Madshus has created a paradigm shift in the world of fitness with the release of its new empower program. Madshus empower incorporates radio rrequency identification (RFID) and more specifically, near field vommunication (NFC) technology to customize consumers’ purchasing decisions based on their personal fitness level and experience.
The integration of NFCs has been trending in mobile devices, wristbands, cards, and apparel; however, Madshus is one of the first sporting goods companies to utilize this technology by embedding a chip directly into its skis. “The launch of Madshus empower is the first step in what will be an entirely new and interactive future integration of gear and fitness,” says the company.
The goal behind Madshus empower is to transform the retailer and customer experience by making a more precise and true fit to one’s skiing ability. The embedded NFC chip, once scanned, provides retailers with instant ski selection capabilities, heightened inventory management, and streamlined customer service. Within minutes, individuals are matched with their perfect ski. Although NFC chips have been around for some time, Madshus ignites the concept of incorporating it into their fitness tools, like skis, and broadens the use of the technology to capture detailed fitness and health data.
Along with Madshus empower technology, the free Madshus empower app also is available to download through the App Store and Google Play. This consumer component will provide individuals with an on-the-go resource to better customize their skiing performance through changing snow conditions, while also providing them the ability to log and store their workouts, ski inventory, and wax history.
Denoted by an on-product Smart Ski sticker, Madshus empower is featured on Madshus’ 2014/2015 REDLINE and Champion series skis.
