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Senior Design Business Plan Competition
FIT Systems, Inc.
Producers of the Fitness Identification Tracking (FIT) System
OWNERS
Scott Bugenhagen
Pamela Duda
Nicole Gregor
Daniel Shefchik
Draft Version 1.2 (Adapted from planning tools found at www.score.org)
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I. Table of Contents
I. Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................. 2
II. Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 3
III. General Company Description ...................................................................................................... 5
IV. Products and Services ..................................................................................................................... 5
V. Marketing Plan ............................................................................................................................... 10
VI. Startup Expenses and Capitalization .......................................................................................... 19
VII. Appendices ..................................................................................................................................... 24
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II. Executive Summary
The fitness identification tracking (FIT) system represents an innovative solution for lap
timing and counting in an indoor running track environment. The system also offers
the ability to monitor distance, heart rate, and calorie expenditure. The use of RFID
technology distinguishes this system from currently available devices such as
pedometers and GPS-based fitness monitors. Our RFID-based solution will outperform
each of these existing technologies in terms of reliability and accuracy in the indoor
environment because it does not rely on stride length (which is variable and somewhat
inaccurate) or a GPS signal, which can easily be blocked or distorted by the structures in
a building. With our system, a runner can simply tie an RFID tag to his/her shoelaces
and run without having to worry about the problems associated with those other
devices. Each time the runner completes a lap, he/she will run past the system’s
antenna which is capable of reading speeds greater than those of even the fastest
Olympic track stars! This way, a runner need not count laps in his/her head (and
wonder whether he or she just finished the 5th or 6th lap), but can rather focus on his/her
performance. Along with the use of the system’s chest strap and data logger, the user
will have everything he/she needs to evaluate each individual workout as well as to
evaluate groups of workouts in order to analyze trends and improvements. Runners
will never get tired of the running track using this system!
In this document, we propose a plan for a business that will manufacture and sell FIT
systems to local fitness clubs, universities/high school gymnasiums, or any other venues
with indoor running tracks that could benefit from the features of our systems. Our
company would start out as a relatively small business with a few engineers to design
and test our systems and several sales persons and customer service reps to sell and
deliver our systems. We plan to offer several different options to our clients. Those
wanting only the most basic features (including lap timing/counting), can get by with
our bronze package which includes only the RFID components and a very basic
software package. Those clients who want the most advanced cutting-edge
performance monitoring possible can opt to upgrade to our silver level package which
features chest straps, data loggers, and a more powerful software package. At the gold
package level, wristwatches would be included for the runners to view their heart rate
during their workout. Finally, at the platinum package level, a large display screen will
be included that can be mounted such that it is visible from the track. The large display
will allow users to view their lap number, lap time, and total workout time data
continuously. The confidentiality of the data on the large screen is secured by the fact
that it is displayed using the user name that the individual creates at the time of his/her
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first use of the FIT System (not the individual’s actual name). In the future, we will also
devise even more advanced systems for our clients (which would include things such as
multiple RFID antenna locations along the track). The future of our business looks
bright indeed. We will begin by distributing our systems to local fitness clubs and
universities. As our systems gain popularity in these venues, we will begin expanding
our cliental toward hospitals, physical trainers, etc. We will also aim to expand to the
national level where we plan on offering the most advanced fitness monitoring systems
to some of the biggest and most well known fitness facilities in the country.
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III. General Company Description
The FIT System will encourage healthy lifestyles by monitoring performance and
reducing obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, data
from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that 30 percent of U.S. adults (over
60 million people) are obese and 16 percent of U.S. children and teens (over 9 million
young people) are overweight. Being overweight increases the risk of diseases and
health conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, Type II Diabetes, coronary heart
disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory
problems, and some cancers.2 Additionally, the increasing number of overweight and
obese individuals has adverse economic effects on individual, state and national levels.
A study indicated that 9.1 percent of the total U.S. medical expenditures in 1998,
reaching as high as $78.5 billion were due to weight problems. Approximately half of
the costs were paid by Medicaid and Medicare. By providing an output of calorie
expenditure, the FIT System will aid users who wish to lose weight, thereby
simultaneously increasing the health of users and potentially lowering medical costs.
If the FIT System is implemented at an early age, young people will become aware of
the direct correlations between energy expenditure, heart rate, and exercise, which will
lead to healthy lifestyle choices. This increased insight could ultimately reduce
childhood, teenage and adult overweight and obesity problems. Current statistics show
that 33 percent of all high school students are not engaging in recommended amounts
of physical activity. By implementing the FIT System, people of all ages will enjoy the
benefits of a healthy active lifestyle.
Currently there are several options for tracking an individual’s caloric usage and
running distance during a walking or running workout. The problem with current
methods are that they are all either too invasive or not accurate enough, while
simultaneously being expensive. The invasive option to measuring caloric usage is in a
lab on a treadmill with a mouth piece measuring air flow. This method is very
inconvenient and not even considered an option be hobby runners. The other method
is by using other running systems that are currently on the market. There are several
different options in that field of products with all of them having certain shortcomings.
One type of product commonly sold is a chest strap, pedometer, and watch
combination, which measures the runner’s heart rate and calculates their running speed
using the pedometer. This product leaves room for error in the caloric calculations
because a person’s stride length can change throughout a run, altering the speed and
the distance run, which are the factors used to calculate caloric usage. Another problem
with the current systems on the market is that they can cost several hundred dollars per
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person and some of the cheaper systems do not have the software to analyze workout
trends for an individual runner. The other main product option for this type of system
is replaces the pedometer with a GPS (Global Positioning System). This allows for
much greater accuracy in distance and caloric calculations. The problem with these
systems is that they are even more expensive then the pedometer systems and the GPS
signal can become disrupted indoors.
The product that our company has designed overcomes many of the shortcomings of
the other systems that are currently on the market. Our system uses RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification) to maximize accuracy in determining distance and speed of
the runners. Our system will be applicable to any size running track. Although our
current product is designed to be placed on an indoor running track, it could easily be
adapted for outdoor use. Along with superior accuracy, the FIT system also includes
our very own state of the art software which allows the user to be able to access their
information and to build trend lines of their current and past workout summary
information from any computer station at any time. The main market for this product is
any institution that does not want to purchase multiple, several hundred dollar watch,
chest strap, and pedometer combos in order to equip their facility for runners. The FIT
System provides these institutions with the option of incorporating a single complete
system that can accommodate an almost unlimited number of users with little
additional cost per user after the initial investment. The FIT System market includes
health clubs, high school or college fitness facilities, or any other fitness facility with
either an indoor or outdoor running track. This system is applicable for both individual
use and for use by athletic teams. The athletic team software would be an upgrade to
the standard system that would include special accommodations to allow coaches
access to check on all of their athletes’ individual progress. Clearly, the potential
consumer base for this product is quite vast throughout America.
FIT Systems, Inc. Mission Statement
FIT Systems, Inc. will provide state of the art, easy to use and confidential systems
which runners can use to track their workout trends and progress in fitness facilities
equipped with running tracks and the FIT System. The system will be constantly
upgraded with the formation of new personalized packages for each consumer group.
FIT Systems, Inc. is dedicated to continuing to provide the most up to date and accurate
fitness tracking system possible for each and every user through constant research and
development and strong ties to our consumer base.
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IV. Products and Services
A radio-frequency-identification (RFID) -based system uniquely named the Fitness
Identification Tracking (FIT) System has been developed and tested. The FIT System
provides performance trending and an increased awareness of the physiological effects
of running. It will be implemented on an indoor running track to count/record athlete
laps, lap times, energy expenditures and heart rates. The FIT System can also easily be
adapted to work on outdoor running tracks as well.
In order to monitor the physiological constituents of a track runner, the FIT System is
composed of four unique elements: a large display, a heart rate monitoring / recording
system, an RFID system, and proprietary computer software. Each runner will tie an
RFID tag to his/her shoe. When the runner passes the stationary RFID antenna, the
reader, which is attached to the antenna, will receive the exact tag identification
number. When the reader detects a tag crossing the antenna it sends the tag ID to the
computer through a serial cable. Once the laptop has this information it will calculate
the lap number and time. The laptop will then send the lap number and time to the
large display which will show lap number, lap time and cumulative time for each
runner using the confidential user identities created by each user at the start of their
first use of the FIT System. RFID technology is an accurate means of monitoring the
exact speed of the runner based on the known distance of the track and the accurate
account of the moment the runner crosses a fixed RFID antenna, which is the
competitive feature of our product. The heart rate data will be simultaneously visible
on a watch the user can wear and recorded using a Data Logger. The Data Logger is
extremely lightweight and small and can be attached directly to the chest strap, placed
in the runner’s pocket or attached to his/her waist. At the end of the workout, the heart
rate data will be transmitted via a USB cable from the Data Logger to the computer
software. Once all of the data has been imported into the software, the user can view
past and present physiological workout data. Please refer to FIGURES 1 and 2 for
diagrams of the components and connections involved in the FIT System.
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Block Diagram
FIGURE 1: Block diagram for the FIT System
Draft Version 1.2 (Adapted from planning tools found at www.score.org)
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FIGURE 2: FIT System Components and Connections
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Heart Rate Monitor
The FIT System tracks heart rate using the Polar b1 heart rate monitor. The Polar heart
rate monitor consists of a chest transmitter and a watch receiver. In addition to this
monitor, the FIT System uses the Oregon Scientific Universal Wireless Heart Rate Data
Logger to record the heart rate data as it is being transmitted throughout the workout.
This recorded data will be downloaded to the FIT System Software via a USB cable
connection at the end of the user’s workout. The program will then save this
information into the runner’s file for later calculations.
RFID Component
RFID tags are purchased pre-encoded with their own identification numbers.
Therefore, each time the runner crosses the antenna the specific tag identification will be
recorded. Passive tags have been implemented since they are cost effective, lightweight
and can easily be read by the RFID readers. Passive tags have a limited specific range
dependent on the fixed location of the antenna and power of the reader. The passive
tags will be attached to the shoe of each user via the shoe lace. Each tag is encased in
plastic to reduce sweat damage and allow easy sanitation. The antenna is attached to
the railing along the inside of the track to prevent any tripping hazards of having it on
the floor. The use of RFID technology to track lap times and distance is a key
competitive advantage of the FIT System because it provides the most accurate data
possible. The FIT System therefore outshines all of the current pedometer products on
the market because it is not dependent on stride length which varies during a workout.
Additionally, the FIT System outshines the current GPS (Global Positioning System)
fitness products on the market because the lap counting and distance functions of the
FIT System are not obstructed by being located indoors.
FIT System Workout Program Flow
The proprietary computer software and database are the final components of the FIT
System. In the interest of user confidentiality, each FIT System user is required to create
a unique, confidential username and password. Each user must log into the FIT System
workout program with his/her unique user name and password prior to the workout in
order to enter the ID number of the RFID tag and indicate whether the heart rate
monitor will be used. The username is used on the large display in order to show lap
times so the name must be confidential. Coaches and/or personal trainers may have
access to specific athletes’ data only upon the strict legal agreement of the athletes
involved.
Draft Version 1.2 (Adapted from planning tools found at www.score.org)
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Prior to a user’s first workout, he/she must create a username and password and enter
his/her weight for energy expenditure calculations. A user is only prompted to enter
his/her weight during the initial set-up of his/her account, but the weight of a user can
be changed at any time simply by logging in to the FIT System. The data obtained from
the heart rate monitor and RFID tag will be stored in the database during the workout
and will be associated with the unique username. After a workout is complete, the user
may log into the FIT System’s workout program and generate a workout summary
report in Microsoft Excel. The FIT System’s workout program performs calculations
such as: target heart rate, average heart rate per lap, number of laps, average time per
lap, average speed per lap, energy expenditure and total distance run. The data is
displayed in tabular format, with heart rate, and time per lap also displayed in
graphical form.
Pricing Structure
Customers desiring only the most basic features (including lap timing/counting), can
get by with our bronze package which includes only the RFID components and a very
basic software package. Those clients who want the most advanced cutting-edge
performance monitoring possible can opt to upgrade to our silver level package which
features chest straps, data loggers, and a more powerful software package. At the gold
package level, wristwatches would be included for the runners to view their heart rate
during their workout. At the platinum package level, a large display screen will be
included that can be mounted such that it is visible from the track. The large display
will allow users to view their lap number, lap time, and total workout time data
continuously. The confidentiality of the data on the large screen is secured by the fact
that it is displayed using the user name that the individual creates at the time of his/her
first use of the FIT System (not the individual’s actual name). In the future, we will also
devise even more advanced systems for our clients (which would include things such as
multiple RFID antenna locations along the track). (See Pricing in Part V. Marketing
Plan)
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V. Marketing Plan
There are intrinsic risks with any type of product entering the market. The main risks to
the market of health and fitness are contingent upon the strength of the economy. If the
economy drops, consumers will not have enough money to spend on health facility
memberships that will have this equipment. There are approximately 27,813 health club
facilities in the United States according to the U.S. Census Bureau in addition to over
250 NCAA division one universities that have competitive track and cross country
teams that would potentially use this product. The estimated size of the fitness market
in the U.S. is between $10 billion to $15 billion annually. This means the total size of the
FIT System market is between $10 billion to $15 billion annually.
Many potential barriers exist for a new product entering into a large target market. The
current barriers the FIT System may face include possible patent infringements, pricing,
and promotional barriers. A thorough patent search was performed and did not reveal
any infringements. Initially, product pricing will be a large barrier, because the initial
costs of implementing the FIT System are higher than current technologies on the
market. The FIT System will be marketed as a top of the line product with multiple
tiers of performance that will correspond to differing price levels. The main
promotional barrier that the FIT System will face will be proving to the market that the
FIT System is more accurate and advanced than any other current competing
technologies on the market. These barriers will eventually be overcome as the FIT
System progresses further through the introduction stage of the product life cycle.
Product
The current product line of the FIT system includes a Polar b1 heart rate monitor, an
Oregon Scientific Data Logger, the RFID system, and the FIT system software. In the
future, the product line could expand to include a large display and/or a laptop
computer with preloaded software. The lifecycle of this product is completing the
development stage and entering into the introduction phase which means the product is
a new idea and needs to be accepted by fitness facilities and the users as a useful
product. The pricing will be a low penetration because we will need to be able to break
even and recover development costs. Distribution will be selective until consumer
demand grows outside our local area.
Competition / Features and Benefits
Our current competitors are companies who manufacture pedometers and/or heart rate
monitors. In the future, other companies may begin to produce more accurate, and
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correspondingly, more expensive pedometer / heart rate monitoring products. The main
benefit of the FIT System is that it provides the most accurate indoor means of tracking
the distance that a user travels on an indoor running track. The FIT System offers a new
take on fitness monitoring that may quickly outshine the current competition. The
technology currently available tends to be on a single user basis and is generally self-
contained in a watch. Companies such as Polar, Suunto, and Nike all currently have
watches on the market that allow the user to track his/her progress via heart rate, calorie
counters, and lap times. The downfall of these current technologies is that they are
relatively expensive and many are not able to be connected to computers, severely
limiting their ability to process and store data. One of the foremost advantages of the
FIT System is that there is almost no limit to the amount of data that can be stored for
each runner. Also, our system will be able to support several runners at one time and
will be capable of having room for hundreds of runners’ information on one computer.
Other advantages to the system include private access to physiological data upon
completion of the workout, or anytime thereafter with the use of a private identification
user name and password. The FIT System continuously transfers the lap count, time
and distance information throughout the workout using Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID) Technology. The heart rate data is continuously sent simultaneously to a watch
display and a Data Logger. This system displays and records the heart rate data
throughout the workout. The heart rate data is recorded in the Data Logger, which
must be plugged into the FIT System Database computer to permanently save the heart
rate information after the workout. If the information is not downloaded immediately,
the data will not be deleted until the Data Logger has been filled (up to 12 months of
data). The lap time information (and therefore the energy expenditure information) is
automatically saved within the system during the workout.
The FIT System contrasts sharply with the software included with some of Suunto’s
watches which requires users to connect the watch to a computer after each workout to
prevent information from being over-written during the next use. Other patents that are
currently on the market use pedometers to track distance. The accuracy of distance
recorded by pedometers can be negatively affected by the user’s stride which can vary.
The FIT System uses RFID technology to obtain an accurate measure of distance and
time. Some other patents use GPS (Global Positioning Systems) in the watches to record
distance accurately but users are required to buy the entire system and connect it to the
computer in order to transfer the information. The GPS systems are as expensive as 350
dollars per watch, and most do not work indoors. Finally, there are other patents for
wireless heart rate monitors built into treadmills, but they do not store the energy
expenditure, distance, or time data.
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Consumer / Entrance Barriers
Promotion will be aimed at local health facilities and universities with competitive track
and cross country teams who will have the product available for their members to use.
To this end, when the FIT System was being designed, a survey was completed on the
campus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering to determine the potential users and
their specific wants and needs (Appendix A). Using the results from the survey data, a
quality function deployment was conducted including the creating of a house of quality
(Appendix B).
Niche
The FIT System’s niche will be fitness facilities. The FIT System will be purchased by
large and small facilities that want to provide state-of-the-art fitness monitoring for
their patrons. Due to the fact that our niche is not the individual users, the initially
higher cost of the FIT System will be quickly offset by its accuracy and performance and
the cost will not cause the FIT System to flounder in the market.
Marketing Strategy
We will maintain control of our market by acquiring the necessary patents to prevent
other companies from stealing our design. We can declare the FIT System successful
when it is working to specifications and is seen by society as a motivator to increase
individual physical activity levels. This will be accomplished when at least 50% of our
target market purchases the FIT system to satisfy the demand of fitness enthusiasts by
having it available for their customers to use. Another factor that will determine when
our product is successful is when non-fitness related facilities begin to purchase and use
or product. Some facilities include hospitals, universities, schools and physical therapy
centers. These factors are credible to our goal because if 50% of our target market
purchases the product, we can assume that fitness facility customers are demanding the
product from their health facilities. When other facilities are purchasing the product
and using it, we can assume they are seeing additional benefits of the FIT System and
we can begin to target those additional markets. These goals that define success for our
project are met by surveying our customer database by demographics of facilities and
measuring the customer’s satisfaction with the product.
FIT System Pricing
As was mentioned earlier, the FIT System is a top of the line product that will be offered
at multiple tiers so that every user can purchase the package that fits within his/her
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comfort level for price. The initial packages that will be offered by FIT Systems, Inc. are
shown in Table 1. As FIT Systems, Inc. grows, the package prices may be able to be
reduced due to the ability to order parts in bulk.
The package prices were set while keeping in mind the fact that our main customers
will be fitness facilities (not individual buyers). Therefore, given the fact that the FIT
System is a top of the line product, we feel that the pricing below is reasonable for our
given consumer market. The product has a fairly uniform 50% markup from the cost of
the parts alone (See Appendix C for parts budget). Our product is priced at the high
end of our market but its performance and multiple user capabilities will exceed user
expectations. Given the fact that the FIT System will easily prove to be the most
accurate system on the market, and that it will have almost unlimited storage capacity,
we do not feel that price will be a competitive factor for our product since users will
demand the best.
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Package Name Parts Included in the Package Price of the Package
RFID Components (1 antenna, 1 Reader, and 1 Power
Supply)
Bronze Package 3 RFID Transponders (enough for three users) $1,645.00
Basic FIT System Software Package (no heart rate data or
heart rate trending)
RFID Components (1 antenna, 1 Reader, and 1 Power
Supply)
4 RFID Transponders (enough for four users)
Advanced FIT System Software Package (including heart
Silver Package $2,530.00
rate data and trending)
4 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap Transmitters (enough for
four users)
4 Data Logger units (enough for four users)
RFID Components (1 antenna, 1 Reader, and 1 Power
Supply)
5 RFID Transponders (enough for five users)
Advanced FIT System Software Package (including heart
rate data and trending)
Gold Package $2,700.00
4 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap Transmitters (enough for
four users)
4 Data Logger units (enough for four users)
4 Heart Rate Monitor Watches (enough for four users)
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RFID Components (1 antenna, 1 Reader, and 1 Power
Supply)
7 RFID Transponders (enough for seven users)
Advanced FIT System Software Package (including heart
rate data and trending and large display compatibility)
Platinum Package 7 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap Transmitters (enough for $10,000.00
four users)
7 Data Logger units (enough for seven users)
7 Heart Rate Monitor Watches (enough for seven users)
1 Large Four Line Indoor LED Display with mounting kit
(viewable from 75 feet away) (Dim: 10" tall x 64.2" wide)
Additional User Bronze
Package 1 RFID Transponder (enough for one user) $20.00
1 RFID Transponder (enough for one user)
1 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap Transmitter (enough for
Additional User Silver one user)
$170.00
Package
1 Data Logger unit (enough for one user)
1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (enough for one user)
1 RFID Transponder (enough for one user)
1 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap Transmitter (enough for
Additional User Gold / one user)
$180.00
Platinum Package
1 Data Logger unit (enough for one user)
1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (enough for one user)
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5 RFID Transponders (enough for five users)
5 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap Transmitters (enough for
Additional User Gold / five users)
$800.00
Platinum 5-Pack Package
5 Data Logger units (enough for five users)
5 Heart Rate Monitor Watches (enough for five users)
TABLE 1: Packages and Pricing for the FIT System
Distribution Channels
Since the FIT System market niche consists of fitness facilities, our main distribution
channel will be our own FIT Systems, Inc. sales force. We will eventually also add
Direct channels for our product consisting of Website catalogs. Finally, as the FIT
System grows in popularity, we will most likely move into the distribution channel of
bidding on contracts.
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VI. Startup Expenses and Capitalization
Startup Expenses
FIT Systems, Inc.
Sources of Capital
Owners' Investment (name and percent
ownership)
Pamela Duda (25%) $ 5,000
Daniel Shefchik (25%) 5,000
Scott Bugenhagen (25%) 5,000
Nicole Gregor (25%) 5,000
Total Investment $ 20,000
Bank Loans
Bank 1 $ 80,000
Total Bank Loans $ 80,000
Other Loans
Source 1 none
Source 2 -
Total Other Loans none
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Startup Expenses
Buildings/Real Estate
Purchase $16,500per year
Construction none
Remodeling 1,000
Other 500
Total Buildings/Real Estate $ 18,000
Leasehold Improvements
Item 1 none
Item 2 none
Item 3 none
Item 4 none
Total Leasehold Improvements $
Capital Equipment List
Furniture $ 3,000
Equipment 10,000
Fixtures 500
Machinery 1,000
Other 1,000
Total Capital Equipment $ 15,500
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Location and Admin Expenses
Rental $ -
Utility deposits 500
Legal and accounting fees 5,000
Prepaid insurance 1,000
Pre-opening salaries none
Other 500
Total Location and Admin Expenses $ 7,000
Opening Inventory
FIT Systems $ 5,000
Category 2 -
Category 3 -
Total Inventory $ 5,000
Advertising and Promotional Expenses
Advertising $ 10,000
Signage 500
Printing none
Travel/entertainment 10,000
Other/additional categories 500
Total Advertising/Promotional Expenses $ 21,000
Other Expenses
Other expense 1 none
Other expense 2 none
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Total Other Expenses $ -
Reserve for Contingencies $13,300
Working Capital $20,000
Summary Statement
Sources of Capital
Owners' and other investments $20,000
Bank loans 80,000
Other loans none
Total Source of Funds $ 100,000
Startup Expenses
Buildings/real estate $ 18,000
Leasehold improvements $
Capital equipment 15,500
Location/administration expenses 7,000
Opening inventory -
Advertising/promotional expenses 21,000
Other expenses -
Contingency fund 13,300
Working capital 20,000
Total Startup Expenses $ 94,800
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Security and Collateral for Loan Proposal
Collateral for Loans Value Description
Real estate $ -
Other collateral 20,000 Equipment
Other collateral -
Other collateral -
Owners
Pamela Duda
Daniel Shefchik
Scott Bugenhagen
Nicole Gregor
Loan Guarantors (other than owners)
Robert Bugenhagen
Leroy Shefchik
Francine & George Duda
Kim & Jeffrey Gregor
TABLE 2: Startup Expenses and Capitalization
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VII. Appendices
Appendix A: Survey of Potential Users
In the spring of 2005, a survey was distributed in order to evaluate interest in the FIT
System among a random sampling of the student body and athletic coaches at the
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). The goal of the survey was to determine: if
there was interest in the system; what features were most important to potential users;
and if additional features would be beneficial to the user.
Over 83% of the respondents said “yes” when asked “Would you be interested in using
an exercise tracking system in the Kern Center?” About 53% of the respondents stated
that they would use the system several days a week; about 30% stated they would use it
one day a week; and only 17% responded that they would not use the system at all
(FIGURE 3). The survey confirmed that there would be support for such a system at
MSOE.
FIGURE 3: Pie Chart representations of the survey results indicating interest in the FIT System
and its probable usage.
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There was also a section of the survey to explore the design options each respondent
would like to see included in the FIT System. This section was very useful in our design
because it helped dictate the aspects of the FIT System that we concentrated on. The
responses from this section were tabulated for easy analysis (FIGURE 4)
Features Respondents Indicated they would desire in the FIT System
35
30
Number of Respondants
25
20
15
10
5
0
HR
Distance
Calories
Speed
Speed/lap
Weight
Avg.
Heart Calorie Distance Lap Average Clock Blood Audible Performance Performance Charts
Rate Counter Meter Counter Speed Pressure HR Graphs
Monitor Zone
FIGURE 4: Bar graph representation of the features survey respondents indicated they would
desire in the FIT System
Based only on the group of respondents that indicated they would use the FIT System,
the most requested feature was a distance meter (86.67%), followed by the heart rate
monitor (73.33%) and the clock (70.00%). The least favored feature was an audible heart
rate zone alert (20.00%). The results were used to complete the process of quality
function deployment (QFD), and to create a house of quality.
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Appendix B: Quality Function Deployment (QFD) / House of Quality
Through the process of quality function deployment (QFD), a House of Quality was
constructed using the survey data to compare the desires of the customer with the
requirements of the design, and the cost of the design features. The house of quality
was used as a feasibility and marketing tool for the design of the FIT System.
The first step in determining the users’ expectations of the FIT System was the
formation of a list of potential product attributes. The list of “user wants” was installed
in a House of Quality diagram (FIGURE 5). The potential “user wants” are listed and
developed below.
Lap Counter- Counts each instance when the runner crosses a designated
position
Average Speed Calculator- Determines the average speed of each lap based on
the time of each lap and a predetermined length of lap
Odometer- Measures the distance the runner traveled based on the number of
laps and predetermined length per lap
Clock- Standard time
Running Timer- Measures the time elapsed since the runner began
Lap Timer- Measures time elapsed between crossing the designated position
Heart Rate Zone Calculator- Determines the target heart rate range for a given
age and resting heart rate
Blood Pressure Monitor- Measures blood pressure (not during exercise)
Heart Rate Monitor- Determines heart rate during exercise
Calorie Counter- Calculates the number of kilocalories burned during exercise
Weight Monitor- Allows user to record weight
Performance Analysis- Outputs evaluation of exercise
Compatibility with Other Equipment- Ability of system to be implemented
with others
Low Cost- Price to manufacture, develop, test
Water/Sweat Proof- Ability to withstand humidity, spills, sweat, etc.
Safe to Use- No harmful effects to the user
Lightweight- How portable the system is and how light it weighs
Recyclable Materials- Effects on the environment
Page 27 of 29
The “user wants” listed above were given a priority rating based on the survey results.
The “user wants” were related to the methods of the supplier listed below.
Chart
Graph
Beeper
Digital Display
Message Box
Wristwatch
RFID Tag
RFID Mat
Computer Software
Statistical Analysis
Metal Heart Rate Plate
Scale
FIT System House of Quality Explanation
The following symbols relate the supplier methods to the user wants in the roof of the
house of quality.
+ Strong Relationship
o Weaker Relationship
x Adverse Relationship
The line labeled “Priority Importance” determines the importance of each method by
adding designated values of the symbols, with (+ = 3), (o = 1), and (x = -1).
Page 28 of 29
FIT System House of Quality Diagram
Metal Heart Rate Plate
Computer Softwate
Statistical Analysis
Digital Display
Message Box
Wrist Watch
RFID Tag
RFID Mat
Beeper
Printer
Graph
Scale
Lap Counter 12 Chart
Average Speed Calculator 13
Odometer 17
Clock 15
Running Timer 2
Lap Timer 3
Heart Rate Zone Calculator 4
Blood Pressure Monitor 10
Heart Rate Monitor 16
Calorie Counter 11
Weight Monitor 5
Performance Analysis 9
Low Cost 7
Water/Sweatproof 8
Safe to Use 18
Light Weight 14
Recyclable Materials 6
Compatibility with Other Equipment 1
Priority Importance 12 11 4 11 1 7 16 11 22 7 4 0 0
Weighted Importance 116 104 21 106 4 75 163 121 178 59 77 -6 2
FIGURE 5: FIT System House of Quality
Page 29 of 29
Appendix C: Parts Budget for the Prototype Model of the FIT System
Total
Item Manufacturer Model # Source Cost Quantity Cost
Heart Rate Monitor Polar b1 HRM USA Inc. $37.99 1 $37.99
Data Logger Oregon Scientific WM100 HRM USA Inc. $39.95 1 $39.95
Texas Series 2000 gate
Purchases
RFID antenna digikey.com $234.60 1 $234.60
Instruments antenna
Linear 12V power supply Speco P-7686 rfidusa.com $150.00 1 $150.00
Texas S251B Series 2000
RFID reader rfidusa.com $377.00 1 $377.00
Instruments Reader
Texas
RFID transponder digikey.com $10.00 2 $20.00
Total Instruments RF-HDT-KMAB-C1
$821.55
TABLE 3: FIT System Parts Budget for the Prototype Model
Draft Version 1.2 (Adapted from planning tools found at www.score.org)