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EōS Fitness case study

EōS Fitness creates a unique connected NFC Wallet gym ecosystem with VTAP

FC Porto's logo

EōS Fitness case study

EōS Fitness creates a unique connected NFC Wallet gym ecosystem with VTAP

EōS Fitness

EōS Fitness is one of the fastest growing gym chains in the United States, focused on delivering high-quality, accessible fitness experiences at scale. They operate mostly across Southern States of the USA offering a broad selection of amenities tailored to customers’ membership level.

Project summary

EōS Fitness is deploying VTAP NFC readers across its gym estate to replace QR codes with a unified tap-to-access infrastructure. The solution supports front desk check-in, entry validation, connected fitness equipment login and premium amenity access with tiered membership enforcement.

The challenge

As EōS scaled rapidly across multiple states, the existing app-based QR check-in model created operational friction:
Q

QR code check-in was using awkward and unreliable QR code scanning hardware.

Q

Slower peak-time entry due to app loading and online connectivity.

Q

Screen brightness and cracked screen scanning issues.

Q

Open to fraudulent use by non-members using easily shared pictures on their smartphones.

Q

Limited centralised control of entitlement logic.

Q

Growing demand for wearable-based access.

The solution

R

A new EōS NFC Wallet membership pass, managed by EGYM, that was issued to members that worked across Android and Apple smartphones plus Apple Watch.

R

VTAP PRO readers, integrated with front desk PCs for check-in and with Wellness Space CryoLounge+ chairs, District Fab towel lockers and Human Touch massage chairs to control access to these amenities.

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All VTAP PRO readers are connected and powered using Power-over-Ethernet, with membership ID data output via USB where needed. Most amenity equipment is relay-controlled using a VTAP PRO I/O expansion board.

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VTAP PRO readers are monitored and managed via VTAP Cloud, which enables real-time centralized decisions on access requests based on membership level and other parameters.

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VTAP Cloud is integrated with the EGYM and EōS membership platforms to determine member identity and access levels and to enforce access rules. VTAP Cloud data is also used by Power BI to identify issues and collect strategic insights on usage of gym infrastructure.

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The project started with a small-scale staff-only pilot, with readers being deployed just for front desk check-in and EGYM strength equipment login. This was followed by testing of automatic control of amenity equipment from different vendors. After success of the pilot tests the solution is being rolled out across all new sites and is being retrofitted to all existing gyms.

More on VTAP Cloud for real-time access decisions

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VTAP Cloud centrally manages access control logic across all locations by communicating with the membership database via real-time API queries. Access and equipment usage decisions are based upon:

  • Membership tier
  • Zone-specific access rights
  • Custom rules for dealing with legacy membership accounts
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When a member taps, the VTAP reader validates the credential and checks entitlement in real time via VTAP Cloud, delivering consistent rule enforcement across the estate.

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Any changes to the decision logic can be made quickly and easily at the server level, with no requirement to modify readers or update on-site databases or controllers.

Aaron Gette, EōS Fitness, says,

“As we continue to scale nationally, we needed an access infrastructure that matches our growth and our member expectations. Moving from QR-based check-in to secure NFC tap with VTAP gives us a seamless member experience, reduced fraud and centralized control over membership rules. VTAP Cloud allows us to manage complex tiered access rules across all locations without operational friction. It was a pleasure working with the Dot Origin team due to their technical competency and significant help coordinating with many different vendors over the entire project. This is foundational technology for the next phase of EōS growth.

Aaron Gette

Chief Information Officer, EōS Fitness