AMCON Software GmbH

Sales at AMCON: Where digital mobility begins and relationships make the difference

christinaeinhaus — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:04:24 +0000

Anyone dealing with modern mobility quickly encounters topics such as ticketing, real-time data, or digital platforms. But before a city modernizes its bus fleet or a transport operator introduces new software, something fundamental happens: people talk to each other, exchange ideas, develop concepts, and find solutions together.

This is exactly where the work of a sales representative at AMCON begins. It is a role that goes far beyond traditional sales conversations and actively helps shape the future of public transport.

A role that drives markets and builds trust

Sales at AMCON is a central part of the company. It ensures that new customers are acquired and existing partnerships continue to grow. It is not only about contracts, but about long-term relationships.

AMCON’s solutions, from ticketing to SmartBus and Analytics to DataHub, are complex and versatile. They need to be understood, explained, and used meaningfully together with customers. Sales representatives support transport operators, cities, and associations on their journey toward digital transformation and help them find the right building blocks for their needs.

A working day full of variety

Everyday life in sales is dynamic and diverse. A meeting with a transport company looking to modernize its fleet may be scheduled in the morning. In the afternoon, there might be a discussion with a city considering how to meaningfully integrate ticketing, e-ticketing, and data analytics.

In between, inquiries are handled, market trends are analyzed, or tenders are prepared. Trade fairs, conferences, and industry events are also part of the role, as AMCON showcases what the future of digital mobility can look like. This mix of consulting, analysis, presentation, and exchange makes this position particularly exciting.

Responsibility that offers room for creativity

Sales representatives are responsible for stable customer relationships and for the professional representation of AMCON in the market. They identify opportunities early, develop strategies, and independently decide which contacts to prioritize.

At AMCON, a sales representative has a great deal of freedom for their own ideas and an independent way of working. At the same time, they work closely with the team, because successful projects can only be achieved when sales, marketing, product management, and development work hand in hand.

Why this position creates meaning

Anyone working in sales at AMCON sees the direct impact of their work. When a transport company becomes more efficient, when passengers can purchase tickets more easily, or when data helps make public transport more sustainable, these are outcomes to which sales has made a significant contribution.

It is a role that not only pursues economic goals but also makes a real contribution to the further development of mobility.

Which skills are helpful and what attitude matters

A degree in business administration or a technical field is helpful, as is experience in the sales of complex, technical products. A solid understanding of IT contexts also makes it easier to get started.

Just as important are curiosity, strong communication skills, and enjoyment in working with people. Those who like to listen, explain complex topics in a clear way, and take responsibility will find an environment in AMCON sales that actively supports and develops these strengths.

Conclusion: A profession for people who want to shape the future

Sales at AMCON is ideal for people who enjoy advising, connecting, and shaping. It combines technical innovation with a human touch and shows how important relationships remain in an increasingly digital world.

Those who are passionate about mobility, digitalization, and genuine collaboration will not only find a job here, but a role with real impact.

Would you like to learn more about how sales at AMCON works and the contribution it makes to digital mobility? Or can you imagine becoming active in this field yourself and supporting transport operators on their journey into the future?

Then it’s worth taking a look at our current job openings. There you will find further insights into the way we work and the people who make AMCON what it is. We look forward to possibly getting to know you in person soon.

Der Beitrag Sales at AMCON: Where digital mobility begins and relationships make the difference erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

Customer Support at AMCON: Connecting Technology, Communication, and Responsibility

christinaeinhaus — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:03:40 +0000

Digitalization in public transport is a dynamic field that goes far beyond pure software development. To ensure our solutions work reliably in everyday operations, it requires people with a broad perspective who understand technical relationships and communicate with our customers on equal footing. In customer support at AMCON, technical expertise meets a service-oriented mindset—with the goal of creating sustainable support and true partnership.

What defines customer support at AMCON

The focus is on direct contact with our existing customers. Technical inquiries are recorded in a structured manner, analyzed, and prioritized according to their urgency. The aim is not only to provide quick assistance but also to ensure transparent and traceable support throughout the entire solution process. Every step is documented so that recurring issues can be handled efficiently.

An important part of the work is maintaining and further developing our technical customer documentation. It forms the foundation for sustainable support and makes it possible to present complex matters in an understandable way. Anyone working in customer support at AMCON ensures that our software solutions are used optimally and actively contributes to the further development of our products.

Technical understanding and strong communication skills

Customer support at AMCON is a diverse field of responsibility. In addition to confident use of office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, basic knowledge in the area of databases is helpful, ideally with SQL. Even more important is the ability to explain technical content in an understandable way and to build a trusting relationship with the customers being supported.

Structured working methods, analytical thinking, and a high level of personal responsibility are just as important as teamwork and enjoyment of communication. Customer support is not purely a support function, but an active part of our product landscape.

A work environment that fosters development

AMCON offers a modern working environment. Flexible working hours, ergonomically equipped workstations, and numerous benefits for personal well-being are part of our daily routine. These include free beverages, fresh fruit, discounted lunches in the cafeteria, as well as a possible membership with Hansefit or a job ticket. Our corporate culture is characterized by openness, mutual appreciation, and the shared goal of shaping the future of mobility. Regular employee events and exclusive everyday benefits strengthen teamwork and create space for personal development.

Would you like to learn more about customer support at AMCON or can you imagine becoming part of our team yourself? Then feel free to take a look at our current job openings. There you will find further information about available positions and our working environment. We look forward to getting to know you.

Der Beitrag Customer Support at AMCON: Connecting Technology, Communication, and Responsibility erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

Dual study program and many years of working at AMCON Software GmbH – A first-hand experience report

verenadrees — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:34:26 +0000

As a software developer and eTicket expert at AMCON Software GmbH, I now look back on over eleven years of experience with this company. What started as an internship evolved – through dedication and hard work – into a successful career that has led me to my current position. For me, AMCON is more than just a workplace – it’s a company that lives its values and gives a lot back to its employees.

From the First Steps to Becoming an eTicket Expert

My journey with AMCON began over ten years ago – initially with an internship, followed by a part-time job during my final years of school. Before long, I was actively involved in exciting projects and able to gain valuable hands-on experience. During my subsequent dual study program, I took on more and more responsibility and even had the opportunity to present my first technical knowledge directly to clients.
Working closely with experienced colleagues allowed me to continuously expand my skills and grow both personally and professionally. With a lot of commitment and effort, I developed into an eTicket expert over the years – in a role where I contribute to the development of our software and advise clients. The combination of these tasks constantly challenges me, allows me to realize my potential, and helps me continuously grow my expertise.

A Workplace That Offers Real Value

In addition to professional development, AMCON places great importance on employee well-being. A modern office with ergonomic equipment, high-quality technology, and a motivating work environment create the perfect conditions for productive work. Our cafeteria offers freshly prepared, subsidized meals every day, and a wide range of beverages is always available.

Community and Team Spirit

What makes AMCON truly special to me are the people. Despite the diversity within the team, there is a strong sense of community – we work together towards common goals and celebrate our successes as a team. Regular events such as summer parties, Christmas celebrations, or monthly staff meetings strengthen our team spirit and create a sense of belonging that extends beyond the workplace.

Flexible Work Arrangements

One of the benefits I value most in my daily work is the flexible flextime policy. It allows me to balance my professional and personal life perfectly – whether through a later start to the day or by easily scheduling personal appointments. Any hours worked can be flexibly adjusted later, which is a huge relief for me.

Conclusion

AMCON Software GmbH is more than just a company – it’s a workplace with real added value. The many benefits not only make day-to-day work more enjoyable but also significantly contribute to my overall satisfaction and motivation.
What I appreciate most, however, is the fantastic working atmosphere and the inspiring people I get to work with every day. I look forward to many more years full of exciting challenges and valuable experiences at AMCON!

Der Beitrag Dual study program and many years of working at AMCON Software GmbH – A first-hand experience report erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

My dual study program at the IT & Business School (IBS) in Oldenburg

verenadrees — Tue, 20 May 2025 09:15:45 +0000

The most important facts in brief:

In this blog article, Kristian shares his personal experiences as a dual student of Business Informatics at the IBS Oldenburg. He talks about how the program combines theory and practice and describes how he applies the knowledge he gains during his practical training at AMCON. The article highlights the roles he has taken on, the challenges he has faced, and the advantages of a dual study program. He concludes by reflecting on his journey so far and giving an outlook on his future plans.

Introduction: Why Choose a Dual Study Program?

My decision to pursue a dual study program at the IT & Business School Oldenburg was strongly influenced by my interest in Business Informatics. The combination of IT skills and business knowledge appealed to me right away. From the very beginning of my studies, I was impressed by the modern facilities and the practical approach of the IBS. The lectures are usually interactive and aim to incorporate current developments and technologies from the IT world.

The Theory-Practice Mix: A Valuable Asset for the Future

A key advantage of the dual study program is the ideal combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. At IBS Oldenburg, I receive a solid theoretical foundation in subjects like programming, databases, and business topics such as corporate management. I can directly apply this knowledge during my practical phases at AMCON. For example, I have learned how to develop software and database solutions and implement them into ongoing projects. This direct transfer of knowledge deepens what I’ve learned and fosters a greater understanding of how IT and business processes interact.

Practical Training at AMCON: Learning by Doing

My practical training at AMCON in Cloppenburg is both exciting and enriching. Here, I am part of a team that develops software solutions for public transport. One of my tasks is to create and further develop modules that are integrated into existing systems. Especially interesting is working on a module like customer management and billing, which is very comprehensive and shows fundamental differences compared to projects we tackle in the theoretical phases. This practical application of my knowledge allows me to test and enhance the theory “on a real-life object” in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

A dual study program requires a certain degree of organization and self-management. The constant switch between academic and practical phases can be challenging. However, it’s definitely worth it, as you develop strategies to overcome these challenges and improve your time management – even in your personal life. Digital tools can be particularly helpful for organizing tasks. Additionally, it’s important to continuously develop yourself and stay open to feedback in various areas.

Benefits of a Dual Study Program

The benefits of a dual study program are manifold. In addition to gaining professional expertise, it offers excellent networking opportunities. Constant interaction with colleagues and fellow students leads to valuable professional relationships, both within and outside the company. Moreover, the practical experience gained opens up excellent career prospects after graduation.

Oh – and unlike a traditional university program, you already earn money during your studies.

Conclusion and Outlook

My dual study program at IBS Oldenburg, in combination with my practical training at AMCON, has proven to be an excellent platform for both my professional and personal development. I’m learning to effectively combine theory and practice and I’m looking to the future with optimism. I’m excited about upcoming projects at AMCON and the final stretch of my studies. Things remain exciting, and I’m confident that I’m being well-prepared for my future career.

Der Beitrag My dual study program at the IT & Business School (IBS) in Oldenburg erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

My department change to Marketing and Sales

verenadrees — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:38:16 +0000

The change of department is a great opportunity for us third-year apprentices to gain new experiences. For me, this meant leaving the technical routine of software development and entering the creative world of marketing. An exciting change of scenery that allowed me to gain a completely new perspective on the company for a month.

It’s not just marketing that you can choose from. Departments such as project management, product management or sales can also be explored during the change. However, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to immerse myself in the marketing and sales department – an area that I had hardly had any contact with before. That’s exactly why I wanted to get to know it better and understand how people work here.

A leap into the unknown: My start in marketing

Switching to marketing was a completely new experience for me. Instead of working on lines of code as usual, everything suddenly revolved around creative content and AMCON’s public image. I was allowed to design posts for social media, work on videos and prepare image material – tasks that not only brought variety, but were also a lot of fun.
It was particularly exciting that I was able to contribute and implement my own ideas – from Instagram posts to video editing. I learned how much strategy and intuition is behind good marketing.

A technical look at marketing: website & SEO

My technical background also came into play in marketing – especially when it came to the website. Together with the team, we simplified the navigation and optimized the presentation to make the site more user-friendly and appealing.

Special attention was paid to SEO optimization: we revised meta data, integrated keywords in a targeted manner and thus significantly improved visibility in search engines. For me, this was an exciting combination of technology and marketing that showed how closely the two can be linked.

The diversity of marketing

During my time in marketing, I not only worked on content, but also saw how much planning goes into events. One example: the organization of our Boßeltour. It’s not just about good ideas – structure, planning and an eye for detail are also required.
I have learned how important it is to remain flexible and adapt quickly to new requirements. Marketing is more complex than I would have thought – behind every successful campaign is a well thought-out concept and a lot of teamwork.

Next stop: Sales

After two weeks in Marketing, I moved on to Sales – an area that I could hardly have imagined before. First of all, I got an overview of the differences between internal sales and external sales, which I hadn’t really been aware of before.
In internal sales, I learned how quotations are prepared, orders processed and inventories carried out. What surprised me was that there was very little direct customer contact here – in stark contrast to field sales.

On the road

In the second week, I was able to accompany the sales team – and it was really exciting! I attended customer meetings in Kassel and Mainz and was able to experience how our solutions are presented and explained directly on site.
It was particularly interesting that these were potential new customers. This gave me an impression of how the first contact is established, how discussions take place and how much tact is required. For me as a developer, it was very valuable to see how much effort and planning goes into a successful project launch.

My conclusion

The change of department was a valuable and enriching experience for me. In Marketing, I was able to develop my creative side and contribute my technical knowledge at the same time. In Sales, I gained insights into customer communication and the processes behind the scenes.

I can only recommend every trainee to take advantage of this opportunity. Thinking outside the box not only broadens your horizons, but also shows you how many exciting facets our company has to offer.

Der Beitrag My department change to Marketing and Sales erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

Future Day 2025: An unforgettable day at AMCON

verenadrees — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:03:24 +0000

On April 3, 2025, AMCON opened its doors to 36 curious young explorers who were able to immerse themselves in the world of technology and programming on Future Day. The day began with a warm introduction, during which the children learned about the exciting stations and activities that awaited them.

A day full of discoveries and fun

The day began with an introduction, where the children were given an overview of what to expect in the coming hours. The excitement was palpable as we presented the various activities and stations that had been prepared for the young inventors. Our trainees were there from the start as motivated supervisors, helping the children to settle in quickly and get the full benefit of the stations. Each station offered a unique opportunity to playfully immerse themselves in the world of technology and learn new skills. At the end, each child received an overview of the stations and a sticker sheet to document their progress.

Six stations full of innovation

With eager anticipation and curiosity, the children began their journey through six exciting stations, all of which offered a varied opportunity to immerse themselves in the worlds of technology, logic and creativity:

Turing Tumble: The children learned how to simulate the mechanics of a computer using a marble run. Using marbles, switches, cogwheels and crossings, the young participants were able to solve tricky logic problems and playfully see how the principles of a real computer work.
Galileo RoboMaker: At this exciting stand, participants were able to design small robots and control them with the help of simple programs on their smartphones. With over 200 components and additional functions such as two motors and a loudspeaker, there was no limit to creativity.
Ozobots: The introduction to the world of mini-robots was done in a playful way by drawing color codes that were used to program the Ozobots to perform tasks. This hands-on learning experience allowed the children to grasp the basics of coding in a particularly accessible and fun way.
Calliope Mini: This station taught the children to write their own small programs and use the Calliope Mini microcontroller to control LED lights and music. Through various programs, such as NEPO and MakeCode, the children discovered the possibilities of digital electrical engineering.
LED Racer: The children experienced a special kind of speed experience at the LED Racer station. A simple LED strip was transformed into a lively race track on which the children observed the effects of their program changes live in an exciting race.
Human Resource Machine: This creative computer game introduced the children to the basics of algorithmic thinking. Through playful assignments, participants learned how computer programming works by programming their “office workers” to solve various puzzles.

Finale

After an informative and eventful morning, the hard-working explorers were rewarded with a well-deserved pizza break, where they had the opportunity to share their impressions and make new friends.

At the end of the Future Day, each child received a Junior Programming Diploma and a small goodie bag with surprises to remember this special day.

Conclusion

The Future Day at AMCON offered the children a valuable opportunity to playfully expand their technical skills and have a lot of fun at the same time. We would like to thank everyone involved and look forward to welcoming many curious young talents to AMCON again next year!

Der Beitrag Future Day 2025: An unforgettable day at AMCON erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

Education with prospects: Start your career in IT!

verenadrees — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:20:50 +0000

“MINT is a global enabler of innovation and growth” – this is how the German Economic Institute (Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft, IDW) describes it in the MINT Autumn Report 2024. The report highlights that more than 1.8 million people are already employed in these sectors in Germany, with a consistent annual growth rate of 3% on average. Additionally, 34.6% of companies expect an increasing demand for IT professionals, while 27.6% foresee a rising need for engineers. These fields make a significant contribution to economic stability and offer diverse career opportunities.

From an economic perspective, that all sounds pretty impressive — but right after finishing school, you’re probably only mildly interested in solving major economic problems. What you really want is to kick off an exciting study program or start an interesting apprenticeship, right?

Great — then you’re in the right place with us! Because at AMCON, you’ll find plenty of “innovation and personal growth” too. It’s no surprise that we’ve been recognized as a “Top Training Company” by the Oldenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce and named a “Beacon of Vocational Training” by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education.

But enough bragging — after all, those awards don’t really tell you what to expect from us. So let me show you what your apprenticeship at AMCON will actually look like.

Quick side note: MINT stands for Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology — all essential fields that drive innovation and progress. At AMCON, we focus on the “I” — Informatics.

Your Apprenticeship at AMCON

Our apprenticeships and dual study programs begin every year on August 1st with a one-week bootcamp at our AMCON.Academy. During this week, you’ll get to know our company processes (like data protection, time tracking, etc.) and meet your new team in casual introductory sessions. Right after bootcamp, you’ll jump straight into coding!

In your first year, you’ll spend most of your time at the AMCON.Academy. You’ll start with smaller exercises and take part in training sessions (on things like Git or object-oriented programming) to get everyone up to speed. Before long, you’ll already be working on real projects! In small teams, you’ll tackle tasks (we call them “tickets”) that are used directly at AMCON. Some examples include:

Evaluation tools for food orders
A tool for lending out books
Projects with the IHK Energy Scouts
The Digiscouts initiative from the RKW (Germany’s Rationalization and Innovation Center for Business)

You’ll get to work with various programming languages — while C# is our favorite, you’ll also gain some early experience with web development using JavaScript. And don’t worry: you won’t be left on your own — our training team is always there to answer your questions.

After your first year at the AMCON.Academy, you’ll choose a development team to continue working with. These teams usually focus on specific standard products, like our webshop or our solutions for the public transport sector. Over the next two years, you’ll deepen your technical expertise and build on the skills you learned in the Academy.

You’ll also have the chance to spend about four weeks exploring other departments, like Marketing and Sales or Product and Project Management. This gives you broader insight into the company and helps you discover other exciting areas of work.

Der Beitrag Education with prospects: Start your career in IT! erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

Development of an LLM system at AMCON

verenadrees — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:29:41 +0000

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. At AMCON, we are dedicated to developing efficient and secure AI systems to optimize our internal workflows. A key focus lies in the development of a local Large Language Model (LLM) that operates with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and ReACT agents. Data privacy is a top priority: all data remains on local servers and is never transmitted to the internet.

AI Terminology and Key Concepts

What are LLMs?

Large Language Models (LLMs) such as GPT-4, Llama 3.2, or Gemini 2.0 are AI systems designed to process and generate natural language. They can analyze text, create summaries, or even generate code. These models are based on transformer architectures and use mechanisms like attention to make context-aware predictions.

Embedding & RAG

Embedding models convert text into numerical vectors, enabling AI systems to detect relationships between words, sentences, or entire documents. RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) enhances LLMs by incorporating external knowledge sources. This means that the model doesn’t rely solely on its pre-trained data but can retrieve relevant information from internal databases or documents. RAG works in two phases:

The retrieval phase, which identifies relevant documents.
The generation phase, where the AI formulates an informed response based on the retrieved content.

ReACT-Agenten

ReACT (Reasoning + Acting) is an approach that allows AI agents to do more than just respond to prompts. They are capable of complex reasoning and action execution. For example, they can intelligently evaluate data from tools like Jira or Confluence. By combining reinforcement learning with rule-based decision-making, these agents can autonomously prioritize requests and delegate tasks. They have access to a range of tools which they use as needed — such as querying APIs, searching internal data sources, or retrieving external information.

Use Case: Local LLM at AMCON

Technological Implementation

The system is built on several key components:

Data & Retrieval
Documents and content from Jira and Confluence are systematically processed and prepared for the LLM. This is achieved using a combination of regular expressions for text extraction and transformer-based models for semantic analysis.

Embedding & RAG
Documents are transformed into vector representations, enabling the model to access relevant information effectively. For this, we use the multilingual-e5-large embedding model.

Backend & Model Access
An internal API connects various applications with the AI system. We use FastAPI to build the API interface and ONNXfor efficient model inference.
The ReACT agent can communicate with the APIs of Confluence and Jira to retrieve relevant information on demand. This is facilitated through the Atlassian Python API, which is tailored for both Jira and Confluence.

Frontend
A user-friendly web interface for seamless interaction with the AI model is currently under development.

Technologies in Use

- Vector storage & retrieval: ChromaDB
- Language models: Llama 3.2 and Gemma
- Frameworks: LangChain and LangGraph orchestrate complex interactions between agents, data sources, and retrieval components.

Development Challenges

Data Privacy and Security

Since all data is stored locally, we had to ensure that the system never accesses external servers. Robust access controls are essential so that only authorized users can view sensitive information. We implement this using OAuth 2.0 and role-based access control (RBAC).

Model Optimization

Running an LLM locally requires powerful hardware resources. We optimized the model to strike a balance between performance and efficiency. Techniques such as quantization (e.g. via Hugging Face’s bitsandbytes) and knowledge distillation were used to reduce memory and compute requirements.

Integration with Existing Systems

Seamlessly integrating with Jira and Confluence posed a challenge due to diverse data formats. Developing specialized retrievers played a critical role. By combining keyword-based and semantic search methods, we ensure highly efficient and precise information retrieval.

Outlook: The Future of AI at AMCON

In the coming years, we will focus on continuously improving and expanding the system:

Inference Optimization

Accelerating response times and improving precision through specialized model architectures and more efficient processing pipelines.

Expanded Agent Functionality

Development and implementation of new AI agents tailored to specific business tasks, including:

Code Improvement Agent:
Analyzes existing code, identifies optimization opportunities, and suggests more efficient solutions.
Onboarding Agent:
Assists new employees by providing relevant documentation and company policies during their onboarding process.
Project Management Assistant:
Supports task coordination, resource allocation, and tracking of project progress.
Templating Agent:
Automates the creation of templates and standard documents to boost operational efficiency.

Next-Generation Language Models

Integration of newer and more powerful LLMs, such as future versions of Llama, DeepSeek, and domain-specific embedding models.

Adaptive Tool Use by Agents

Agents will be equipped with a flexible toolchain, allowing them to dynamically select and apply tools such as API queries, semantic search, or external data retrieval, depending on the task.

Enhanced Retrieval Methods

Implementation of hybrid search techniques that combine semantic embedding with classical indexing for more accurate and context-aware information retrieval.

Scalability and Infrastructure

Evaluation and adoption of new hardware and software solutions to scale the AI architecture, including decentralized processing and specialized AI accelerators.

Improved Integration with Business Processes

Ensuring seamless integration of the AI system into existing workflows and applications to further increase operational efficiency.

Conclusion

With the development of a local LLM system, AMCON has taken a significant step toward AI-driven process optimization. Through the use of RAG and ReACT agents, company knowledge can be leveraged more effectively — without compromising data privacy.
The future of AI at AMCON lies in the continuous advancement of these technologies to create maximum value for employees. At the same time, we remain closely aligned with proven DevOps and MLOps strategies to streamline the development cycle and ensure continuous improvement.

Der Beitrag Development of an LLM system at AMCON erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

The Gratitude-Gruffalo: A Rotating Trophy for More Appreciation

verenadrees — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 07:03:51 +0000

“Who is this creature with terrible claws and terrible teeth in its terrible jaws? With knobbly knees, and turned-out toes, and a poisonous wart at the end of its nose, with eyes of fire, and a tongue so long, and purple prickles all over its back — something feels wrong!”

No worries – here at AMCON Software GmbH, this creature doesn’t cause fear, but rather brings wide smiles. The Gruffalo isn’t a monster, but a rotating trophy that spreads joy, appreciation, and gratitude. With its funny and memorable appearance, it draws everyone’s attention and reminds us daily how important it is to value small gestures and focus on the positive.

What is the Gratitude-Gruffalo?

The Gratitude-Gruffalo is a symbol of appreciation and recognition in everyday work life. It is regularly passed from one team member to the next — whenever someone deserves a “thank you” for a good deed or special support.

Whether it’s offering a helping hand during stressful times, contributing the right ideas to a complex challenge, or simply lifting the mood — the Gratitude-Gruffalo makes these moments visible.

What makes it special is that the Gruffalo never stays in one place for long. After a few days, it is passed on so that other colleagues also get the chance to express their appreciation. In this way, it’s always on the move — constantly in search of the next good deed.

How does the rotating trophy work?

The idea is as simple as it is effective:

The Gratitude-Gruffalo is passed on to show thanks and appreciation. Everyone who receives it gets to enjoy it for a few days and then passes it on to someone else who has also done something special.
A small travel journal accompanies the Gruffalo, documenting why each person received it. This creates a collection of stories and little moments that show how much positivity happens every day.
It doesn’t stay in one place but is meant to reach as many people as possible and travel throughout the entire company. That’s why we make sure it regularly changes hands.

Why the Gruffalo?

The choice of the Gruffalo as a symbol was deliberate. With its striking, almost fearsome appearance, it draws attention. At the same time, it shows that behind the first impression there is often something beautiful and valuable.

It’s an eye-catcher in every office and always prompts the question: “Why is the Gruffalo with you?” In this way, its mission is carried forward, and everyone is reminded how important it is to notice the little good things in everyday life.

A travel journal full of stories

The rotating trophy is accompanied by a travel journal. There, the previous owners of the Gruffalo can write down why they received it and the story behind it. The journal thus becomes a collection of moments that enrich our interactions.

What makes it special is that everyone can follow the Gruffalo’s journey. The journal highlights how much good often goes unnoticed in everyday life and how wonderful it is when we make it visible.

What does the Gratitude-Gruffalo bring?

The rotating trophy has the potential to change many things in our company.

It sharpens the focus on the positive. Whoever currently holds the Gruffalo actively looks out for the next opportunity to pass it on. This draws attention to the many small gestures that often go unnoticed.
It motivates and strengthens team spirit. The joy the Gruffalo brings is contagious. Whether as a recipient or giver, everyone feels appreciated and recognized.
It makes joy visible. The Gruffalo and its journal ensure that good deeds, which often get lost in everyday life, are brought back into the spotlight.

Gratitude that travels on

The Gratitude-Gruffalo is much more to us than just a rotating trophy. It is a symbol of how important it is to pause amidst the busy everyday life and focus on the positive.

Its journey reminds us that gratitude doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Often, a few words or a small smile are enough to make a difference. That’s exactly what the Gruffalo does for us every day here at AMCON Software GmbH. It brings people together, strengthens the team, and ensures that appreciation is never overlooked.

We look forward to continuing to accompany its journey and to collecting many more new stories in its travel journal.

Der Beitrag The Gratitude-Gruffalo: A Rotating Trophy for More Appreciation erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

Gamechanger for UX and public transport: How the Accessibility Act is getting everyone moving

verenadrees — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 13:12:06 +0000

What is User Experience Design (UX Design)?

User Experience Design (UX Design) focuses on analyzing and optimizing the usability of a product to enhance user satisfaction and accessibility. It’s about how a user perceives their experience when interacting with a product — whether it’s software, hardware, or a combination of both. At AMCON, we generally refer to UX in the context of software usage in combination with the hardware used in specific environments. We create intuitive and accessible solutions that are tailored to the needs of our users.

Examples at AMCON:

Software:

Windows applications
Mobile apps
Web applications
Websites

Hardware:

PCs and laptops
Smartphones and tablets
Ticket machines and point-of-sale systems
Specialized monitors (e.g., passenger displays in buses)

Usage Contexts:

Working in an office
On the go or outdoors
Environments with high noise levels
Usage on small screens or under stress
External factors such as strong sunlight or darkness

Accessibility: A Key Pillar of Modern UX

Accessibility is a core principle of modern UX design. It ensures that digital products are usable by people with a wide range of abilities and limitations. Designing for accessibility not only enables all users to benefit from digital solutions, but also improves overall user satisfaction and promotes inclusion.

Technologies that break down barriers

A common example of a technology originally designed as an assistive tool — now widely used — is autocomplete in text input. Similarly, voice control and smart assistants enhance convenience while also enabling many people to access digital tools. These features represent design that fosters true participation and inclusivity.

Legal Background of the BFSG

The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG), or Accessibility Enhancement Act, is a German law passed on July 22, 2021, based on the EU Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/882). It marks a significant step toward promoting and improving accessibility in both digital and physical products and services, thereby strengthening digital inclusion.

The law will come fully into effect by June 28, 2025, and will then also apply to the private sector, no longer limited to public institutions:

From June 28, 2025, all affected products and services must comply with the new BFSG requirements.
Products and services introduced before this date may still be used temporarily but must also be adapted to meet the requirements within a reasonable timeframe.

For this reason, accessibility should already be integrated into the design process today to meet future standards and actively promote inclusion.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Companies that fail to comply with the BFSG can face sanctions and legal consequences. As the BFSG is a legal obligation, violations may result in fines. Furthermore, lack of accessibility can also negatively impact a company’s brand reputation. Failure to meet accessibility standards may lead to loss of trust and credibility among customers.

On the other hand, accessible design not only meets legal requirements — it also presents an opportunity to position the company as inclusive and socially responsible.

Relevant Scope of the BFSG

The BFSG covers a broad range of products and services, requiring companies to ensure accessibility for certain digital and physical offerings. The scope includes, but is not limited to:

Digital services such as websites, mobile apps, and software accessible to the general public
Public transportation and ticket machines — all devices and information systems used in public transit must be accessible
E-commerce — online marketplaces and shops must ensure their platforms meet accessibility requirements

Products that are exclusively used by trained professionals and not accessible to the general public are exempt from these requirements.
The BFSG plays a crucial role in the public transport sector (ÖPNV). Professionals involved in procurement and salesof ticketing and control systems should be familiar with the law. Devices like ticket machines, ticketing web shops, and mobile apps fall under both the digital and physical product categories affected by the BFSG.

Requirements and Standards for UX Design and Accessibility

The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) outlines specific requirements that digital products and services must fulfill. These guidelines are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which are internationally recognized as the standard for digital accessibility.

The core principles can be broken down into four key areas:

Perceivability
Information and user interfaces must be presented in ways that all users can perceive. This includes providing text alternatives for images and captions for audiovisual content.

Operability
Users must be able to interact with the interface without restrictions. All functionalities should be accessible via keyboard, and users should be given sufficient time to complete tasks.

Understandability
Content and navigation must be clear and predictable. This includes using consistent navigation structures, clear labeling, and comprehensible language.

Robustness
Content must be compatible with a wide range of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, ensuring that people with disabilities can use the system effectively.

In addition to the core accessibility principles, there are conformance levels that help evaluate how well the requirements are being met. These levels—A, AA, and AAA—are similar to energy efficiency labels. To comply with legal requirements under the BFSG, levels A and AA must be fulfilled.

A: Basic level – must-have for minimal accessibility
AA: Recommended standard – provides good accessibility for most users
AAA: Highest level – optimal but not mandatory

Detailed guidelines for these accessibility standards can be found directly on the WCAG website.
German-language guidance is available from Der Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Informationstechnik (The Federal Government Commissioner for Information Technology).

Relevance of the BFSG for UX Designers

The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) challenges UX designers and developers to integrate accessibility from the very beginning of the design process. The law introduces clear standards that must be considered in the development of digital products and services. Key steps for UX professionals include:

Embedding accessibility into the design process: Just like any other design goal, accessibility should be a fixed part of early planning and product development.
Testing and prototyping: Regular testing with both assistive tools and real users with diverse impairments helps ensure real-world accessibility.
Understanding and applying standards: Familiarity with WCAG 2.1 and other accessibility frameworks provides a solid foundation for meeting BFSG requirements.
Training and continued education: Accessibility is a specialized discipline. Ongoing training helps teams stay current with best practices and legal developments.

Conclusion: Accessibility as a Core Principle of Modern UX Design

The BFSG represents a major step toward a more inclusive digital world. This is particularly true in the German public transportation sector, where purchasing tickets often presents a challenge due to a variety of tariffs, rules, and complex interfaces. Implementing BFSG standards can significantly improve the experience for all passengers.

For UX designers and developers, this means treating accessibility as a default standard, not an optional add-on. Meeting these legal requirements not only enhances user satisfaction but also ensures that digital and physical products can be used by everyone, regardless of ability.

Moreover, the law offers companies the opportunity to enhance their brand image, boost customer loyalty, and create innovative, inclusive solutions. Early and thorough implementation of accessibility standards is the key to building sustainable and future-ready products—software and hardware that truly moves everyone.

Der Beitrag Gamechanger for UX and public transport: How the Accessibility Act is getting everyone moving erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.