Riitta Lehtovuori: MARKUS_ has enabled Finnkino to evolve its business
Finnkino, the largest cinema chain in Finland, is committed to delivering exceptional service to its customers. Its dedication extends beyond just showcasing movies; it includes offering comprehensive food and beverage services, facilitating B2B sales, and more. This holistic approach to entertainment necessitates superior technology and support, roles fulfilled by the MARKUS_ platform.
Since 2006, the MARKUS_ platform has been instrumental in Finnkino's operations, ensuring smooth and efficient management of its various services.
“MARKUS_ has enabled Finnkino to evolve its business,” states Riitta Lehtovuori, System Manager at Finnkino. "Its adaptability and forward-thinking capabilities have supported us to reimagine the cinema experience, ensuring we stay ahead in the entertainment industry."
MARKUS_'s flexible design enables Finnkino to customize its services, meeting the changing preferences of audiences across its 17 locations nationwide.
Lehtovuori explains the transformation before and after MARKUS_: "In 2006 Finnkino used one system for tickets and another for food & beverage sales, and was in search of a system that supported digital strategies. MARKUS_ allowed us to consolidate our operations, enhancing our agility in market response and raising the customer experience."
According to the Finnkino representative, MARKUS_ software covers everything from ticketing and concessions sales to scheduling and advertising.
Enabling innovation and flexibility with MARKUS_
The pivot to MARKUS_ was timely, coinciding with the rising importance of digital sales channels. The implementation, spanning about a year, marked a significant evolution in Finnkino's sales approach and customer engagement.
Highlighting MARKUS_'s impact, Lehtovuori points to its role in enabling innovation and supporting flexibility within Finnkino. The platform's user-friendly nature and adaptability have been crucial for swiftly rolling out new initiatives, from promotional discounts to integrating restaurant features in cinemas.
"I wholeheartedly recommend MARKUS_ to any entertainment operation seeking a robust and flexible sales and management platform. Its extensive capabilities and adaptability are invaluable for any business striving for innovation and excellence," Lehtovuori endorses.
Adapting to evolving customer needs with restaurant features
Finnkino saw a notable extension of Markus's capabilities when they introduced Order & Collect kiosks – a part of MARKUS_’s restaurant features – at their cinemas. "This integration has been swift and seamless, underscoring the system's versatility and our ability to adapt to evolving customer needs," she reflects, showcasing the system's adaptability to new business models.
The partnership with APL Digital Solutions, the creators of MARKUS_, has been essential. This cooperative relationship thrives on idea sharing and a commitment to excellence, fostering a series of successful ventures. "MARKUS_ helps us to be innovative and responsive, and we are able always to think ahead," Lehtovuori concludes.
Finnkino uses MARKUS_ Cinema management software and MARKUS_ Restaurant management software.