Echino.Access vs PATO

Echino.Access is web-based access control for fitness and leisure centers, including multi-site operators. It assigns entry rights to areas and time slots according to member subscriptions, services, and permissions. Credentials can be QR codes, barcodes, or RFID cards and badges. Staff can open doors remotely from a smartphone and set opening hours. Real-time views cover access, attendance, and occupancy, with alerts for unauthorized access and late payments. At check-in, the system can send push, SMS, or email notifications and display customer information on access controllers. A purchased service can become available immediately. Echino.Booking reservations can control entry to reserved areas or services, while Echino.Online purchases and Echino.POS sales can grant or unlock access. Echino says it provides hosting and backups for data in Switzerland; customers own their club data and can access it from any internet-connected device. Support is available by phone or online. Basic, Premium, and Enterprise plans require a demo and discussion for a priced offer.

PATO is an AI-first gym management system for owners and members, available on Android, iOS, and web. Members can use its AI to log meals, build training and meal plans, book classes, and ask billing questions. Food entries can be made by photo, text, voice, or label scan, with estimates matched against a catalogue of 11K+ verified foods. Coaching tools include 2.9K+ movements and a plan builder for programs from 2 to 24 weeks. PATO detects at-risk members and supports automated or drafted outreach, recording each send. Gyms connect their own Stripe or GoCardless account for card and direct debit payments; PATO says it takes no percentage of member payments, while gyms pay the processor directly. Access provides QR check-in, and Access Pro can control compatible smart locks, keypads, and card readers. Classes, Access, Access Pro, Shop, and Custom Gamification are add-ons rather than base-plan features. PATO says gym data is isolated at the database level and staff access is role-based. It stores customer data in Australia under New Zealand privacy obligations; its AI does not give medical advice and routes injury, pain, and medical questions to gym coaches.