Pilates Method Alliance
Client Business
Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the regulation of professional Pilates instructors who continue the teachings of Joseph and Clara Pilates. Pilates is a full-body system of specific sequenced exercises performed on a mat and specially designed equipment. The method is centered around the concepts of movement using awareness, balance, breath, centering concentration, control, flowing movement, and precision designed to uniformly develop the body and mind as well as strengthen, and balance the body. PMA establishes certification and education for Pilates instructors, thus ensuring the protection of the public and raising the standards for everyone by strengthening the unity and professionalism of the Pilates community.
Business Challenge
PMA was using FileMaker to track memberships, create invoices and track members’ credentials and capabilities. The legacy system was primarily a few flat files, with limited relational functionality and limited web interface. PMA was experiencing phenomenal growth, and while the solution was adequate for day-to day operations, it did not allow for easy user training, quick retrieval of data for reporting. The solution did not provide a sound foundation on which to build new functionality PMA needed.
Solution Provided
Extensitech created a solution in FileMaker Pro to provide an extensible, efficient, secure, user-friendly solution that acts as a strong foundation for future functionality and enhancements. Normalizing the existing data and migrating the system to FileMaker 7 makes it easier to modify and enhance the solution, and makes it easier to retrieve data for reporting. The system is structured for the unique needs of PMA while still providing the flexibility to address new business needs well into the future.
In addition to the usual contact management functionality, PMA’s FileMaker solution includes detailed data about memberships, providers of continuing education credits, training programs, instructors and PMA Pilates certifications. The system also includes merchandise sales, renewal notices, donation tracking, invoicing and receipt of payments.
PMA uses their system for end-to-end management of daily operations, and continues to add automation, web integration and other functionality to the system.
