SmartPin is dedicated to creating simple and intuitive tools for golf course operators to help increase golfer participation and top-line revenue. They recently launched SmartPin which is an internet connected smart golf flagstick with a 360º camera array that autonomously tracks a golf ball and allows golfers across the country to compete for prizes.
SmartPin needed a source of connectivity that would be small enough to embed into the SmartPin, that’s when they met with OptConnect about ema, a fully certified LTE CAT 4 embedded modem that includes our full suite of managed services for increased uptime and reliability.
The concept behind SmartPin began taking shape in 2017 when a group of four friends, connected by golf, established a vision of creating a nationwide golf competition that would include a Hole-In-One Contest as well as a Closest-to-the-Pin Contest. In 2018 they began recruiting the team necessary to make it a reality. That reality is a patent-pending SmartPin, golf’s only smart flagstick, that communicates all across the country and someday across the world.
SmartPin provides features such as 360° video recording of a player’s golf shot while delivering analytics and validation if a hole-in-one is hit. SmartPin has a nationwide progressive jackpot contest similar to the Powerball lottery that grows until a golfer hits a hole-in-one. Golfers can choose to enter to win the contest by playing at participating golf courses around the country that have SmartPin enabled holes on their course.
SmartPin has to be able to use its cameras and sensors all while connecting to the SmartPin app. It also has to be able to communicate with other SmartPins across the country. “We needed a connectivity solution for each SmartPin that would be small enough to fit inside the flagstick but powerful enough to keep it up and running on any course,” said Jim Leary, SmartPin’s Chief Operating Officer.
After hearing about OptConnect ema™ from a lead engineer who owns another company and was already using the product, SmartPin partnered with OptConnect in January of 2020.
Each SmartPin has an OptConnect ema™ embedded in the pin to deliver data to collect the analytics and record players who play via the SmartPin app with a shot at a chance to win the big prize money.
Without a reliable data connection, and SmartPin wake-up using emaLink the video and sensors for analytics and validation would not function. SmartPin’s business model is heavily dependent upon the secure quality connectivity and uptime that OptConnect ema™ provides.
With ema, customers get:
Moving to the future, SmartPin plans on taking their business global. As they continue to grow, SmartPin will continue to need ema and Summit, our cloud-based customer dashboard to monitor their multiple devices. “Our intention is to use technology to make golf more exciting and in turn drive additional play and revenue at our partner facilities,” said Leary.
“I would recommend OptConnect because the usability and flexibility of the team is unparalleled. We’ve been very pleased with our overall partnership with OptConnect.”
As an industry leader in managed wireless solutions, we work with a diverse customer base across a wide range of markets like ATMs, smart safes, kiosks, micro markets, digital signage, and many other IoT/M2M applications.