Messages from 2015 - AMCON Software GmbH

One device for all applications

verenadrees — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 10:16:25 +0000

One device for all applications

The growing digitalization of society places high demands on the transport industry. Mobile tickets, apps, portals, and virtual marketplaces: ticket vending machines and timetables posted at stops are long outdated. The demand for real-time passenger information, connection assurance, and e-ticketing presents challenges for transport companies. New interconnected transport concepts and intelligent IT solutions are required.

On December 13, 2015, the Westfalen-Bahn started operating the Emsland and Mittelland network (EMIL). Depending on the section, up to 10,000 passengers use the trains daily. With EMIL, an innovative ticketing system was also launched. A combined solution was needed for advance sales at stationary points of sale such as kiosks, as well as mobile sales on the vehicles and ticket inspections. To simplify ticket checking for inspectors, Westfalen-Bahn relies on a solution from AMCON GmbH based in Cloppenburg.

A total of 125 metric.mobile.POS devices were procured. Selling and checking e- and paper tickets, cashless payments, wireless communication, and immediate receipt printing are all conveniently possible with these devices. However, the software provided by AMCON was required to be hardware-independent and also compatible with other hardware products. The UFHO app, developed by AMCON, includes line sales, special tickets, route sales with paper tracking via barcode on the back, recording of increased fare penalties (EBE) with address verification, as well as a self-defined EBE without changes to the software. The control of online tickets, mobile tickets, and e-tickets is possible through the app released by the backend system without granting additional rights to the passenger service agent on the device. With a glance at the ergonomic inspection device, the ticket inspector can see whether a valid travel authorization exists.

The device can natively work with tariff data in the manufacturer-independent standard interface format for public transport (HUSST format) and can also process the vending machine data in the metric-X10 format without conversion, making it excellently suited for use in passenger transport. To process additional tariff formats without conversion, the AMCON tariff abstraction layer 3.0 (TAL) is used. TAL is a separate layer that maps tariffs hardware-independently and can be used on various output devices and operating systems via the presentation layer.

The integrated 1D barcode scanner for paper tracking especially convinced the new operators of the EMIL network. Each printed ticket is uniquely identifiable by a barcode on the back. Thanks to the Android operating system, existing apps could be used immediately. The simple user interface and large screen make ticket selling and checking significantly easier and, above all, faster. For Westfalen-Bahn, these were the convincing arguments.

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Trusted quality in a new design

verenadrees — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 10:25:10 +0000

Trusted quality in a new design

Cloppenburg – AMCON is presenting itself in a new light. Since November 1, 2015, the company’s positive development and the complexity of its business activities have been even more strongly represented in public through a revised corporate design, featuring a modified logo and corresponding marketing measures.

Not only is the character of the company’s new visual identity unique and distinctive, but the quality standards that AMCON guarantees its customers remain unchanged. The straightforward and solid new logo embodies the dynamic movement of the diverse topics within the public transport (ÖPNV) and regional rail (SPNV) IT sectors.

For nearly 25 years, AMCON has been steadily developing healthily and enjoys a high reputation among its customers. Many clients from the public transport industry as well as the healthcare sector rely on AMCON’s innovative software solutions. This development is continuously driven forward by AMCON, always with the highest level of customer satisfaction in focus. The new corporate design supports this direction by communicating it clearly and purposefully.

AMCON moves its customers forward with individually tailored software solutions. The new visual and color scheme guides viewers along paths, roads, and rails, with AMCON leading the way to the right destination.

About AMCON

As a nationally operating provider of fare management and passenger information systems for buses and trains, AMCON has been supporting transport companies for years in making public transportation (ÖPNV) more attractive and efficient. Increasingly, more customers rely on AMCON’s expertise and innovative software solutions.

The competitive advantage of the integrated UFHO system lies in its ability to meet all the requirements of a transport company:

Revenue management
Ticketing & fare management
Analysis & optimization
Passenger information

This creates a solution that covers the entire operational process of a transport company, leading to greater work efficiency and excellent service quality.

AMCON products impress with their state-of-the-art technology. Their modular design and high level of standardization allow them to be used independently or, depending on the transport company’s requirements, individually integrated into an intelligent overall solution. A gradual system expansion is also possible.

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Der Beitrag Trusted quality in a new design erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.

Welcome to AMCON

verenadrees — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 10:31:56 +0000

I’ve been part of the AMCON team in Cloppenburg for four months now, and my dual degree in Business Informatics has just begun. Despite the short time at the company, I can already say that I feel well taken care of and, above all, like I have truly arrived here.

AMCON is a nationally operating software specialist in the public transport sector (ÖPNV) for fare management systems. In addition to developing tariff and sales concepts, AMCON develops innovative systems for various sales devices such as smartphones, tablets, ticket machines, as well as mobile and stationary sales terminals.

During my career orientation, I faced a few initial difficulties: After finishing high school, I applied to different companies for various dual study programs – unfortunately without success. Therefore, I decided to study Electrical Engineering at TU Braunschweig. After two frustrating years full of theory, I decided to make a fresh start. This was followed by numerous internships in a variety of fields such as gastronomy, landscaping, security technology, police, and aerospace. Despite gaining many valuable experiences, I could not imagine any of these as a fulfilling professional career.

At a job fair in Oldenburg, I then became aware of AMCON. The company presentation and an informative conversation with the training coordinator Jens Kuster sparked my interest, and I quickly secured an internship at the company. During this time, I was surprisingly well supported and introduced to the basics of programming. Finally, I had found something that I am really good at and that I truly enjoy.

The managing director, Mr. Clausen, also quickly noticed the young and committed talent and promptly offered me a training position for the dual study program in Business Informatics B.Sc. in cooperation with IBS Oldenburg. I did not hesitate long and took the chance.

But it’s not only the programming that I like so much about AMCON. It is especially the helpful colleagues who always have an open ear. Such a great working atmosphere is rarely experienced. Then there is the public transport sector – a very complex and interesting area – quite different from what one might initially think. Although I am still at the beginning of my professional life, I have many freedoms, am both encouraged and challenged, and can contribute my own ideas.

I am grateful for the great opportunity that has been given to me at AMCON and am already looking forward to my training period. AMCON is a young, innovative, and aspiring company with ambitions and visions, where I am happy to start my professional path.

My personal conclusion from my career orientation odyssey: It’s not a problem if you don’t take a straight path on the journey to your dream job. For me, the orientation and discovery phase took almost four years – now I have arrived. Everyone should have the right to find themselves and test what is right for them. What are four years if you are going to work 40 years in a career that doesn’t make you happy?

Read the article in NWZ.. http://www.nwzonline.de/bildung-beruf/viel-freiheit-in-der-ausbildung_a_30,1,2912911156.html

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AMCON trainees participate in statewide educational initiative

verenadrees — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 10:47:06 +0000

AMCON apprentices participate in the statewide educational initiative “AZuBI” organized by the daily newspaper publishers for trainees in Lower Saxony and Bremen.

“AZuBI” stands for “Work-Future-Education” and is a statewide educational initiative by the daily newspaper publishers for trainees in Lower Saxony and Bremen. The initiative’s goal is to encourage apprentices to regularly read the daily newspaper. It aims to strengthen the reading and media literacy skills of trainees, broaden their general knowledge, foster interest in local events and municipal politics, and actively prepare them for their professional and private futures.

During the “AZuBI” project, AMCON provides its apprentices with a twelve-month subscription to the locally based regional daily newspaper in the form of an e-paper. To monitor progress, regular quizzes on articles from the past weeks are conducted, focusing on economics, politics, and regional news.

The objectives of the educational initiative are:

Promotion of reading skills and text comprehension
Increase in general knowledge
Improvement of vocational training
Enhancement of media literacy skills

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Career Orientation – AMCON Brings Out Talents

verenadrees — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 10:51:27 +0000

AMCON is a nationally operating software specialist in the public transport sector (ÖPNV) for fare management systems. In addition to developing tariff and sales concepts, AMCON creates innovative systems for various sales devices such as smartphones, tablets, ticket machines, as well as mobile and stationary sales terminals.

The 30-member AMCON team is constantly looking for new employees who bring ideas, visions, and strong commitment. Furthermore, there is a strong focus on in-house training. Every year, AMCON offers apprenticeships for “IT specialists with a focus on application development” and dual study programs in “Business Informatics B.Sc.” Additionally, school-accompanying one-year internships are also offered at AMCON.

Those who know their strengths and where they want to go, reach their goals more easily.

This experience has repeatedly proven true during AMCON’s time as a training company. To prepare young people early and systematically for the career choice as an IT specialist in application development or for a dual study program in business informatics, and to promote successful transitions from school to work, AMCON established an internal career orientation program (BOP). This program aims to provide students with career orientation by helping them develop realistic ideas about their own abilities and interests and to gain initial practical experience in the software development field.

Through the “BOP” support program, AMCON wants to give young people the opportunity to orient themselves, pursue achievable goals, and avoid training dropouts. In close cooperation with local schools, the company regularly opens its doors under the motto “Shaping the Future.” Students have the chance to get an impression of the company and the AMCON team. Furthermore, students are actively approached at job fairs such as the Oldenburg Münsterland Job Fair and informed about training occupations — always encouraged to complete a preliminary internship beforehand.

Training coordinator Jens Kuster closely supports his protégés during these internships, teaching them the first theoretical basics of programming and guiding them through smaller projects. A feedback discussion follows, reflecting on the intern’s knowledge, skills, strengths, and weaknesses. It often quickly becomes clear whether the interests and skills fit the training occupation and, if so, whether the dual study program could be an alternative to a pure apprenticeship. To maintain contact with students suitable for the profession, AMCON offers the possibility to work for the company one afternoon per week or during school holidays.

Experience shows that early and intensive support and promotion of students results in future trainees entering their training with good prior knowledge and being more motivated and confident. Additionally, trainees are already familiar with the company philosophy and know the team — a positive side effect that eliminates the adjustment phase.

Read the article…

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CAG Computer Science Course Visits AMCON

verenadrees — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 10:57:57 +0000

Cloppenburg – At AMCON, the motto is “Shaping the Future.” On Wednesday, June 3rd, the nationally operating software company opened its doors to the computer science class from Clemens-August-Gymnasium Cloppenburg.

AMCON is a nationally operating software specialist in the public transport (ÖPNV) sector, focusing on sales systems. In addition to developing tariff and sales concepts, AMCON develops innovative backend systems for various sales devices such as smartphones, tablets, mobile sales terminals, and ticket machines. The focus is on mobile sales devices used for selling and checking online tickets, mobile tickets, Touch&Travel, ticket updates, issuing penalty fare tickets (EBE), and reporting damages.

For future-oriented companies, it is essential to ensure that a sufficient number of qualified young professionals are always available to secure the continuity and development of the company. “Especially in the IT sector, the labor market is highly competitive, and recruiting qualified employees is often very time-consuming and costly. Therefore, we invest heavily in our own talent development,” explained Olaf Clausen. Of course, in-house training is also very costly, often even more so than simple recruitment. However, these costs are outweighed by other advantages – there is no onboarding period since industry know-how is already present, and above all, the development potential is well known.

To counteract the shortage of skilled workers, AMCON works closely with regional schools, colleges, and universities. Targeted events, such as the information day for the computer science class of the CAG, help attract young talents to the company as a potential employer. But it’s not just the company that benefits from such events. “It is easier for students to get in touch with our trainees and the company through these events,” explained trainer Jens Kuster. “Young people are often uncertain about their career choices. Informational events held at companies can help alleviate this. The eleventh-grade students of the CAG were able to gain a vivid impression of our company and the apprenticeship as an ‘Application Developer’,” Kuster continued. In addition to this apprenticeship, AMCON also offers the opportunity to pursue a dual degree in Business Informatics at IBS Oldenburg.

The success of a company is largely influenced by the quality of its workforce and, consequently, well-trained employees. “Enjoyment at work – that doesn’t have to be a contradiction, but is something we strive for. Because those who carry out their professional activities with conviction achieve success, and success is known to be enjoyable,” Olaf Clausen explains AMCON’s corporate philosophy.

AMCON is always looking for people with new ideas and visions who commit themselves with great dedication to successful project implementation. Become a part of the AMCON team: http://www.amcon.de/karriere.html

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GVH JobCard

verenadrees — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 11:05:01 +0000

AMCON develops JobCard for GVH

Small and medium-sized businesses too: With the new GVH JobCard, a relaxed and affordable commute to work

Since 1992, larger companies have been able to offer their employees discounted use of trains and buses within the Großraum-Verkehrs Hannover (GVH) area through the GVH FirmenAbo (company subscription). Currently, more than 200 companies and around 44,000 employees benefit from the FirmenAbo or SammelBestellerAbo (group buyer subscription) of the GVH. With the FirmenAbo model, the subscription is concluded for all employees of a company, with discounts depending on the location of up to 72% per individual employee. In contrast, the SammelBestellerAbo does not require all employees of a company to participate, but the savings here are limited to up to 24%.

The successful GVH model is now being expanded with the JobCard, specifically aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (under 50 employees). The JobCard can be ordered starting from ten subscriptions. If small companies do not reach this number, they can cooperate with other small companies. The JobCard also offers savings of up to 24%. Employers not only benefit from tax advantages but also make a valuable contribution to climate protection. “The JobCard is an excellent instrument to make the Hannover region an even more attractive business location,” said Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of the Department for Economy, Transport, and Education of the Hannover Region. “Companies save on expensive parking spaces for cars, among other things, when they participate in this model.”

Thanks to a cooperation between GVH and AGA Norddeutscher Unternehmensverband Großhandel, Außenhandel, Dienstleistung (North German Association for Wholesale, Foreign Trade, and Services), the JobCard has become possible in Hannover. The AGA Association has been successfully using AMCON’s “ProfiCard” solution model for years and now advises the GVH. Based on the successful Hamburg model, AMCON has now developed the JobCard. “Thanks to the good cooperation with AGA, we succeeded in closing a gap in the GVH offering with the JobCard. We offer small and medium-sized companies in the GVH area a low-threshold product,” summarizes Ulf Mattern, Managing Director of GVH. Currently, interested companies are still being advised and supported by the JobCard team of AGA Service GmbH.

All information about the JobCard can be found at: www.jobcard-hannover.de and www.gvh.de

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Der Beitrag GVH JobCard erschien zuerst auf AMCON Software GmbH.