Built by UK-based company First Option Software, CmdCentr is a cloud-based park operations system that provides instant insights to streamline operations, through digitalisation of paper-based work streams to create strategic improvements across theme parks and other attractions. 

Sam Barnes, Senior Rides Manager at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort UK said: “We’re expecting CmdCentr to significantly increase our ride capacity with the efficiencies that this innovative platform provides. Within just four months we’re already seeing visitors achieving one additional ride per person, per visit – which is a ten per cent increase on 2020.

“Instead of recording and collating paper-based information, our ride managers are identifying operational areas of improvement which can be seen and resolved as they happen. It’s made our operations much more effective, reducing our operational ride downtime and given our managers more time to spend with their teams to coach and train staff. I’m very happy with how this platform has enhanced our performance and ride capacity during a time when COVID restrictions have impacted how we operate and what we’re able to achieve.”

CmdCentr is comprised of various modules, each providing enhanced efficiency and oversight for park operations managers. The removal of manual paper-based processes allows for redeployment of staff resources and data insights at the click of a button. 

• CmdCentr Ride App – Each ride has a dedicated app to manage staff access (no one can log into a ride or operate it if they have not been trained on it), live data collection and recording (tracking peak times, slower queue times and efficiency changes), operations checks (which are then fed directly to engineers and operations managers), closures/downtime, incident recording, staff requests (toilet breaks, water requests and assistance).

• Monitoring App – Ride managers and other field-based roles get access to instant data and will be notified about ride efficiency, incidents, requests and closures/downtime. 

• Training App – Staff training is delivered, recorded and signed off digitally, reducing the paper trail and speeding up training processes. Training via the app feeds into the wider system, meaning that ride operators are unable to log into rides they have not been trained on, ensuring safety is prioritised. 

• Administration Portal – A central system provides management teams with full control to configure CmdCentr to their parks. Live dashboards for multiple teams provide instant oversight of all app data being collected, allowing quicker responses to incidents and problems. Historic recording of data gives rapid access to reports on past events and insights, giving teams time to make strategic changes that alleviate large queues, pre-empt busy periods and provide additional facilities where they are needed.   

In addition to streamlining day-to-day park operations, CmdCentr allows for collection and analysis of data that shapes strategic decision making. Ride managers have identified ‘unsung hero’ rides which have higher capacities, allowing them to prioritise appropriately when reopening multiple rides to get the highest possible number of guests back onto the rides they came to enjoy.

Karen Glassey, Operations Director at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, said: “I’m so pleased with how CmdCentr has had an immediate beneficial impact. Access to live data, better communication and new insights is benefitting the team as a whole – from ride hosts to managers and beyond. The wider LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort team is noticing the positive impacts this system is having and we have the data to prove it.”

Matt Clarke, Director of First Option Software UK said: “With the global pandemic having a significant impact on theme parks, it’s more important than ever that opportunities to streamline operations and maximise efficiency are created. Beyond the obvious cost savings, CmdCentr’s connected approach brings new opportunities and benefits such as risk reduction, data insights, automation, accountability, staff satisfaction and, of course, guest satisfaction.”