Managing workshop access

I'm posting on behalf of a fellow who manages a 35 member woodworker group in Canada. He has a problem with managing access to the workshop and I thought there might be some useful feedback from the forum.

They have a woodworking shop that has a keycode entry. Currently due to Covid they are limiting access to one member at a time so he started a Google Sheets booking form. But some members are not using the sign up form and will go to the shop hoping no one is there (which is ok). But when a member who has booked goes and finds someone there then it is upsetting. He thinks that reasons for avoidance of the booking form might include lack of computer skills &/and too proud attitude to ask. He has offered training to members.

We met on StackExchange where I was providing volunteer/free support for Google Sheets. We've made some changes to the spreadsheet but I think the spreadsheet might be a red-herring in terms of a solution.

But, whichever way you look at it, he has a problem on his hands. Any feedback from forum members would be appreciated.

I say enforce the on-line booking system.
If users really want to use the shop they will learn.
If you leave it optional they will always take the easy way out.

Yep, enforce the use of the spreadsheet, otherwise the "smarties" will never bother.

Don't worry, where I work, we enforce the use of a Payroll Enquiry form, otherwise you don't get paid your leave.

Put an ordinary lock on it and only use 1 key which is given to whoever has booked it, use a master key lock that can't be copied

use a key security box.
change the code once a week. when people book on line they get code texted 30 minutes before entry.
if anyone gets in another way they are locked out/banned > 3 months

time for being nice is over. if clients don't play fair then don't don't play with them.
I manage a campsite we operate the same way as do many country motels.

I m surprised a single person is permitted to use a managed workshop facility. DIY is different to managed group for which the management bears some responsibility. If the sole person has an incident then there is no one around to assist.

it is Canada, maybe there regulations aren't as strict as ours. But would wager my life that any accident in there, the lawyers would be rubbing their balls together

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Originally Posted by Tonyz

it is Canada, maybe there regulations aren't as strict as ours. But would wager my life that any accident in there, the lawyers would be rubbing their balls together

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When I was working there in 2010 it seemed pretty similar to our regs. At uni we were not supposed to work in a lab alone and if you got caught by security you got reported to the head of department. They would then call you in for a "please explain", mostly they were pretty good about it.

Many thanks for those who replied as well as those who "liked" a post. I've passed on this feedback.

I think that the culture in Canada should be something similar to Australia (i.e. lacking in the USA-style "I have my rights and I can do whatever I want"), in which case, I would expect that the members should be capable of supporting the manager and deciding on the consequences if some members choose not to use the spreadsheet.

Ted

can install smart lock.. usually those things have pin code entry that is limited by time.. and pin codes can be setup remotely.. so basically each day.. members will be given their pin codes which would match codes on the lock..

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Originally Posted by Prle77

can install smart lock.. usually those things have pin code entry that is limited by time.. and pin codes can be setup remotely.. so basically each day.. members will be given their pin codes which would match codes on the lock..

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All very good ideas but more work for the admin who is typically a volunteer and often burdened with way to many other responsibilities.