City of Helsinki, FINLAND

Complex integration: By winning the contract, Flowbird took on the sizeable challenge of integrating its ticketing solution into a complex system involving a number of players: Tieto (system integrator), Fara, Hogia, Mattersoft, Intermarketing, Freelancer, ISS, etc.

Thanks to a modular architecture, open system and standard technology, Flowbird was able to adapt his solutions and accommodate the constraints of the different parties involved. 

Flowbird was also able to adapt his software solution to facilitate integration, by opening its system and offering standard interfaces and technology.

Equipment adapted to the needs of customers: No fewer than 6000 machines were delivered and installed in the city. What is more, in view of the climate in Helsinki, Flowbird equipment underwent a number of tests and adaptations to withstand temperatures as low as -25 °C in operation. 

The different Ticket Vending Machines were fitted with appropriate heating systems and the touch screens on validators were designed and adjusted to allow their use with gloves of all types!

Throughout the project, the operator was committed to putting the end user at the centre of its concerns. A panel of local people were regularly asked to test the new equipment in advance.  The deployment itself was accompanied by a large publicity campaign. It was designed to make it enjoyable for users to obtain information about the replacement of equipment and make the change in habits smoother.

A system-centric model for sales: One differentiating aspect of the solution put in place in Helsinki is the use of centralised architecture for all Ticket Vending Machines. 

All the Ticket Vending Machines, point-of-sale terminals and kiosks installed for agents have a web user interface that is connected to a centralised online sale server and security server. 

That architecture simplifies the deployment of versions and avoids the use of secure access modules (SAMs) in the equipment, making the whole solution more secure. The same online sale server is used for sales via the Internet.

Successful migration:  The transition from the old system to the new has been planned during a relatively long period, during which old and new machines were required to work in parallel. Similarly, data exchange with the back office was put in place and developed over the whole process. 

Flowbird was able to efficiently migrate the existing system to the new ticketing solution, in line with the customer’s requirements.

The transition followed the plan below: 

• Set up of the Flowbird back office and transfer of data from the former back office
• Start up of sales on the new system and modification of exchange flows (with the new system now the master) 
• Deployment of new equipment in waves:
• Gradual replacement of all on-board machines (validators and consoles)
• Installation of new ticket vending machines
• Supply of fare inspection equipment
• Deployment of a new contactless pass, with the gradual replacement of older media
• Activation of new features and new fares. 

The migration was seamless from the point of view of users, and made it possible to secure the 3 million transactions completed every day.