Award for Innovative Training (PIA for short)
The AMCON GmbH is the software specialist in the public transport sector (ÖPNV) for sales systems. In addition to developing fare and sales concepts, AMCON creates innovative back-end systems for a wide range of sales devices such as smartphones, tablets, mobile ticketing devices, and vending machines. The main focus lies on mobile ticketing devices, which are used for selling tickets, checking online and mobile tickets, Touch&Travel validations, updating tickets, issuing increased fares (for fare evasion), and logging damage reports. Out of the 20-person team, two are currently training as IT specialists with a focus on application development, and two are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business informatics.
Our innovative project: Public Transport meets Carrera Track – Team-oriented, practical, and creativity-enhancing
The “Carrera Track” project was launched to give trainees the opportunity to creatively and enthusiastically build a Carrera racetrack landscape that can be used for the custom-developed applications.
In theory-heavy professions like that of an IT specialist, there’s often the issue that once certain applications are developed, there are few opportunities to realistically test them. To solve this problem, the trainees were tasked with building a Carrera racetrack and integrating our mobile devices, used in public transportation (ÖPNV) for tasks such as ticket sales, recording damage reports, and registering “increased transport charges” (EBE).
The trainees’ solution involves equipping the cars used on the track with QR codes — the same ones we developed for Deutsche Bahn online tickets. These QR codes contain information about each car and its driver. Our mobile devices should be able to scan and evaluate this information. Additionally, before each race, drivers must identify themselves using a chip card.
In the event of a “traffic accident” (when a car flies off the track), there should be a way to record the damage and impose a fine. The necessary data for this process should also be captured by scanning the QR code and supplementing it with a photo.
The project aims to combine strong learning outcomes with a lot of fun and to strengthen team spirit. Each team member takes on a specific area of responsibility during the project phase. This is intended to enhance a sense of duty and increase appreciation for each individual. As a side effect, the otherwise “boring” topic of public transport (ÖPNV) should be made more exciting.
After the project is completed, a team meeting will be held for reflection. This will serve to exchange experiences and inspire new ideas and approaches for future projects.