The so far biggest update of our system - and the question why?

We would like to ask all our users to switch to "the new Salonized". If you haven't done that yet, you've probably already seen this request. But what does this update contain? Why is it necessary to switch? Is there a deadline? And are we still working on the requests for new features? In this blog, I'll try to answer the most frequently asked questions.

Let's start with the question about the deadline, because there really is one. It is very important that all users have switched to the new version of Salonized by 1 October 2021. It's been 4 months since the first user switched to the new update. In the meantime, we have been working hard on improvements and additional features to make the switch even more attractive. You can read more about it in this blog.

Of course, we understand that it takes some getting used to: a new design, a new appointment form (our most important feature) and many functions that have been repositioned. Therefore, we try to give all users enough time to get used to it. Unfortunately, there is a deadline for switching to the new version. This has to do with the fact that we currently have to keep two "versions" of Salonized running, where everything has to communicate with each other. This is technically very complicated and can cause problems and also get in the way of a good user experience.

Why this update?

Before I tell you what's so incredibly great about this update - because everything is new and improved - I would first like to explain why. We're not just giving Salonized a new look at the moment. We are also rewriting our entire front-end (what you see as a user when you work in Salonized) in a different "language".

We do this for reasons such as the performance, the reliability, the speed with which we can add new features in the future, and for the mobile experience. The latter is one of the main reasons: using Salonized on mobile. An app is a much asked functionality, especially because the current version of Salonized is not optimized for mobile use. The use of Salonized on mobile has been increasing for years, and we want to offer a good experience.

What can you expect from this update?

This update is not only a new look for Salonized, we have also done our best to add a few improvements. Below you will find a selection of the new features.

A renewed appointment form

Scheduling an appointment is the most important functionality in Salonized. It happens tens of thousands of times a day. We have analyzed the most common actions and their sequence and, based on this information, completely redesigned our appointment form. We are constantly improving the form based on the feedback we receive. If there is something you think could be improved, please let us know. It's great that many users have already done so. Thank you all for your input!

Further improvements in the calendar:

• When creating a new appointment, we list suggestions (quick selection) for treatments. This selection is based on popularity and most frequently chosen treatments;
• When creating an appointment for a client, we show you suggestions based on the client's history;
• If available, we list the following information about the client: the date of the last appointment, notes (important information) or if it is a new client.

Optimized for mobile use The use of Salonized on mobile has been increasing for years, but the old version of Salonized was not well suited for this. The enlarged desktop version was used most on mobile. Data was rendered very small and the overall experience was not great. The new update of Salonized has therefore been improved for mobile use. To use Salonized in the mobile version, click on the "phone" icon at the bottom left of the screen. It will then look like this:

You can choose which view to use for the calendar on your mobile. We offer three options: a day view, week view (displays the calendar per 3 days, scroll sideways for the remaining days) and week overview view (displays the whole week with appointment blocks for busy times).

Online bookings and changes in real time on your screen

In the new update of Salonized we use "Websockets" instead of "Polling". Now you might be thinking: What?! This means that a new booking will be added directly to your calendar if you have it open. Before, new bookings or changes were automatically displayed after 5 minutes of inactivity or after refreshing the page. Now you can see directly when a new appointment is booked while you are working in your calendar! This also applies to salons working with multiple devices. If a colleague moves an appointment on their device, you will see this directly on your own screen as well!

Improvements for other functions

In addition to the calendar, all other functions of Salonized have been rewritten to the new front-end code. Such as the customer inventory, product and stock management and the cash register. Again, we've done our best to make a few improvements.

For example, we have added a new filter in the customer profile. We have said goodbye to the complicated term "advanced filter" that you used to use and have instead added a clear and user-friendly filter. With a click on the button, you can add a filter to your customer record. It is also possible to clean up your client database; for example, add a filter for clients you have not had in your salon for years ("last appointment" filter) and delete the entries directly. A much requested function!

Are you curious about all the improvements in the current functions? Then take a look at the collection about the update of Salonized in our help centre.

What's next?

With most part of the team we are working on the new version of Salonized. Nevertheless, we are also working on another project at the same time. Which is the Marketing Module, which will be released soon!

With the Marketing module, we want to help salons increase customer loyalty. The module includes features such as a discount code for the online booking widget, last minute discounts for certain time slots in the booking widget, a newsletter function and the possibility to create and save customer segments. It will also be possible to send an automatic email with a customer's current loyalty points balance, and waitlist sign-ups can be found directly in the calendar by the daily overview. More information about the marketing module will follow soon!

Switch now to the new update of Salonized

On 1 October 2021, we will automatically activate the new update of Salonized for all users. Would you like to take the time to get used to it? Then switch now to the new version! We look forward to your feedback so that we can continue to improve Salonized.

Click here to go directly to the new version of Salonized.