Project: Rangers F.C teleticketing system for Ibrox stadium
Integrator: Carnegie Information system
Client: Rangers F.C

Key figures:

110.000 ASK GTML cards for season tickets over 3 years
ASK GEN320 readers
Key ring readers

Rangers F.C., one of the most famous football teams in the United Kingdom, initiated a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) project in 1999. They quickly realised that to offer a truly beneficial event access system, there was a need to couple CRM expertise with the experience of a highly skilled smart card provider.

Main issue:

In 1999, Rangers F.C decided to replace the Team's 14 existing databases to initiate their CRM strategy.
A teleticketing system based on dual interface microprocessor smart cards allows them to know who has purchased a ticket, how and when they were purchased and if and when they are used. As for a regular ticketing system once the ticket is dispensed, it is the end of the process for the system. Another issue was forged tickets. "The introduction of the smart card system at Ibrox has greatly reduced the potential for forged tickets," said Laurence McIntyre, operations manager for the Rangers.

ASK Solution:

GTML Rangers card includes a private e-purse, a loyalty scheme and basic holder ID information.
As a dual interface card, GTML offers a contactless interface for fast entry though the turnstiles and a contact interface used for storing seat details, loyalty points and cash value.
Cash transfers and loyalty points are updated on passing through the turnstile thus available for use once inside the stadium.
The average time for the whole operation is less than one-half a second. That time includes the read and write transaction completed when the card passes over the contactless reader; moving patron's through the turnstile takes no more than three seconds.
A display on the inside of the turnstile alerts the steward in case of a problem card. The system presents different error codes depending on the nature of the problem, such as a stolen card wrong area, already entered, allowing attendants to manage the situation accordingly.
Information regarding the seat may be updated in the chip every season, so the same card can be kept for several years.