"In my opinion, the drive to achieve results is very important. I very much saw that drive in the Softjourn team," said Yevhen Medvedskiy, IT Department Manager at Planeta Kino IMAX, reflecting on the partnership that had evolved from a simple scanning solution to a comprehensive digital ticketing ecosystem.
Planeta Kino IMAX: Moving Crowds Faster to Create Better Event Experience
With a new solution, moviegoers can get in the movies faster and enjoy a movie without waiting for too long.
ABOUT THE CLIENT:
The Challenge
TMC, a corporation that manages multiple movie theaters featuring the renowned IMAX technology under the Planeta Kino IMAX label, reached out to Softjourn with the aim of collaboratively devising strategies to expedite the entry of their patrons into the cinemas.
The Solution
Our experts analyzed TMC's application and recommended to use of Linea Pro scanners that will work well with Apple tablets and phones.
The Benefits
Our client started using the Linea Pro solution and immediately saw a big change. The biggest benefits of using Linea Pro are:
- enhanced mobility
- quick and efficient
- reduced errors
- cost-effective solutions for cinemas
The Challenge
Who likes to waste time waiting for something you want to enjoy? For instance, waiting in line for movie tickets is one of the most frustrating aspects of going to the movies. Even if you buy your tickets online, the process is often not fully digital because you still have to get a paper ticket when you get to the theater.
Triumph Media Group LLC (TMG), a Ukrainian company operating several movie theaters using the world-famous IMAX technology under the Planeta Kino IMAX brand, approached Softjourn wanting to brainstorm how to get their customers in to the theatres faster.
The Solution
Phase 1 - Project Immersion and Analysis
TMG knew the bottleneck was at the door and the time it took the ticket taker to check the ticket and let people go past them into the theatre.
With theaters seating approximately 1,500 moviegoers, the challenge was particularly acute. The time between movies is critically tight—only about 15 minutes to get people out from the last movie, clean the theatre, and get the next group of up to 1,500 people in their seats before the trailers start. Any delay in the entry process could disrupt the entire movie schedule.
As with many other theatres and venues, TMG knew that they wanted to add a ticket bar code scanning solution to their system, but they did not know which hardware would work best for them, how detailed or simple the scanning app could be, and so forth.
Softjourn has a particular area of expertise in developing scanning solutions for the entertainment industry.
A group of experienced Softjourners studied iMax’s situation and recommended going with Linea Pro scanners from Infinite Peripherals, which work with Apple’s iPod Touch and iPhones.
Reliability, reasonable pricing, and the “cool factor” were high on the list of criteria for making this recommendation.
Phase 2 - Pilot Project
Going big often has to begin with small steps. So we decided to start with basic functionality in order to test the app at the movie theater as quickly as possible. Initial functionality was simple.
When a ticket is presented at the entrance, the ticket collector scans the barcode. The device receives a "valid/invalid" message in real-time. The goal here is to reduce fraud in the form of duplicates or counterfeit tickets.
After user acceptance testing, 100% of Planeta Kino IMAX theatres began using the new Linea Pro solution, within 1 month.
Phase 3 - Digital Ticket Evolution: Passbook Integration
Building on the success of the mobile scanning solution, Planeta Kino IMAX and Softjourn took the next logical step in modernizing the moviegoing experience. The challenge wasn't just getting people through the door faster—it was eliminating the friction of managing tickets entirely.
While the existing iOS and Android applications already allowed moviegoers to purchase tickets from their phones, customers still had to navigate through apps or dig through emails to find their tickets at showtime. The solution was to integrate with Apple's Passbook (now Apple Wallet), bringing tickets directly into the native iOS experience.
Softjourn's development team worked to seamlessly integrate Planeta Kino's existing iOS application with Apple's Passbook utility. This integration meant that after purchasing tickets through the app, customers would automatically receive their tickets in Passbook—accessible with a simple tap, even without an internet connection.
The milestone achievement: Planeta Kino IMAX became the first and only Ukrainian brand to implement Passbook integration for their iOS applications, setting a new standard for digital ticketing in the region.
The impact was immediate and personal. No more rifling through drawers, pockets, or phone apps to find tickets. Customers could simply open their Passbook, tap their ticket, and present it for scanning using the same Linea Pro devices implemented in Phase 2.
The Benefits
After user acceptance testing, 100% of Planeta Kino IMAX theatres began using the new Linea Pro solution, within 1 month.
Here are the benefits they've experienced:
- Enhanced Mobility. Linea Pro scanners are typically designed as mobile accessories for various handheld devices like smartphones and tablets. They enable users to print documents or labels on the go, enhancing mobility and flexibility in various industries.
- Highly efficient scanners. These scanners can significantly improve productivity, especially in settings where quick and efficient barcode scanning is essential.
- Lightning-fast validation. The solution enables ticket scanning in just 0.3 seconds per ticket, which is especially critical for theaters and cinemas where turnover has to be very fast. With the ability to process up to 1,500 moviegoers within the tight 15-minute window between showings, the system ensures no delays in the movie schedule.
- Reduced Errors. The convenience of mobile scanning can help reduce errors associated with manual data entry or handwritten labels.
- Versatility. Linea Pro devices can handle a variety of tasks, from scanning receipts and tickets to barcode labels and coupons.
- Digital Wallet Integration. With Passbook integration, customers enjoy seamless ticket storage and access, eliminating the need to search through apps or emails to find their tickets.
Conclusion
The client was very satisfied with how quickly our ticketing experts understood the problem and offered a comprehensive solution that evolved with their needs. From initial scanning implementation to cutting-edge digital wallet integration, the partnership demonstrated Softjourn's ability to deliver both immediate results and long-term innovation.
If you are in need of ticketing consultancy or software development, Softjourn is the right place for you.
Partnership & Recognition
