High-Speed-WiFi at the campsite

While guests have been able to purchase WiFi tickets for their stay since 2015, poor connection quality and frequent network outages have led to dissatisfaction. Moreover, troubleshooting and problem resolution by staff and the IT service provider were time-consuming, and the lost time couldn't be compensated to guests.

Elmar Thanner faced the challenge of establishing a stable and comprehensive network throughout the campground. However, the location amidst nature with dense tree cover and elevation differences of up to 25 meters across the terrain posed significant obstacles. Additionally, the site was not connected to a powerful network, with the nearest distribution box located one kilometer away. Both issues were addressed by experts from Deutsche Telekom: using DT DCIP with a 100 Mbps connection, network specialists connected the campground to the local fiber optic network and provided reception, restaurant, and common areas with sufficient bandwidth. Simultaneously, the subsidiary goingsoft ensured comprehensive WiFi coverage. IT experts installed nine directional masts on the site, also connecting them to the fiber optic network. Four sector antennas on each seven-meter-high mast, along with access points spread throughout the area, now provide complete WiFi coverage. This setup ensures stable signal strength even when multiple users are connected simultaneously.

Currently, the campground employs nine staff members and up to 15 seasonal workers. They manage not only the pitches and sanitary facilities but also operate their own supermarket and a restaurant with a beer garden. With so much to handle, there's little time left to manage WiFi tickets or troubleshoot network outages across the expansive grounds. The solution: the comprehensive guest WiFi package, internet access, and billing system from goingsoft. The Alb-Camping team automates the ticketing system using the netcontrol 365 software. A significant advantage is that guests receive their access credentials directly on their smartphones, eliminating the need for paper prints and cumbersome analog management systems. Users enjoy a whole new level of convenience. Additionally, ticket prices can be tiered – from a one-day WiFi access to an annual usage fee.

Campground staff access the user-friendly interface via desktop and tablet devices. This connectivity was a crucial aspect for Alb-Camping. Thanner explains, "This saves us a lot of time because all staff members receive notifications of network disruptions. Whoever is closest notifies us and deals with the issue directly." Often, this happens so quickly that guests don't even notice the outage. Thanks to the monitoring app, the source and cause of issues can be identified immediately, defective devices can be replaced, or routers can be reset. With goingsoft's remote maintenance of all devices, staff also save time. In cases of irreparable damage, such as from lightning strikes, IT experts immediately provide pre-configured replacement parts for the team to install.

The new IT infrastructure has delighted both guests and the managing director alike. "Since the transition, we have been able to almost increase our ticket revenue tenfold," says Elmar Thanner. "With such a resounding success, we naturally ask ourselves where else we can turn digital knobs, for example, to work more efficiently and have more time for our guests." Therefore, the management is now planning to integrate ticket management and ERP systems. This will further automate workflows and provide greater transparency for guests.

In parallel, Elmar Thanner is considering the introduction of an infotainment system from goingsoft. "We aim to fully digitize our information offering so that guests can access emergency contact numbers, opening hours, reserve a table at the restaurant, or conveniently order their favorite bread rolls via smartphone," says the managing director. “Moreover, this will allow us to digitally provide offers and information to our guests.”