Ashbourne case study
Ashbourne transforms gym access with NFC Wallet
About Ashbourne
Ashbourne Membership Management is a leading UK provider of membership management software and services for independent gyms and fitness operators.
Its platform supports membership billing, CRM, access control and operational tools that help gyms improve retention and revenue.
Working with a wide network of gyms of 1,000 gyms, Ashbourne focuses on helping operators modernise their member experience while improving efficiency and scalability.
Project summary
Ashbourne is rolling out NFC Wallet-based gym access across its network, enabling members to enter gyms using Apple Wallet and Google Wallet on their smartphones.
By combining its membership platform with VTAP NFC readers, Ashbourne is delivering a tap-first access experience that removes friction for members and simplifies operations for gym owners.
This rollout represents a shift from traditional access methods toward a more seamless, secure and scalable model built around digital Wallet credentials.
The challenge
Gym operators have traditionally relied on a mix of access methods that create friction, cost and complexity.
These include plastic membership cards that are lost or shared, QR codes that require camera interaction, app-based access that adds extra steps, and fingerprint biometric systems that require onboarding, maintenance and hygiene management.
The result is a compromised experience for both members, through delays at entry, and operators, through increased cost, support burden and system complexity. Ashbourne recognised the need for a solution that delivers both security and simplicity, without the drawbacks of cards, QR or biometrics.
The solution
Ashbourne has introduced a digital Wallet-based access model, powered by VTAP NFC readers, which are integrated with access gates or turnstiles at gym entrances. VTAP50 boxed serial-connected readers are used for simple integration with Ashbourne's existing management software and access hardware.
Members receive their gym membership pass directly in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and simply tap their phone at the entrance to gain access. The membership pass can be re-branded for Ashbourne's different gym customers.
The technology was first tested and piloted at Ashbourne's own Gym in Redditch before making the solution available to any customer that wants to upgrade. The Wallet pass is going to be used more than seamless gym entry, but as a foundation for a more innovative, personalisation fitness ecosystem for members. It will be used for stored-value payments around the gym, membership loyalty programs and equipment log-in for personalised work-outs.
The result
97%
membership update after 1 month
More on VTAP Cloud for real-time access decisions
Frictionless member experience
Members simply tap their phone to enter, with no need to open apps or scan codes.
Faster entry and improved flow
NFC tap enables near-instant entry, reducing queues at peak times.
Strong security without biometric friction
Wallet credentials are device-bound and protected by biometrics, removing the need for fingerprint systems.
Simple deployment
VTAP readers integrate easily with existing access gates and turnstiles, enabling rapid rollout across multiple sites.
Future-ready platform
Creates a foundation for additional use cases such as premium access, equipment interaction, loyalty and identity verification.
Toby Wassell, Ashbourne Membership Management, says,
"Digital Wallet access is a natural evolution for gyms. It aligns with how members already use their phones every day and removes unnecessary friction from the access experience. By combining our membership platform with VTAP’s NFC technology, we can offer gym operators a solution that is more convenient for members, while also being more secure, scalable and cost-effective to deploy across multiple locations. This is not just about replacing cards, QR codes or even biometrics. It is about creating a better, more connected experience from the moment a member arrives."