The Fjords, a visionary shipping company, marries maritime expertise with tourism to foster sustainable development in Norway's breathtaking fjords. At the heart of its mission is the commitment to environmental sustainability and the preservation of local culture and communities. This commitment is exemplified by The Fjords' state-of-the-art passenger catamarans, which operate on full or partial electric power. Designed with universal access and panoramic views in mind, these vessels set a new benchmark in eco-friendly and immersive tourist experiences. By linking tourism closely with local gastronomy and cultural practices, The Fjords not only aims to safeguard, but also to enhance the vibrancy and appeal of these natural wonders for generations to come.

 

Challenge

Before the implementation of iTicket, The Fjords encountered significant operational challenges. The main obstacles included a lack of compatibility and integration with existing distribution systems, along with inconsistencies and inaccuracies in bookings, inventory, and billing. Managing the complexity of both car ferries and individual bookings required a solution not readily available in the market, leading to increased manual workloads and inefficiency. This not only hindered the company's ability to operate at full capacity but also impacted overall customer satisfaction and profitability.

 

Solution

The journey towards operational efficiency began when The Fjords recognized iTicket's potential to meet their complex requirements. The implementation process involved a comprehensive review of the company's booking processes and challenges. Working closely with the iTicket team, The Fjords tailored iTicket to their workflow, incorporating significant input from various departments to ensure the solution addressed all operational bottlenecks. Martin Auning, IT Director at The Fjords, praised the iTicket team's approach: "The iTicket team profoundly understood our needs and demonstrated deep expertise in our business sector. They delivered professional and smart solutions to our challenges, maintaining a positive and accommodating attitude throughout the entire implementation process — a relationship that continues to this day." The collaboration inspired a suite of inventive customizations, including a novel allotment system for pricing, which enhanced revenue management without the necessity for new functionalities. The Fjords is also a frequent user of mobile wireless POS units that are used to sell ticket directly on the pier just before entering the cruise.

 

Result

Immediate Outcomes

The implementation of iTicket marked immediate improvements in data consistency and accuracy, facilitating data-driven decision-making. Martin Auning noted the system's real-time capabilities: "Our capacity to sell has been maximized, thanks to our distributors being able to book our inventory in real-time." He also celebrated the broader implications of iTicket's integration: "Connecting our products seamlessly with other distributors and online travel agencies (OTAs) brought immediate positive outcomes, significantly expanding our market reach." This newfound efficiency not only enriched the company with insightful data but also markedly improved operational productivity. As a part of iTicket’s ecosystem, The Fjords can seamlessly distribute and package their product, and all inventory are updated in real time, no matter the sales channel.

Long-term Benefits

Over time, iTicket has steered The Fjords towards increased brand visibility, customer acquisition, and revenue growth, thanks to iTickets vast number of integrations with other platforms. The capability to continuously monitor performance trends has been crucial in pinpointing areas for improvement, allowing for sustained operational excellence. The adaptability and potential for development provided by iTicket means that The Fjords can easily navigate new challenges and opportunities as they arise.

Beyond Expectations

The transition to iTicket was smoother and more rapid than anticipated, with the system becoming operational in just 2-3 months — in time for the peak season. This swift implementation, coupled with the system's efficiency in managing complex product offerings, exceeded expectations. Feedback from the team at The Fjords has been positive, underscoring iTicket’s role in reducing manual tasks and enhancing service delivery.

 

To fellow industry colleagues The Fjords would like to say…

The Fjords' journey with iTicket exemplifies the profound transformation possible when the right technological solution meets operational challenges head-on. Drawing from their own experience, The Fjords emphasizes the importance of a thought through approach to identifying needs and evaluating potential solutions. "When searching for a new solution, it's essential to conduct a thorough and detailed analysis of your requirements and the specific challenges you aim for your system to address. That's exactly what we did, and iTicket emerged as the system that best met our criteria," Martin Auning emphasis. This strategy of deep exploration and careful selection underpins their recommendation for other organizations faced with similar complexities. iTicket has been more than just a solution for The Fjords; it has acted as a springboard for growth, efficiency, and innovation, setting them on a trajectory towards continued success.