Enhancing Customer Experience: Wayfinding and Simulation Solutions by Mijksenaar and InControl

Enhancing Customer Experience: Wayfinding and Simulation Solutions by Mijksenaar and InControl

Over the past 2 years, InControl and Mijksenaar have combined their expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions in wayfinding and simulation software for venues of multiple purposes, sizes, and scopes. Examples are metropole developments, (sport)venues, railway/bus/metro stations, airports, etc.

Mijksenaar specializes in connecting people with spaces and places by providing the user with solutions to orient, navigate, and experience to the fullest extent. This wayfinding goes beyond signage: it is multidisciplinary; intertwining the fields of architecture, spatial design, graphic design, and psychology to increase user value and customer experience.

InControl, on the other hand, develops advanced simulation software that utilizes data to accurately simulate venue usage. This powerful tool enables stakeholders, clients, and users to gain valuable insights into how a space can be (re)organized to maximize its value. By mapping flows, identifying bottlenecks, and considering other relevant information, such as purchasing patterns, InControl’s simulation software illuminates the specific needs of a space and contributes to the increase of safety, (staff and cost) efficiency, and customer experience.

The collaboration between Mijksenaar and InControl is mutually beneficial. Mijksenaar’s findings provide input for the optimization of scenarios within InControl’s simulation models. Conversely, the results generated by InControl’s simulation software provide valuable input for Mijksenaar’s wayfinding concepts.

The results are a combination of the (non-)preferred scenario, underpinned by facts and figures, the impact on waiting and process time, the visitor experiences, the optimal allocation of desks, F&B, merchandizing and other elements. This proven and recognized Business Partnership ensures that the deliverables produced are fully tailored to meet the specific requirements of every customer and project.

Stay connected to see our collaboration bring innovative solutions to life. Together, we provide remarkable experiences that exceed customers’ expectations.

 

Website Mijksenaar: https://www.mijksenaar.com/ 

The Role of ERTMS in Transforming Europe’s Railway System

Simulation contributes to the future of Rail Transport

The railway industry is expected to experience steady growth in the foreseeable future. According to the European Rail Research Advisory Council (ERRAC), the railway sector will become the backbone of Europe’s sustainable mobility system, serving both passengers and freight. For passengers, the railway system must provide seamless access to a variety of sustainable door-to-door mobility options. For freight, the goal is to transform rail freight into a highly efficient and sustainable backbone transport system for Europe’s multimodal logistics industry. However, to achieve this vision and increase transportation demand, innovative measures are required.

One significant challenge facing the railway industry is the implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). ERTMS is a unique train control system in Europe that aims to gradually replace incompatible systems in the region. The deployment of ERTMS will enable the creation of a seamless European railway system and increase European railway competitiveness. By improving the competitiveness of the rail sector, ERTMS helps to level the playing field with road and air transport bringing substantial environmental gains. Global railway companies are interested in this European leap forward.

This transition will benefit the railway industry by improving international freight and passenger transport. ERTMS offers several advantages, including cost-effective maintenance, increased safety, reliability, punctuality, and traffic capacity, which will help achieve the vision of a sustainable railway industry.

Contribution of Simulation

The transition from an analog to a digital system requires a lot from the sector and is a major task. ProRail, the Dutch infrastructure company, uses The Flexible Rail Infra Simulation of Operations (FRISO) Application developed by InControl to evaluate the effect of innovative measures and systems before putting them into practice. After implementation, the new technology will be integrally monitored by FRISO as well.

To investigate the impact of ERTMS and technical leaps, ProRail launched the SiGMaT (Simulation of Driver and Train Dispatcher User Processes) project. By using simulation the impact of ERTMS and in particular, ERTMS user processes will be investigated. ERTMS user processes describe the interaction between technology, the driver, the train dispatcher, and other users. As the supplier of simulation software, InControl is proud to contribute to the development of the Simulation environment for the SiGMaT Project.

ERTMS Development Simulation Suite

ERTMS in The Netherlands

The Operational Knowledge Centre ERTMS (OKE) aims to involve users in the preparation and implementation of ERTMS in the Netherlands. By testing ERTMS user processes with railway employees for situations where ERTMS is in use, the system can be tested to ensure that it really works in the future.

In the twelfth edition of the ERTMS OKE Talkshow “I ❤️ User Processes”, viewers are taken into the world of ERTMS user processes. In an interview with Jos Schoenmaker (project manager at ProRail ICT), the SiGMaT project is discussed, in which the EOSS (ERTMS Development Simulation Suite) simulation environment is used to perform system analyses to test ERTMS user processes.

Jos Schoenmaker outlines the SiGMaT project’s objective of connecting the world of train drivers and dispatchers by simulating user processes. The project entails a collaborative effort among experts from various carriers, OKE, ProRail, and four external parties, with InControl being one of them.

The FRISO application forms the simulation core, simulating systems to be developed and expanded in the ERTMS field. By combining the train driver and dispatcher’s worlds, the simulation can closely mirror reality.

The key benefit of simulation is that it allows for a thorough evaluation of the proposed ERTMS implementation, enabling stakeholders to assess its feasibility and identify any issues and challenges beforehand.

Watch the full episode here, please note that the talk show is in Dutch:

Watch full episode
Watch full episode

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

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Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.3 released!

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.3 released!

We are excited to announce the release of Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.3, the latest version of our crowd management simulation software application. Pedestrian Dynamics® is designed to create and execute large crowd simulation models used in (complex) infrastructures, enabling evaluation of the performance and safety of your operations in every phase of the life cycle – from design to operations.

The new features of Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.3 are focused on enhancing user-friendliness, data analysis, realism, and visualization.

The new features of Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.3 include:

  • Easy import and export data from Excel
  • New elements: Fence, Stanchion, Roadblock, and Staffing
  • Various user-friendliness improvements.

Easy Import and export data from Excel

Creating crowd scenarios often requires data that’s already available in Excel worksheets, and many users are familiar with analyzing data in Excel. With Pedestrian Dynamics®, all types of data can be stored in User Tables, including model inputs and various types of useful analysis outputs. The software now includes functionality that makes it easy to connect User Tables to Excel sheets for importing and exporting data. Simply set up the connection, and with a single click, you can import or export all the data you need.

Pedestrian Dynamics® now includes general import and export functions that enable more advanced import and export tasks. This Excel connection can speed up model building and especially scenario analyses. Testing different scenarios and comparisons between specific KPIs can be set up in an Excel that is fed with outputs from Pedestrian Dynamics®. This feature enhances the user experience and adds value to the model when simulating simple to complex infrastructures.

New elements: Fence, Stanchion, Roadblock, and Staffing

Crowd models play a critical role in analyzing and predicting the impact of crowd dynamics on events. They are used to inform and discuss crowd management strategies with stakeholders, and to train staff before and evaluate their performance after events.

To enhance the realism and visualization of Pedestrian Dynamics®, we have added new elements: Fence, Stanchion, Roadblock, and Staff. These elements are frequently used in large events and can significantly impact the flow of crowds. By incorporating them into the software, we improve the communication value of the software, making it easier to analyze, discuss, and train staff on the placement of these elements in and around the venue.

Moreover, the new tab “Events” has been added to the Model Layout window, which enables users to select and draw the new elements in their environment. The 3D visualization of these elements takes the powerful visualization and communication of your model to the next level, making it more accessible and understandable for all stakeholders.

User-friendliness improvements

Various other small improvements have been made:

  • The elevator has a new property offset time and the default location distribution has been adjusted.
  • Easily select a selection of height layers to draw an output map.
  • Disable the DrawInterior of an obstacle when a 3D model is attached to it.

Download our release highlights document to read more details about the new improvements in Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.3. 

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

InControl Enterprise Dynamics appoints new CEO for EMEA

InControl Enterprise Dynamics appoints new CEO for EMEA.

Woerden, January 31st 

Louis Schijve, the founder and owner of InControl Enterprise Dynamics, is stepping down as CEO of the company after a period of 34 years. The board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Geert-Jan van Nunen as the new CEO for the EMEA region. Geert-Jan is a seasoned manager with a proven track record of implementation and growth of software and platform technologies in the telecom and automotive industries.

Before joining InControl, Geert-Jan held various management positions. Understanding technology to accelerate business growth has been central to his career. Experienced with IoT, AI, platform technology, and integrated software systems. Previously he grew businesses from scratch to multimillion revenues. In his most recent role, he was responsible for the growth of a German AI technology scale-up.

geert-jan van nunen

Geert-Jan van Nunen. CEO InControl Enterprise Dynamics EMEA region.

His mission is growing InControl as a partner of choice for customers that use digital simulation and digital twins as tools to better plan and operate their core processes; and to establish InControl as the leading emulation and simulation software provider for large-scale and complex operations.

“We are happy to have Geert-Jan van Nunen as the new CEO for EMEA. He is a proven leader with the vision and experience to expand on the success that InControl has been building over the past 34 years and take the company into its next phase of growth and innovation.”

 –  Louis Schijve, Founder and Chairman of the board of directors  – 

About InControl Enterprise Dynamics

InControl Enterprise Dynamics is a global software company that provides simulation software and services for the safety and sustainability of critical infrastructures such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, logistics, airports, railroads, border control, public events, etc. By accurately simulating the flow of people and goods we enable our clients to better plan and optimize their core business processes making their business more efficient, robust, and safer. InControl’s Simulation Platform delivers customers essential insights to continuously improve and optimize complex infrastructures and physical business processes.

Find more information about our software here.

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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.

Contact us
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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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Student Simulation Project in Public Transportation Crowd simulations at railway station Hoofddorp, The Netherlands

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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.

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.1 released!

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.1 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® 4.1!

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.

With the release of Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.1, the following improvements of the software are performed:

  • Increased user-friendliness
  • BIM improvements
  • New physical distancing feature for stands
  • New tutorials for recording videos and density output.

Increased user-friendliness and BIM improvements

To increase the user-friendliness several improvements are made which will help in model building, collecting data for an experiment but also give you an overview and control over the visualization. Moreover, the BIM import is improved to build models faster and easier. Also, adjustments have been made for Windows 11.

New physical distancing feature for stands

Around the world, we are struggling still with the effect of the COVID pandemic. Pedestrian Dynamics® simulation software today is used to implement physical distance and other pandemic rules and regulations. Already in Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.0, we introduced the physical distancing algorithm and included output to examine the proximity of agents. With this new release, we have added the feature to easily model seating areas when applying physical distancing. Due to the physical distancing rules, often not all seats in an area are allowed to use. Several properties have been added to a stand section to easily indicate which seats can be used and which should be unavailable.

New tutorials for recording videos and density output

Several improvements to our documentation are made. We have restructured our ‘Help’ file making it easier to find tutorials and ‘How to guides’ specific topics. These tutorials are now also easily accessible as PDFs via a drop-down menu on the ‘Help’ tab. We also added new documentation.

Download our release highlights document to read more details about the new improvements in Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.1. 

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. 

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