IT might seem like a sport unchanged by technology – but the world of bowls is being transformed by software developed in Dorset.

More than 110 bowls clubs across the country are already using a system called Bowlr to manage their affairs.

Poole software, web and marketing agency b4b devised the membership and league management system for indoor and outdoor bowls clubs.

The software is designed to streamline admin, provide a simple platform for running competitions and leagues, and to let players manage their bookings using mobile devices.

b4b’s developers were recently commissioned by the sport’s governing bodies, Bowls England and the EIBA, to create bespoke competitions portals to help streamline admin and improve the player experience.

b4b has also worked at county level, developing systems for both the Essex and Sussex County Bowling Associations.

Alistair Hollis, head of sport development at Bowls England, said: “We have been delighted to work with Bowlr to develop our competitions portal over the past few years.

“We now have a robust system that enables us to manage our events from the first round to the national finals. The team behind Bowlr is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the sport, which makes all the difference.”

Anthony Tilley, managing director of b4b, said: “It’s been an honour to work with some of the sport’s biggest names. We have ambitious plans for growth, and within the next few years we want to be in as many bowls clubs across the UK as possible. We also plan to take on the international market.”

The Bowlr system can also be applied to other sports clubs, such as curling and netball, he said.

“The possibilities are almost endless, and we see the Bowlr system being an established fixture in the wider sporting world,” he added.

A smartphone app is also in the works, which will give players complete control over their club membership and rink bookings. It will also make communication between club management and members even easier.

Dolphin Indoor Bowls Club, England’s largest indoor club, was the first to use Bowlr.

Club manager Ken Joy said: “Bowlr has completely revolutionised how we run our club. It simplifies pretty much all of our admin, and our players love it too. It’s been great to work with Bowlr since the very beginning, and we’re excited to see it continue to go from strength to strength.”