Simulation contributes to the future of Rail Transport

Simulation contributes to the future of Rail Transport

For over 30 years, InControl develops innovative customized railway-traffic simulators and is an expert in railway simulation. InControl’s simulation software platform enables the development of applications. One example is a high-performance railway application designed, built, and maintained by InControl for organizations responsible for rail infrastructures and passengers. It supports the decisions related to system (future) performances and the effects of innovations. At this moment rail organizations have to implement efficiency and security-related programs like ERTMS*, ATO*, or TMS* and passenger flows at public transport hubs in cities and metropole areas.

InControl’s Dutch railway simulator application called “FRISO” is developed for ProRail, the Dutch infrastructure company. It allows users to simulate and visualize large networks on a microscopic level including tracks, switches, signals, etc. The application supports users by automatic generation of a complete simulation model based on several databases. The benefits are valid data and information provisioning in a short timeframe. Visualization of the (sub)systems, insights into conflicting planning of rolling stock and staff, and multi-organizational and discipline staff training are part of the application services.

ERTMS affects the entire rail sector, so collaboration is a must. How does that work in practice? Last month, Joris Steneker, Team Manager Public Transport at InControl, and Dick Middelkoop, Program Manager ProRail Innovation, were invited by ERTMS Flash to discuss the long-lasting relationship. The original interview is in Dutch, for the English version please click here.

Source: Text Eveline Bets and foto Fokke Eenhoorn

Het ideale samenwerkingsmodel (geen simulatie, maar realiteit)
ERTMS raakt de hele spoorsector, dus samenwerken is een must. Hoe gaat dat in de praktijk?

Source: Fokke Eenhoorn

Hoe kennen jullie elkaar?
Dick: “Als programmamanager Modelontwikkeling houd ik me bezig met de ontwikkeling van simulatiemodellen en optimalisatievraagstukken. ProRail heeft een lange geschiedenis in simulaties, maar onze software was niet goed ingericht op de steeds complexere ontwikkelingen. Toen we jaren geleden op zoek gingen naar een flexibeler systeem met meer mogelijkheden, kwamen we terecht bij een platform dat is ontwikkeld door InControl.”

Joris: “Ik kwam er later bij, in 2006 geloof ik, toen ik als teammanager Public Transport verantwoordelijk werd voor simulatiemodellen voor onder andere het spoor.”


Aan welke simulatie(s) werken jullie op dit moment?
Joris: “Actueel is een groot project waarin we de ERTMS-gebruikersprocessen hebben nagebouwd in een simulator. Doel is het valideren van die processen, en betere communicatie tussen machinist en treindienstleider. De simulator bootst de treindienst na in een soort 3D-omgeving van het spoor.”

Dick: “Het gaat dus om testen of we het goed hebben uitgedacht, nog niet om het trainen van de mensen die ermee gaan werken. Dat komt later.”


Kunnen jullie het doel van de samenwerking omschrijven?
Dick: “Ons doel is dat we op een efficiënte manier de toekomst van het spoor in beeld brengen en zo kunnen beleven, en dat we inzicht krijgen in die complexiteit.”

Joris: “Ja, dus gezamenlijk dingen beproeven en ontwikkelen. Dat is ook de kracht van simulatie. Een mooi voorbeeld is dat we na zo’n sessie van machinisten en treindienstleiders terugkregen: ‘Nou, dat ga ik in de praktijk nooit zo doen.’”

Dick: “Of omgekeerd: ‘Dit scenario is niet goed, kunnen we dat nog aanpassen?’ Dat vond ik een mooie les. Het werkt dus twee kanten op. Zo verbeteren we de praktijk.”

Joris: “En daar worden we heel blij van!”

Kom je ook knelpunten tegen en zo ja: hoe lossen jullie dit op?
Dick: “Ja, mijn werk is een leuke, maar uitdagende puzzel. Dat vraagt om chemie in de samenwerking en gebruik maken van elkaars kwaliteiten.”

Joris: “ProRail stelt ons soms uitdagende vragen. Bijvoorbeeld: ontwikkel een wiskundig optimalisatie-algoritme voor Automatic Train Operation. Dan is het best spannend of we dat ook kunnen leveren.”

Dick: “Meestal leidt het tot goede resultaten. Of het valt nu nog niet in goede aarde, maar later wel. Dan zijn we onze tijd vooruit.”

Wat is er volgens jullie nodig voor goede samenwerking? En zie je dat terug bij elkaar?
Dick: “Eerlijkheid, duidelijkheid, een open houding, doen wat je zegt.”

Joris: “Ja, Dick is inderdaad open en duidelijk. Er is daarnaast ruimte voor creativiteit, dat vind ik ook belangrijk.”

Dick: “Joris doet wat hij belooft. En hij verrast mij niet alleen met zijn diepgaande inhoudelijke kennis, maar kan ook uitleggen dat niet alles wat ik wil als opdrachtgever relevant is.”

Joris: “Dick heeft ook veel kennis en stelt kritische vragen. En hij kan mensen overtuigen. Ik vind Dick wel een echte ambassadeur. Het leukste is als we samen aan anderen enthousiast vertellen wat we doen!”

Tot slot: kunnen jullie samen door 1 deur? Waarom?
Dick: “Zeker. Omdat we niet bang zijn een beetje in te schikken als die deur, laten we zeggen, wat smal zou zijn.”

Joris: “Dan proberen we die deur breder te maken.”

Dick: “Zodat er nog meer mensen mee kunnen lopen.”

English version:

The ideal collaboration model (not simulation, but reality)
ERTMS affects the entire rail sector, so collaboration is a must. How does that work in practice?

Source: Fokke Eenhoorn

How do you know each other?
Dick: “As a Model Development program manager, I am involved in the development of simulation models and optimization issues. ProRail has a long history in simulations, but our software was not well equipped for the increasingly complex developments. Years ago, when we were looking for a more flexible system with more options, we ended up with a platform developed by InControl.”

Joris: “I joined later, in 2006 I believe, when I became responsible for simulation models for rail, among other things, as team manager Public Transport.”

Which simulation(s) are you currently working on?
Joris: “Currently we are involved in a major project in which we have recreated the ERTMS user processes in a simulator. The aim is to validate those processes and improve communication between the train driver and train traffic controller. The simulator simulates the train service in a kind of 3D environment in which the railway system is modelled.”

Dick: “It is therefore about testing whether we have thought it through properly, not yet about training the people who will work with it. That will come later.”

Can you describe the purpose of the collaboration?
Dick: “Our goal is to visualize and experience the future of rail in an efficient way, and to gain insight into that complexity.”

Joris: “Yes, so testing and developing things together. That is also the power of simulation. A good example is that after such a session we received feedback from drivers and train controllers: ‘Well, I will never do that in practice.'”

Dick: “Or vice versa: ‘This scenario is not good; can we still adjust it?’ I thought that was a good lesson. So, it works both ways. This is how we improve practice.”

Joris: “And that makes us very happy!”

Do you also encounter bottlenecks and if so: how do you solve them?
Dick: “Yes, my work is a fun, but challenging puzzle. That requires chemistry in the collaboration and making use of each other’s qualities.”

Joris: “ProRail sometimes asks us challenging questions. For example: develop a mathematical optimization algorithm for Automatic Train Operation. Then it is quite exciting whether we can also deliver that.”

Dick: “It usually leads to good results. Or it may not be well received now, but it will later. Then we are ahead of our time.”

What do you think is necessary for good cooperation? And do you see that back together?
Dick: “Honesty, clarity, an open attitude, do what you say.”

Joris: “Yes, Dick is indeed open and clear. There is also room for creativity, which is also important to me.”

Dick: “Joris does what he promises. And he not only surprises me with his in-depth substantive knowledge but can also explain that not everything I want as a client is relevant.”

Joris: “Dick also has a lot of knowledge and asks critical questions. And he can convince people. I think Dick is a real ambassador. The best part is when we enthusiastically tell others about what we do!”

Finally: Are you both on good terms with each other? Why?
Dick: “Certainly, because neither of us is afraid to compromise a little if necessary.”

Joris: “Then we try to create more space for each other.”

Dick: “So that in the end more people can join us and benefit from our efforts.”

Abbreviations:
* ERTMS: European Rail Traffic Management System
* ATO: Automatic Train Operation
* TMS: Traffic Management System

Are you interested in the contribution of our Simulation Software in the Rail Transportation Industry? Contact us, we are happy to tell you more about our expertise and experience.

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Simulation Excursion of The Netherlands Defense Academy, NLDA

Simulation Workshop and Presentation of The Netherlands Defense Academy, NLDA

For over 30 years, InControl has been working in close cooperation with many leading global Universities, Applied Sciences, and R&D Institutes. InControl’s cooperation is related to solving complex issues for so-called crowded places or supply chains such as last-mile delivery, human behavior, or specific domains like Defense.

A good example is the usage of our discrete-event software Enterprise Dynamics® during courses at the Netherlands Defense Academy, NLDA. As of this year, NLDA started using our Crowd Management simulation application as well. Both applications are very relevant for military planning, strategy, and operations.  The simulation software of InControl has become an integral part of the Master Military Technology, Processes & Systems (MTPS) curriculum. In this Master’s Program, much attention is paid to modeling and simulation. During the MTPS Master’s Program, students learn to identify, analyze and solve complex technical-operational challenges, related to military missions and systems.

Simulation software has proved to be an important tool to prepare and optimize military infrastructures, and operations, train staff, and predict incidents that threaten (inter)national safety and security. How can we effectively prepare soldiers and security personnel to succeed in their work during peace and mission-critical settings? Our Simulation Software can support the introduction of new operating procedures for tactical and operational army logistics.

Two weeks ago a group of students, professors, and lecturers of the NLDA visited our office in Woerden for a Simulation Workshop & Presentation. Our CCO, Frank van Poeteren, kicked off with a presentation about InControl and our experiences and contribution to the defense domain. Followed by a presentation by Douwe, Crowd Management Simulation Engineer at InControl. He explained the validation and technical features of our software application Pedestrian Dynamics®. Our CTO, Fred Jansma explained how our software contributes to the safety and security of complex infrastructures.

Student Presentation

Student presentation NLDA

As part of the program, four students from the Master Degree MTPS from the faculty of Military Science presented their assignments using Pedestrian Dynamics®. All students are Navy, Land, and Air Force officers and follow the Master’s program, besides their daily operations and assignments, part-time. InControl’s Pedestrian Dynamics® is used to understand the behavior of agents in specific settings and is tested if the results of their simulation models sync with the theory and vice versa. A very successful Workshop & Presentation with compliments to the well-prepared students and good cooperation with the lecturers of the NLDA.  

“We enjoyed our visit to InControl: from the enthousiastic welcome, and the interesting case studies to the in-depth discussions during the day. We learned a lot while having fun. In particular, talking with the Crowd Simulation Engineers was very fruitful: we discussed Pedestrian Dynamics and how we could use it for our applications. We shared many ideas and started collaborating on new projects. 

We look forward to visiting again with our next batch of master students.” 

– Ir. Sander van Oers, Assistant professor NLDA 

Consider starting a simulation course with our simulation software at your University, Applied Sciences, or R&D Institute.

Feel free to contact us to receive more information about our educational program and become part of our Educational Community to discuss and share your knowledge with other lecturers.

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Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2 released!

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2 released!

For all leading construction companies, architects, engineers, and consultants using crowd risk analysis. We are happy to announce the release of our crowd simulation software Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2!

With Pedestrian Dynamics® you can increase customer experiences, decrease costs, and contribute to your innovation programs to contribute to more safe, secure, and sustainable infrastructures and events.

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2 gives the crowd modelers more tools to help them in the model building process and to present the results to the end user.

The new features of Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2 are:

  • New TextBox Element, to enhance your model by showing text or output in your 2D or 3D visualization 
  • New functionality in the Error Monitor, to easily find the location where the error in your model is reported  
  • Miniature Map, a small layout shown at the bottom. Click on this layout to easily navigate your model. 

New TextBox element

The new text box element can show predefined messages or dynamically updatable
text. This tool brings extra functionality to help you analyze your environment during
the simulation run and create videos to show your projects’ results.
This element can be found on the draw toolbar of the 2D Builder. Draw the text box
in your layout, adjust its size, font, and many other settings in the settings window,
including the visualization in both 2D and/or 3D. Use the available predefined
logics to define the text to be shown: a fixed text such as the name of an activity
or its capacity, or even text that is updated dynamically during the run, such as the
number of people in a queue line.

Show the location in your 2D/3D model layout directly from the location reported in the Error monitor

New functionality has been added to the error monitor and tracer window. In the context menu you can find a new function Go to location. Use this for example to easily find the location of an error that is reported in the error monitor in your 2D/3D model layout.

Debugging your model is now facilitated by this tool. Select the line in the error
monitor which is reporting the location. Right-click on the error and the context
menu opens, which shows the “Go to location” option. By selecting this option, a red
circle pops up on the environment which indicates the location.

Miniature Map for easy navigation

A miniature layout of your entire model for easy navigation. When working with
large models, the zoom in/out process to find a specific location can sometimes
be cumbersome. The miniature map tool does not only give you extra information
about which part of the model is shown in the view, but also makes it easier to move
between different areas.

A new button can be found on the View tab of the Model Layout. Click this
button and a settings window will appear in which you can enable the miniature
map. This map is shown in the bottom left corner of the 2D Builder windows. The
green area shows the current area shown in the Layout. Click the image to move the
view to the indicated location. The map can be updated via the settings window or
on reset.

Download our release highlights document to read more details about the new improvements in Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2. 

Curious what Pedestrian Dynamics® can do for you, your company, and your customers? Please contact us, or try our software free of charge.

How Simulation contributes to Liveable, Safe, and Sustainable cities

How simulation contributes to Livable, Safe, and Sustainable cities

Today about 50% of the world’s population lives in urban areas. Expected is, that by 2050 this number will increase to about 68%. Not only the numbers are increasing, but also the needs are getting more diverse. Urban environments are exciting places to live, work and unwind. But how do we combine all of these aspects in a city? These Metropolitan Areas are not only growing fast but also changing continuously. We have to act faster and more adequate to trends and specific circumstances; like ‘greener’ ways of mobility or – relevant as it is still today – meet physical distancing ruling. All the aforementioned affairs come together in the overall question: how do we facilitate the City of the Future? 

Together with its business partners, Accenture Singapore has created its vision for the Future of Cities. These Metropolitan Areas should not only be the economic powerhouses of our world but also livable, safe, and sustainable locations that are by design inclusive to each stakeholder. Accenture Singapore brings together the relevant expertise and the best of class technology in their recently launched Future of Cities Innovation Hub; focusing on Sustainability, Mobility, and Safety & Security. We, InControl, are both happy and proud to announce that our simulation software is contributing to this Singapore Innovation Hub. In this manner, we are not only committed to the jointly created vision of the Future of Cities but strengthen our company mission statement: ‘’To deliver simulation software for a safe and sustainable planet.’’

But… how exactly is simulation contributing to future cities? To design cities’ infrastructures optimally, a thorough understanding of logistical flows is essential. Not only the logistical flow of pedestrians but also related to goods, rolling stock, energy, and even waste. The simulation of these processes and specific dynamics and scenarios provide tremendous information which in turn gives answers to complex, logistical issues. Think of capacity management, urban planning, and safety & security. Not only can simulation be part of the design phase of urban infrastructures, but it also plays a major role in real-time control and planning of operations. Possible congested areas or other (potential) issues related to public safety and security can be foreseen in an early stage, enabling authorities to act adequately and fast.

For simulating these scenarios, Metropolitan areas and City Authorities are visualizing the infrastructure in a so-called ‘digital twin’. However, to make this digital representation as realistic as possible enormous amounts of data are needed. A powerful software platform is key to process all this data of pedestrians, bikes and vehicular (public) traffic flows. InControl’s simulation software platform Enterprise Dynamics® (including Pedestrian Dynamics®) enables authorities to gather, enrich and process data from several sources like mobile devices, road and parking systems, and even weather stations! A digital twin facilitates the optimization of all flows in a city or any other infrastructure, providing information, insights and allowing quantifiable comparison of scenarios. By having this better understanding of pedestrian and other (public) transportation flows in congested areas during both regular and irregular days. The impact of bottlenecks, queues, and unsafe settings during e.g. city (re)development, road construction activities, or sports and other events, can be predicted and limited in an early stage and – even better – be avoided!           

Besides providing an overview of the distinct scenarios for a certain area, the simulation model also provides so-called ‘heat maps’. These maps provide information about the level of services provided in a certain area where not only the safety of pedestrians can be analyzed but also their level of comfort. Via both the simulation scenarios and heat maps, concretely and easily can be determined whether KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are met.

With Simulation Software, InControl is not only contributing to the realization of City and Metropolitan Authorities’ goals but also providing a pleasant, safe, and secure setting for citizens, workers, and visitors. All around the world, for more than 30 years! Would you like to be fully in control of your urban infrastructure? Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to tell you more about our experiences and expertise. 

For more information, please contact:

Read more about Accenture’s Innovation Hub in this article.

Simulation adds value to Education

Simulation adds value to Education

Inspiring online seminar for our Educational User Community

On April 29th a group of enthusiastic teachers from several Universities working and teaching with Enterprise Dynamics® attended our online seminar Simulation & Education. InControl received loads of positive reactions launching the simulation software Enterprise Dynamics version 10.4. Particular new features and the user-friendliness were mentioned.  

In the discussion about online teaching, the teachers expressed great appreciation of the free-of-charge Enterprise Dynamics Student Starter extended edition. InControl made this version available since universities and Applied Sciences Institutes closed their facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.    

A part of the new software release and the extended Student Starter edition, the following two subjects were presented: 

The first presenter was Mr. Koos van Overdijk from Avans University of Applied Sciences. He explained how they are using the Enterprise Dynamics program for many years. More than 150 students per year studying Industrial Engineering and Management uses InControl’s software program during Discrete Simulation courses. Where students have to design a soft drink factory in Enterprise Dynamics with all its features as part of a group project. Mr. Koos van Overdijk, has provided this inspiring course for many years and presented the ins and outs of this case and the way he shared his knowledge during the seminar.  

Thereafter, Mr. Han Mackor of Royal Schiphol Group and Mr. Harry Bunnik of InControl explained how a Digital Twin is created. What are the starting points and what steps do you need to take before you are even ready to run Digital Twin? To give insight into this process we elaborated on our approach to the baggage handling system of Airport Amsterdam Schiphol. How does Schiphol translate a suggestion to (re)design or improve a system or process into a realistic implementation using the advantages of simulation software? 

Are you interested in teaching with Enterprise Dynamics classroom?  

Become part of our active Educational User Community and discuss or share your knowledge and experiences with other lecturers. 

Just send an email or check our website.  

How Wageningen University & Research Integrates Simulation Software in Education

How Wageningen University & Research Integrates Simulation Software in Education Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Rene Haijema, Associate Professor at Wageningen University
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Sales Manager – Logistical Software

InControl is looking for an Sales Manager – Logistical Software. Are you excited about bringing new but proven technology to customers that enables them to
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EES implementation runs smoothly due to simulation software of InControl

EES implementation runs smoothly due to simulation software of InControl

Only a year to go and a new control system must be implemented at all external border locations in Europe. The EES will be mandatory from the  2022. EES stands for European Entry / Exit System and this system regulates the digital registration of all non-European passenger traffic. The stamps in passports will be part of the past and in addition to personal data, the registration and control of fingerprints and facial recognition will also be obligated.

The European member states are responsible themselves for the organization and registration of EES at their own external borders. Collaboration and innovation are  key words for a successful and, above all, smooth/seamless border control. It is and it will remain absolutely necessary to control border capacity both from a passenger and (FedPol) staff perspective. Border locations most of the time have to be (re)designed. This is important in order to guarantee the safety and security of the passengers and residents of the host country against pandemics, persons with terrorist motives or other calamities.

Predict passenger flows


InControl is an indispensable partner for predicting crowds at border areas: airports, seaports, cruise terminals and train stations. With the simulation models of InControl, passenger flows can be made transparent and therefore better monitored and enforced. Thanks to the software it is possible to create analysis, impact- and what-if scenarios, 2D and 3D models and relevant instructions for staff and passengers. With these forecasts safe and smooth/seamless passage of passengers is ensured.

Gain insights with predictive analysis of InControl


Every border location is different and the intensity of use of those locations differs per season, per week, per day and even per moment. During the holidays it is busier at the (air)ports and train stations. And as a widebody aircraft fly in from outside of Europe, there will be a peak moment that should be anticipated and addressed. By making this transparent in advance with simulation models, a lot of very important issues can be taken into account. For example the layout and size of the border area, the installation of counters, (mobile) kiosks and hiring of adequate and sufficient (FedPol) staff. With simulated models and scenarios you can prepare and fulfil a smooth border operation. In short, be prepared very specifically for the purchase of hardware, software and staffing.

The role of simulation software is extremely useful for capacity planning by predicting and limiting waiting times, for making cost estimates, and above all ensuring the safety of passengers and residents of Europe. We will support you to meet EES-ruling in an efficient and effective manner.

Would you like to know what InControl can do for you and your organization? Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to tell you about our experiences and expertise.

InControl provides Bank of America Stadium simulation for walk-in vaccination project

InControl provides Bank of America Stadium simulation for walk-in vaccination project

The Bank of America stadium, Charlotte, NC, requested InControl to simulate the stadium to accommodate a relevant and actual purpose: walk-in vaccination center. The goal of the simulation is to ensure a more efficient COVID-19 vaccination process for right numbers of safe throughput, social distancing for queue lines that maximize safety and ensure more access.

By using simulation modeling you can reduce the frustration and confusion of those receiving vaccinations through predictive analytics. With these simulations the walk-through process is optimized taking process times, queues, and physical space for movement into account. The simulations include physical distancing to ensure a safe environment in which as many people as possible are vaccinated. We ran various scenarios to reduce the check in time and increased the number of check-in desks.

Figure 1: Overview meeting the physical distancing restrictions for fluid vaccination.

InControl has done previous simulations for the Bank of America stadium to investigate their options for a controlled opening of the stadium while minimizing health risks by taking physical distancing, pedestrian flows and the capacity into account.

With our own developed crowd simulation software Pedestrian Dynamics ® we have modeled the Bank of America stadium’s infrastructure and surrounding streets. We also add crowd behavior for efficiency of movement, evacuation and sheltering-in-place to the model. The simulation tool we have delivered is developed in such a way that trained event staff can update the model for specific events. This tool allows you to intelligently know the crowd management answers before you implement your live plan. InControl has conducted COVID-19 vaccination simulation models for clients around the world.

Figure 2: Check-in desks, while maintaining social distancing

Pedestrian Dynamics® is a leading crowd simulation tool that has been used for more than a decade to model large crowds in all types of infrastructure. Pedestrian Dynamics® helped answer questions about capacity, staff planning and training, keeping in mind the safety and comfort related to crowded places.

Cities and municipalities are struggling with organizational and financial hurdles due to the Corona crisis. InControl would like to get involved and support communities by not charging reduced the usual daily rates for simulation engineers for this type of projects.

If you need support with the test streets and / or vaccination routes, check capacity with the Pedestrian Dynamics® simulation software and / or model according to COVID-19 measures and guidelines including physical distancing in any environment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

InControl supports communities with corona test track simulation

InControl supports communities with corona test track simulation

During the Covid-19 pandemic, communities and municipalities in particular have to deal with many challenges. The preparation and planning of tests, training and vaccination locations are top of mind. Besides drive-in locations such as event centers, stadiums and public buildings have to be properly arranged, facilitated and people trained. 

Figure 1: Example of drive-in test facility

A municipality in Austria asked InControl to support the organization of test tracks by delivering data, plans and insights. In this case the planned tests and training staff facility is a combined elementary and middle school.

Simulation and visualization can support and improve decision-making processes; they can support and visualize the design and optimize key processes, costs and provide feedback during every stage. InControl contributes to the security issues and procedures as well. 

Test tracks for the upcoming Covid-19 swab tests has to be set up in a municipality in Austria and these should be evaluated and validated in advance. The thorough preparation is contributing to the test and training activities but forms a good set up for the vaccination activities as well. There are rooms available for this purpose at both schools, primarily organized on the ground floor. In this case a total of 6 test tracks are designed, planned and evaluated.

Figure 2: Middle and elementary school – test tracks 1 to 6

A test track includes: the outside waiting area, the registration and the test area. The flow of people should not cross, so separate entrances and exits and a marked route (one-way system) are specified in order to minimize personal contacts.

Figure 3: Example for test track 1 in detail

Compliance with the general distance rules and local protocols are taken into consideration in the entire test area and is also part of the simulation model and scenarios. In Austria, a personal indoor distance of 2 meters is applicable.

Information on the simulation with Pedestrian Dynamics® was made available to InControl by the municipality, based on both scientific and empirical values. So in this case the assumption was that 1000 people per day (8 hours) has to be tested. Another assumption is that no values for the arrival distribution has to be taken into consideration. The documents required for registration will be announced in the waiting area and can be verified too. The registration should take place in 2 till 5 minutes and in the test area 3 minutes are accepted at each station.

To analyze the routes, simulation runs were carried out in order to check the capacities and distance regulations. The assumption described above was refuted on the basis of the simulation results; only 60% of the people can be tested in 8 hours. The capacity check has shown in this case that there is a lack of time and staff. In addition to the simulation experiments, necessary changes in the process were discussed directly with the community and health care representatives and adopted in the test planning, routing, staff training and real time execution.

Pedestrian Dynamics® is a leading crowd simulation tool that has been used for more than a decade to model large crowds in all types of infrastructure. Pedestrian Dynamics® helped answer questions about capacity, keeping in mind the safety and comfort related to crowded places.

Cities and municipalities are struggling with organizational and financial hurdles due to the Corona crisis. InControl would like to get involved and support communities by not charging the usual daily rates for simulation engineers for this type of projects.

If you need support with the test streets and / or vaccination routes, check capacity with the Pedestrian Dynamics® simulation software and / or model according to COVID-19 measures and guidelines including physical distancing in any environment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

InControl’s crowd simulation supporting Transportation industry

InControl’s crowd simulation supporting Transportation industry

The transportation industry is facing a dramatic drop in passenger activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to ensure safe travelling for passengers and complying with physical distancing requirements InControl’s crowd simulation software Pedestrian Dynamics® has been used.  InControl simulation software predicts pedestrian flows and human behavior in a detailed way with high accuracy and processing large number of travelers.

Our software in 2D and 3D visualization models enabled business partner CGI and their end customers to get insights in several key questions, if and how to:

  • meet health legislation and protocols;
  • optimize schedules and capacity;
  • support management decisions and
  • organize the content of staff training.

Business partner CGI and InControl run several scenarios and delivered reports including What-If and Impact-scenarios and 2D and 3D visualizations.

Read the article of our business partner via this link.