Metsähallitus

The project started because Eräluvat.fi was not originally a web shop but essentially just a content site. Users had to move to another site to actually purchase any permits. 

This meant it was difficult for a customer to know where to start. They could visit the web shop where the permit was, but the informational content was not available there. Users would then have to visit Eräluvat.fi for permit details, resulting in a complex back-and-forth between the two sites.

The old system was also difficult to develop. There were complicated issues related to data transfer. If something crashed somewhere, it had cascading effects on other systems.

Poorly functioning websites would affect how often Finnish people use these services, which might have an impact on how much time they spend in nature. If the service is too difficult to use, people might also fish without permits, for example. 

Getting rid of technical debt plus improving the customer path were key goals of this project. To do this, Vincit created a "one-stop shop" for Eräluvat customers while also improving ease of use for Metsähallitus employees. 

The project merged the previously separate webshop and information site into one service. Design started with a benchmark study and workshops to define requirements and to streamline the complex product catalog. The complex "everything-is-connected" system was managed by dividing work into functional lines (for example, reporting tools and off-road permits) which we prioritized and developed in an agile manner. As part of the project, we ensured that the system can withstand peak traffic when there are thousands of simultaneous buyers at the same time, for example during grouse permit sales weeks. The project also included a mobile app that ensures offline access to permits and gives location based information. 

We worked on all elements of this project – from design to implementation of all the needed infrastructure and services. This involved Vincit’s full range of digital development expertise, including frontend, backend, and design work. We implemented AI technologies (GitHub Copilot) to write code faster and develop the services more efficiently during the project.

The service is designed to be accessible, promoting equality and preventing digital exclusion, so that everyone can participate independently in society. The service is also available in the Northern, Skolt and Inari Sámi languages to promote linguistic accessibility. 
This was a major design and development project – work started in 2021 and culminated in the launch of the new system in November 2024.

An improved customer journey 

People ordering permits no longer need to jump between different sites, which makes for a much better user experience. All the needed information and functionalities are on the renewed Eräluvat.fi. The service increases transparency and equal treatment of customers, for example in highly sought-after permit areas. Permits are now distributed more evenly to a larger number of customers.

A stable and more easily maintainable site

The new service is more reliable and makes work easier for Metsähallitus employees when it comes to maintaining and updating the site. 

Promoting citizen health 

Metsähallitus is tasked with providing wilderness opportunities to those who might not otherwise have them. Their staff plans hunting, fishing, and off-road traffic sustainably, while wilderness inspectors oversee state lands. Eräluvat.fi helps ensure people can get out into Finnish nature and enjoy outdoor activities. As many as nine out of ten customers feel that the activities purchased through the Eräluvat.fi service have improved their wellbeing. In particular, their fitness has improved, exhaustion has eased, and their minds feel more relaxed.