SIMA.BORDRECHNER
The digital command centre in the vehicle
SIMA.BORDRECHNER is the central in-vehicle solution for public transport — bringing together the modules of the SIMA platform right inside the bus: ticket sales, contactless payment, inspection, navigation, indoor and outdoor displays, and real-time data exchange with the control centre (ITCS/RBL) and passenger information systems (e.g. DEFAS) via the established VDV standards.
The software is not tied to any specific hardware — from stationary all-in-one units and mobile tablet setups to a combination of tablet and separate control terminal. Product catalogues, tariffs and target data for every supported transport association live directly on the device, with updates rolled out automatically across all vehicles in the background.
Functions at a glance
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Ticket sales right on the bus
Ticket sales directly inside the vehicle — with stored product catalogues, tariffs and prices for every supported transport association. Details on the sales logic on SIMA.TICKETING.
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Contactless payment
Built-in card payment right on the on-board computer — no second terminal in the vehicle. Depending on the hardware: contactless via NFC, chip & PIN, or mobile wallets.
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Inspection
Inspection of chip cards and barcodes — either directly on the on-board computer or via add-on devices, depending on the hardware. Details on SIMA.KONTROLLE.
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Navigation for the driver
Line and stop guidance on the on-board computer — with the next stop and the route at a glance. Even drivers running a line for the first time find their way around quickly.
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Indoor and outdoor displays
Control of destination signs, line indicators and indoor displays via IBIS. Texts and routes update automatically along the timetable.
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Real-time for control centre and passenger information
GPS position and trip progress are sent via VDV-compliant interfaces to the control centre (ITCS/RBL) and external passenger information systems (e.g. DEFAS) — including delays and deviations in real time.
Benefits at a glance
Fast ticket sales
Pre-loaded catalogues and tariffs for all associations, a clean sales interface — drivers reach the right ticket in seconds.
Easy to operate
All on-board processes in one clear interface — no menu hunting, no switching between devices, no double work.
Built-in navigation
Line and stop guidance on the on-board computer — no separate navigation device, quick orientation even for drivers running a line for the first time.
Minimal training effort
New drivers are productive in no time — navigation and automatic target data carry first-time drivers through a shift without any onboarding.
Real-time without add-ons
GPS and trip data flow directly to the control centre (ITCS/RBL) and passenger information (DEFAS) — no separate ITCS module required.
Hardware to match
All-in-one device, mobile tablet setup or tablet plus control terminal — the software runs on whichever hardware fits your vehicle and budget.
Product preview
Hardware options
The on-board software runs on a variety of hardware — depending on the vehicle and the use case. Three typical setups:
a.Box.print
Ticket printer developed and certified for use in buses, trams and trains — thermal printer with easy loading, 1D/2D scanner, RFID reader, customer display and payment in a single device. Operated via a standard Android tablet.
a.Box.2
Android on-board computer without its own display — it bundles vehicle interfaces, positioning and mobile connectivity in one rugged box. For setups where a tablet or terminal handles operation, as well as for passenger counting and service box tasks.
SUNMI V3H
Mobile all-in-one handheld with a built-in 58 mm thermal printer, NFC and scanner — flexibly usable in the vehicle, at the counter or for mobile sales.
Vehicle integration together with embPRO
The a.Box.print and the a.Box.2 come from embPRO in Linz — a hardware specialist for vehicle electronics in buses, trams and trains. The split of responsibilities in the partnership is clear: embPRO contributes the hardware expertise — devices developed, tested and certified for in-vehicle use. sima contributes the software side with the requirements actually demanded in German public transport: VDV-compliant data flows to the control centre and passenger information systems, network tariffs and product ranges, fare and network revenue accounting, inspection and reporting.
Both devices provide the interfaces needed in the vehicle:
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IBIS vehicle bus
Control of destination displays, line signs, interior displays and other IBIS devices — classic via VDV 300, IP-based via VDV 301.
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CAN bus
Connection to the vehicle electronics and to CAN peripherals such as counting sensors or display modules.
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Door contact
Door openings are evaluated via the digital inputs — the basis for stop detection and automatic passenger counting.
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Odometer pulse
Distance travelled straight from the vehicle, independent of the satellite signal — positioning stays stable even when GPS drops out in tunnels or between tall buildings.
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Audio module
Stereo audio output for automatic stop announcements inside and outside — kept in sync with the timetable automatically.
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Positioning and mobile network
GPS and LTE as an expansion module — real-time data goes straight from the vehicle to the control centre (ITCS/RBL) and passenger information systems.
On the a.Box.print, IBIS, CAN and audio are built in; on the a.Box.2, IBIS, CAN and RS232 sit on the public transport module. Both run on a 24 V vehicle power supply with Android as the operating system and can be monitored and updated remotely.
