partner throughout the project. Their technical expertise, collaborative approach and responsive support enabled us to integrate digital wallet seamlessly alongside our existing access control infrastructure, giving us the flexibility to introduce the service progressively across our member base. Together with Stell, we've delivered a secure, scalable solution that enhances the member experience today while providing a strong foundation for future digital services.."