September 2025 WATERLINE | 11 FEATURE CRM, ACCESS CONTROL & SECURITY Losing a fob. Forgetting a code. Waiting while someone finds the right key. These small frustrations can add up for marina staff, contractors, and crew — and they don’t have to. Modern access control systems can make entry as easy as walking through the gate, without compromising on security. The goal is simple: keep the right people moving, while keeping everyone else out. Installations can combine two approaches: swipe cards for contractors, and facial recognition for regular staff and crew. For those using facial recognition, access feels instant — just walk up to the gate and it opens. Supplying images ahead of time lets permissions be set remotely — no in-person onboarding, no late-night callouts. Integration with marina management or CRM software means access rights update automatically based on booking data. No double handling, no outdated permissions, and no chasing paperwork. “Gates are never one-size-fits-all. The system has to suit the site — but above all, it has to work. Reliability is everything.” - DAVID SYMONS, DIRECTOR DASH SYMONS SYSTEMS Perimeter security is strengthened with human-detection cameras using onboard analytics. These can identify movement, distinguish people from other activity, and send alerts to the right staff — reducing the need for constant monitoring. SEAMLESS SECURITY: ACCESS WITHOUT THE HASSLE By Bri Smith, Operations Manager DASH Symons Group The same technology works just as well for high capacity facilities as it does smaller marinas and boatyards. Operators can mix and match — using facial recognition for frequent users, fobs for visitors, or both — to suit their site and clientele. The result is less admin, fewer access issues, and a smoother experience for everyone who belongs there. When a gate works seamlessly, it stops feeling like a barrier — and starts feeling like part of the welcome. Modern marina and boatyard operators have a lot to deal with, from overseeing staff and complex finances to ensuring compliance and keeping clients happy. If you are managing all these things across multiple separate technology systems, it can make the challenge even harder. Logging into one platform for access control and security, switching to another for finances and client invoicing, and one more to manage berth booking is an unnecessary waste of time when comprehensive systems are available to manage everything in one place. A SINGLE SOURCE OF TRUTH Using a one-stop shop software solution that consolidates all aspects of operations under one digital roof can save hours of time and reduce room for error. Having a single source of truth for all customer and operational information means no separate logins, no duplication of data entry and no figuring out which platform is the most up to date. When considering a marina management platform, investigate how it interfaces with other technology systems you are using, such as Protégé, utility systems like Patron Power and TallyBee, and accounting software such as Xero. A reliable interface that updates automatically and hopefully in real time will ensure you have accurate visibility and a centralised master database, saving time and money. For example, when your utility monitoring integrates seamlessly with your invoicing system, you eliminate manual meter readings and reduce billing errors. UNIFIED SYSTEMS IN ACTION More operators are seeing the value of unified systems. In New Zealand, Auckland Council has recently completed a project to unify Westhaven, Viaduct (now Auckland Central) and Silo Marinas under the PacsoftNG marina management system, with integrations set up to ensure it interfaces well with systems from third parties. WHY UNIFIED SYSTEMS ARE THE SMART CHOICE FOR MARINA OPERATORS By Sean Cocks, General Manager Pacsoft This process has enhanced the customer experience by facilitating SMS messaging and improved communications. Simplified statements and new payment options make transactions more convenient for customers, while built-in auditing tools boost transparency and accountability across all three sites. The project has also laid the foundation for the future addition of PacsoftNG’s online Customer Portal. The portal will enable customers to log in to update their own personal details, manage their accounts, book berths and dry storage launches, and provide and source key information. The technology is here, and the competitive advantage is clear – unified systems mean all elements of your software are pulling in the same direction to make the sailing of your operation as smooth as possible.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1