Development Archives - Brandt Information Services

Launch Alert: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation IDAHO TIME Reservation System

January 6, 2025/in Development, News

Together with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR), Brandt successfully launched the new modernized reservation system, Idaho Time, on January 6, 2025. The new system makes it easier than ever to reserve a wide range of accommodations, from standard off-season campsites and peak season holiday/weekend spots to yurts in remote areas and waterfront cabins.

The system enhances the unique Idaho experience by connecting park users to more outdoor recreation opportunities as demand for coveted dates and locations grows. The dynamic pricing, similar to modern reservation systems for hotels and airlines, prices cabins, yurts, and group sites based on demand by lowering prices during quiet periods and increasing during peak times. This flexible pricing model helps keep camping rates affordable during slower periods, while higher rates during peak demand help offset operational costs.

Designed to be smartphone-friendly, the system also provides users with additional content about facilities, features, options, and availability, along with photos of campsites to make planning easier and more informed.

“Launching the new reservation system for Idaho State Parks is a significant step forward in providing a seamless and efficient experience for park visitors,” said Matt Mitchell, Chief Relationship Officer at Brandt. “By integrating dynamic pricing and offering detailed information about facilities, we’re not just improving the booking process—we’re helping people make the most of their time outdoors, whether they’re booking a remote yurt or a waterfront cabin.”

Brandt is proud to partner with IDPR in delivering this innovative solution that supports the state’s mission of connecting people to nature and creating memorable outdoor experiences.

Visit IDAHO TIME here: http://getoutside.idaho.gov/

About Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
The mission of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship.

About Brandt
Brandt is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.

Pitching Together: Cross-Promoting Parks Reservations Products

December 3, 2024/in Development, News

Cross-promoting products and services during a customer’s journey can be a game-changer for expanding adoption and introducing new offerings to a highly relevant audience. At the heart of successful cross-promotion is a focus on relevancy: matching customers’ immediate interests with tailored suggestions, adding value to their experience while boosting sales.

Cross-Promotion Relevancy is Key

When a promotion is relevant to a customer’s purchase journey, it holds greater impact and resonates with them, creating a sense of added value.

Brandt learned valuable lessons in cross-promotion through our efforts with the South Dakota GFP Park Entrance Licenses.

As an example, Brandt collaborated with South Dakota Game Fish & Parks (GFP) to increase customer satisfaction during their peak reservation surge in February 2024. In South Dakota, in addition to a campsite reservation, customers need a Park Entrance License (PEL) which is printed and mailed by GFP staff. Customers typically wait to purchase their PEL until the weather starts to warm, which causes a backlog of fulfillment obligations for the agency and slower delivery timing for the public customer.

Brandt and GFP implemented a cross-sell option on reservation purchases to suggest that the customer also purchase a PEL during checkout. The goal was to bring in the PEL sales earlier in the year in order to smooth the fulfillment spikes for GFP staff and streamline the reservation process for public customers – and it was a success! We created two spikes in PEL sales much earlier in 2024 than in 2023 which aligned with GFP’s big reservation opening windows where the cross-sell had the most exposure.

Combining Data from Parks & Licensing for Powerful Marketing

Cross-sell opportunities are not limited to just parks reservations. Cross-divisional opportunities allow shared audiences from sister divisions or departments to expand the market reach into untapped user segments.

Cross-promotion opportunities multiply when data from park reservations and licensing systems are integrated into a downstream Marketing Automation CRM. By blending parks reservation data with licensing information, you can create targeted campaigns, such as sending fishing license offers to parks reservation customers who frequent areas with lake or river access.

Segmenting audiences based on interests amplifies the impact of email marketing. Campaigns targeting public customers with a history of purchasing fishing privileges or visiting parks through online systems resulted in higher engagement rates than broad campaigns.

Leveraging Marketing Automation CRM

Brandt’s Marketing Automation CRM ingests customer license and reservation permit data, and can automatically trigger a follow-up email promoting fishing licenses or gear rentals before their stay. This approach boosts sales and enhances the customer’s trip by aligning with their planned activities.

A suggested marketing automation play for park entrance license purchasers includes a drip campaign that delivers helpful resources — tips on rv camping, tips on wildlife viewing, a reminder to buy a fishing permit, suggested park merchandise to purchase, or information about an event they can register for online.

Digital Advertising

Digital advertising provides an opportunity for reservation promotions without needing direct customer data. Google search behavior, for example, lets us target users searching specific topics, such as “camping in South Dakota” or “reservations for state parks.” With this approach, we reach potential customers who may not yet have a fishing or hunting license but who are searching for related outdoor activities.

Maximizing Engagement Through Data-Driven Cross-Promotions

Through thoughtful cross-promotions, reservations and licensing systems can expand product adoption and enrich customer experiences. By focusing on relevancy and using data integration across parks and licensing platforms, we build compelling customer journeys that resonate with their interests. The result is a win-win: customers discover services that enhance their outdoor experiences, while agencies and vendors see increased engagement and revenue.

As Brandt continues exploring cross-divisional partnerships, leveraging seasonal events, and implementing digital advertising, we can grow our audience in innovative ways, reinforcing the appeal of outdoor recreation for every type of adventurer.

The Power of Paperless: A New Era in Outdoor Recreational Digital Licensing Documents

November 7, 2024/in Development, News

As the world embraces sustainable, digital solutions, government agencies managing fishing, hunting, and boating licenses are making big strides. For outdoor enthusiasts, going paperless benefits the agencies and the public alike; it brings convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits.

Oregon’s Big Win: Over A Million Dollars Saved with Paperless Tagging

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) previously used ruggedized paper for license tags, a durable but costly material. In 2018, ODFW replaced these physical tags with e-tagging and print-at-home options thanks to its Brandt licensing system available functionality.

By shifting to paperless tagging and print-at-home options, ODFW saved $1.4 million in its first year, including a substantial $240,000 in postage and mailing expenses alone. This digital transformation eliminated the need for specialized license-printing hardware at retail agent locations, reducing costs and making the tag process more efficient.

E-Tagging in Idaho: Transforming Salmon and Steelhead Permits

Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) recently implemented e-tagging for Salmon and Steelhead permits, allowing users to submit harvest reports digitally through Brandt’s licensing system. Since Idaho’s Salmon and Steelhead digital e-tag launch in April 2024, 23% of 43,678 permits were for digital-only tags, and the adoption will continue to grow. Customers who purchased permits online opted for the digital e-tag 96% of the time. Most Idaho anglers purchase their permits ahead of the season before e-tagging was available. These numbers reveal the growing interest in convenient, digital solutions that eliminate the need to print, mail, store, and potentially lose physical tags requiring legal replacements.

Mobile App Permits, Tags & Digital Notching

For anglers and hunters, Brandt’s public mobile apps offer a convenient way for public users to store credentials digitally, eliminating the need for physical copies and reducing paper waste. With licenses, permits, and tags accessible directly on their phones, users no longer need to worry about misplacing a paper version, aligning with both convenience and sustainability goals.

Brandt’s mobile apps include the ability, at the agency’s discretion, to allow public users to sync hunting tags digitally and “notch” the tags on their phone, fully removing the previous paper requirements.

Electronic Boat Registration Options

For boaters, Brandt’s licensing systems include a variety of electronic options for boat registrations including digital-only registrations, online renewals, and digital registration “cards” in Brandt’s mobile apps.

Gone are the days of mailing or driving in paper registration forms to wait in line for more paper to bring home. At the agency’s discretion, public users may submit all necessary information and documentation via online form processes to be queued for electronic approval.

Brandt’s mobile apps include the ability to sync all licenses, permits, tags, and registrations including boat registration “cards” in the app. Digital versions are resistant to the damage paper copies often suffer from water exposure, ensuring that critical documents are always accessible and intact. This shift to digital options supports eco-friendly practices in outdoor recreation while enhancing durability and user ease.

The Broader Impact: Why Digital Transformation Matters

Beyond convenience and cost savings, digital recreational permits and tags reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility. By reducing paper production, shipping, and disposal, agencies can significantly lessen their environmental footprint.

Brandt is proud to partner with its partner agencies to implement paperless licenses/permits, public and private mobile apps, and electronic tagging workflows. These solutions represent a modern approach that’s practical for users and aligned with sustainable conservation goals. As more outdoor agencies embrace digital solutions, we anticipate continued reductions in operational costs and increased accessibility for licensed anglers and hunters everywhere.

Brandt is charting the course for a future where conservation goals and enhanced user experience go hand-in-hand — bringing sustainable, digital solutions to outdoor enthusiasts across the nation.

Brandt Secures Three-Year Extension with Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

June 17, 2024/in Development, News

In a landmark move signaling a strong partnership and mutual commitment to innovation, Brandt, a leading provider of licensing solutions has secured a three-year extension with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Oklahoma’s decision to extend the partnership with Brandt for three years underscores the exceptional trust and satisfaction between the two entities.

“We are happy to announce the extension of our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation,” said Alan Wise, Chief Customer Officer at Brandt. “This three-year extension is a testament to the successful collaboration and shared vision between Brandt and ODWC. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, and we are eager to continue driving innovation and excellence in licensing and merchandise solutions for the benefit of wildlife conservation efforts in Oklahoma.”

Brandt has been instrumental in revolutionizing the licensing, event registration and merchandise landscape for ODWC, offering cutting-edge solutions and unmatched service quality. Through this extended partnership, both Brandt and ODWC aim to continue elevating the standards of customer service and operational efficiency within the realm of wildlife conservation.

“ODWC is excited to extend our partnership with Brandt for the next three years,” stated Mike Chrisman, License Supervisor at Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Brandt has consistently demonstrated their dedication to our mission, and their innovative solutions have significantly contributed to our success in engaging with our community and supporting wildlife conservation efforts across the state. We look forward to building upon our achievements together in the years to come.”

Under the renewed agreement, Brandt will continue to provide ODWC with a comprehensive suite of services, including licensing management, merchandise creation, distribution, and marketing support. Leveraging advanced technologies and industry expertise, Brandt remains committed to delivering tailored solutions that streamline operations, enhance revenue generation, and amplify the visibility of ODWC’s conservation initiatives.

About Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
ODWC manages and protects fish and wildlife, along with their habitats, while also growing their community of hunters and anglers, partnering with those who love the outdoors, and fostering stewardship with those who care for the land.

About Brandt Information Services
Brandt Information Services is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.

Brandt Secures Contract with Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game for New Licensing Solution

June 12, 2024/in Development, News

Brandt, a leading provider of advanced technology solutions, is proud to announce its recent contract award with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG). Under this partnership, Brandt will replace DFG’s current MassFishHunt licensing site to introduce an innovative licensing solution that streamlines the management of events, hunt/fish licenses, and communications across the state.

As part of the implementation, Brandt will deploy its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) services, known as ATLAS, to enhance DFG’s engagement with stakeholders and constituents. This comprehensive suite of solutions underscores Brandt’s commitment to delivering end-to-end support and efficiency for organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship.

“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game,” stated Jeff Roberts, Chief Technology Officer and Terra Project Manager at Brandt. “Our Terra platform, coupled with ATLAS CRM services, will empower DFG with the right tools to effectively manage licenses, engage stakeholders, and host successful events. We are eager to support DFG in achieving its mission.”

Brandt continues to strengthen its presence in the conservation sector, underscoring the company’s dedication to leveraging technology for the greater good.

For more information about Brandt Information Services and its solutions, visit brandtinfo.com.

Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game
The Department of Fish and Game works to preserve the state’s natural resources. We exercise responsibility over the Commonwealth’s marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.

About Brandt Information Services
Brandt Information Services is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.

Brandt Successfully Launches New Reservation System and Marina Contract Support for Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

May 30, 2024/in Development, News

Brandt is delighted to announce the successful implementation of a cutting-edge reservation system and improved marina contract support for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). MWCD entrusted Brandt to spearhead this pivotal project of optimizing operations and unifying fragmented systems. With dedication and expertise, Brandt successfully rolled out the new system on May 29, 2024, marking a significant milestone in MWCD’s journey towards operational efficiency and seamless management.

Situated in central/eastern Ohio, MWCD boasts an extensive network of recreational facilities, including 1,246 campsites, 71 cabins, 28 day-use facilities, and over 1,650 marina slips spread across 12 locations. Throughout the project, our dedicated teams worked tirelessly to address challenges and ensure a seamless transition. Our teams collaborated closely with MWCD stakeholders to understand their requirements and develop a solution that would meet their evolving needs. The integration of multiple systems into a unified accounting workflow not only eliminated manual entry but also reduced redundant, time-consuming processes, enhancing overall efficiency.

“Brandt’s Training and Project Management teams were instrumental in facilitating knowledge transfer and ensuring a seamless transition for MWCD staff,” stated Dave McLean, General Manager of Brandt’s Itinio Platform. “We delivered a solution that is driving tangible results and fostering lasting partnerships.”

The successful launch of the reservation system and enhanced marina contract support underscores Brandt’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive tangible results for their customers. Brandt is proud to have partnered with Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District on this transformative journey and looks forward to continuing to support them in their mission to provide exceptional recreational experiences for visitors across the region.

To make a reservation, click here: https://reserve.mwcd.org/

About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
Responsible stewards dedicated to providing the benefits of flood reduction, conservation and recreation in the Muskingum River Watershed.

About Brandt Information Services
Brandt Information Services is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.

Launch Alert: Go Outdoors Georgia Merchandise

May 20, 2024/in Development, News

Brandt officially launched Go Outdoors Georgia Merchandise on May 3, offering a seamless platform for the public to purchase apparel, drinkware, and equipment along with their licenses.

The response has been spectacular, with orders flooding in without any initial external promotion of the store. Public consumers have jumped at the opportunity to support Georgia’s wildlife conservation efforts by wearing the branded gear. Products include sling packs, dry bags, lunch coolers, hats, and tumblers further enhancing the offerings available to outdoor enthusiasts in one seamless checkout.

The appeal of Go Outdoors Georgia merch has crossed state lines, with shipments reaching 17 states across the nation, including Georgia, Oregon, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. This widespread reach underscores the universal appeal and quality of the items offered.

Brandt Secures Contract with Idaho State Parks for Innovative Recreational Management System

April 29, 2024/in Development, News

Brandt, the govtech leader in innovative recreational management software, is pleased to announce its successful bid for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation’s (IDPR) Recreational Management System contract. This contract entails the development of a comprehensive statewide recreational vehicle/vessel registration, campground reservation, and retail management system, leveraging a centralized database to oversee Idaho’s thirty (30) park locations, historical sites, and facilities statewide.

“This partnership signifies our dedication to delivering top-notch recreational services to our visitors,” said Susan Buxton, Director of IDPR. “This system transition will enhance the overall guest experience, aligning perfectly with our mission to promote accessibility and enjoyment of our natural resources.”

Supporting IDPR’s vision for a customer-centric and data-driven approach, Brandt will provide an integrated web-based suite of applications for managing reservations, ticketing, recreational registrations, retail purchases, and point-of-sale services across Idaho State Parks. This includes registrations for boats, snowmobiles, and off-highway vehicles, as well as campground reservations/camping for campsites, cabins, yurts, houses, cottages, and day-use facilities.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen to deploy our reservations platform in the beautiful state of Idaho,” stated Travis Warren, CEO of Brandt. “Our mission is to transform the outdoor recreational experience for all. Similar to our partnership with Idaho Fish and Game, we eagerly anticipate bringing our expertise in reservations and registrations to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.”

Brandt’s platform will increase registration compliance, campground occupancy, foster loyalty, drive revenue growth, and improve the quality of customer experiences through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. Check back for more information regarding the Idaho Parks Reservations solution launch.

About Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
IDPR’s core values include integrity, compassion, service, stewardship and commitment. We protect the resources that are entrusted to us, we strive to help visitors experience those resources in a positive way and we endeavor to be vital members of the communities in which we operate.

About Brandt Information Services
Brandt Information Services is a leading provider of innovative software solutions for government agencies and private organizations. With a focus on improving operational efficiency and user experience, Brandt offers a wide range of services, including licensing and registration systems, payment processing, and data management solutions. With a strong commitment to client success, Brandt continues to deliver cutting-edge technology to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to achieve their goals.

Idaho Fish and Game’s E-tagging for Salmon/Steelhead Is Now Available.

April 1, 2024/in Development, News

Idaho Fish and Game’s new electronic salmon and steelhead permit rollout—aka e-tags—is now available through the Go Outdoors Idaho mobile app.

Selecting an e-tag is optional when buying salmon and steelhead permits online and in-person, and paper tags are still available for those who prefer the traditional method of reporting their catch. Anglers with a current paper permit will not be eligible to switch to an e-tag for the 2024 season, but will be able to choose an e-tag in 2025.

E-tagging allows anglers to buy an electronic salmon or steelhead permit and start fishing immediately instead of waiting for a paper tag to arrive in the mail. E-tagging also allows salmon or steelhead anglers to validate their permits electronically. Anglers can use the app while out of cell service, in low service areas, and while the device is on airplane mode.

To learn more about IDFG’s e-tagging for salmon/steelhead, click here.

To learn how to purchase and validate your electronic permit, click here.

Brandt Sees Surge in Online Engagement Across the Nation

March 18, 2024/in Development, News

Brandt, a leading technology solutions provider for outdoor recreation agencies and their consumers, has witnessed significant growth in online engagement across all its operational states over the past three years. The transformative digital adoption is validated by continually increasing daily website visitors and sustained average engagement time.

“Brandt’s commitment to providing exceptional online experiences and staying at the forefront of digital innovation has been unwavering,” said Travis Warren, CEO of Brandt. “The steady increase in year-over-year online engagement confirms our ability to transform the outdoor experience for state and local governments to provide modern, streamlined services to their public consumers.”

Across 19 of Brandt’s agency partners, Brandt has witnessed an average of +29% website visitation increase over the past three years combined. This includes the latest +11% increase from 2022-2023 year-over-year annual website users.

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Brandt has continuously invested in enriching its online presence to better serve its customers. In addition to Brandt’s CRM fueling automated targeted marketing campaigns, the intuitive user experiences to purchase licenses, registrations, and reservations have streamlined the online checkout process.

While maintaining growth, Brandt is continually innovating by leveraging modern technology strategies to bring forth system revenue-generating opportunities to its agency partners, solidifying its position as a trusted leader in the industry.