VR Group: New Sales Functionality on Mobile Devices

Client profile VR Group is the state-owned company that operates the Finnish railway system. It provides a wide range of road and rail transport services in long- distance and commuter traffic. Rail services are operated by VR and bus services by Pohjolan Liikenne. The main passenger services customer groups are commuters, business travelers, families and students. A total of 69.3 million journeys were made by train in 2012 with the corresponding figure for buses being 26.1 million.

Business challenge VR had been running mobile services Accenture’s experience in mobility, (Apple® iOS, Android™, Windows® since 2007, mainly providing timetable demonstrated track record and Phone). Accenture provided a solution information. In the renewal of the understanding of rail operators’ built upon an existing service-oriented sales channel, VR wanted to respond to commercial systems led VR to ask architecture with web-based interface increased customer demand for mobile Accenture to help build a mobile service while offering additional value for the optimized solutions—and meet or exceed solution for its passengers, including users of dedicated apps. customer expectations set by general dedicated apps for mobile devices and growth of mobile business and solutions a responsive, mobile optimized web Based on VR’s mobile vision and requests in the other branches. It also wanted to application with backend integrations for new mobile services, Accenture increase the share of self-service tickets and content management platform. designed developed and deployed a sold through mobile devices to enhance solution in co-operation with VR for profitability and develop a solution that How Accenture helped mobile services, content management would allow them to quickly scale and VR required a mobile solution that could and related mobile apps. The solution respond to future needs. service users of mobile devices directly utilized modern web development via a mobile browser and dedicated apps techniques (e.g., RESTful services, for the most popular mobile ecosystems HTML5, jQuery Mobile) and dedicated apps aimed at a more convenient • View multi-ride season ticket details, About Accenture user experience. Utilizing the existing such as ticket history and tickets Accenture is a global management architecture, development and operation purchased for upcoming trips. consulting, technology services and costs were reduced and delivery time outsourcing company, with more than was optimized. • Update preferences and customer 281,000 people serving clients in information and utilize this data more than 120 countries. Combining An Accenture team—which included automatically in the purchasing unparalleled experience, comprehensive mobility specialists in Finland—designed process. capabilities across all industries and the solution to fit and utilize the latest business functions, and extensive capabilities of mobile devices and to • Complete credit card payments in a research on the world’s most successful seamlessly integrate with the business simple manner. companies, Accenture collaborates services of all other sales channels. with clients to help them become This provides customers with an • View information provided by VR high-performance businesses and enhanced user experience and access regarding services and offers. governments. The company generated to information collected in any VR net revenues of US$28.6 billion for the sales channels. For example, customers’ High performance delivered fiscal year ended August 31, 2013. Its tickets are synchronized to their mobile The new mobile platform and apps home page is www.accenture.com. device for convenience—regardless have helped VR improve customer of the original sales channel, so VR service, customer satisfaction and About Accenture Mobility passengers can complete purchases, customer convenience using a highly Accenture Mobility plans, implements recall ticket information and update flexible and scalable technology and manages mobility solutions for preferences on the go and enjoy a solution. The steady growth of sales businesses and public organizations, smarter, more flexible travel experience. and VR customer feedback of the including developing and implementing mobile solution are concrete proof of enterprise mobility strategies; The new mobile solution and apps serve the solutions’ success. incorporating applications and managed major modern mobile device operating services; creating and delivering systems. Currently VR customers can: Mobile services are a strategic channel mCommerce solutions; and supplying for VR to better serve and understand credible, business ready Connected • Log in to their account using handset their passengers’ needs and offer Product offerings. Accenture Mobility quickly without needing to repeatedly customers valued products. The services are based on deep industry enter user id and password. new mobile solution positions VR to insights and technical expertise that offer other services to passengers in helps clients across all industries • Use mobile tickets for long distance subsequent releases, such as additional achieve growth, efficiency and manage travel despite original sales channel. ticket purchase types and ancillary a successful transformation as they services. Plans to add these services adopt the tools of a digital business. • Board trains using the 2D barcode on are already under way for future Find out more by following their mobiles as tickets. releases. @mobilitywise on Twitter and visiting www.accenture.com/mobility. • Book specific multi-ride ticket seats.

• Check real time information of any train and station.