Synectics

A pioneering smart transport project sees S-Bahn Berlin GmbH (a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn) partnering with command and control solutions expert, Synectics, to develop a next-generation operational management system at its new Security and Service (4S) Center.

With a network of nearly 170 stations, S-Bahn Berlin has an average daily ridership of 1.5 million to successfully service and a complex, city-critical infrastructure to protect. Its commitment to revolutionize rail services in one of Europe’s busiest capitals will connect every aspect of its operations, supporting the over-arching goal to deliver outstanding passenger experience.

Spanning trains, tracks, and stations, the solution is based on Synectics’ flagship Synergy 3 platform. This will integrate to, and interoperate with, all systems, devices, and communications vital to passenger services, safety, and network security. Existing tools within Synergy 3 – as well as new functionality – will facilitate state-of-the-art automation of data processing, incident responses, and performance reporting.

“S-Bahn Berlin’s inspirational vision means this is not a standard service and security management partnership. It is a 360-degree, immersive collaboration that spans workforce management, computer-aided dispatch, on-vehicle communications, service, and security. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of something so significant for the sector.” - Greg Alcorn, Divisional Director, Synectics

The resulting solution will ensure S-Bahn Berlin staff based at the 4S facility can instantly detect and react to any service or security event. With the single unified platform, management and collaboration among the workforce and stakeholders ? including police, other transport operators, and infrastructure companies ? will be streamlined for consistent and prompt responses.

The delivery and effective implementation of this highly future-focused project were critical factors in S-Bahn Berlin being awarded operator status in the city until 2036. Once in place, the Synectics solution will enable S-Bahn Berlin to meet exacting key performance indicators (KPIs), such as response times and data availability, required by Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB).

Commenting on the project, Greg Alcorn, Divisional Director at Synectics, said: “S-Bahn Berlin is viewed as a technological innovator when it comes to transportation and Smart Cities. Its collaboration with the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and regional VBB to simplify multi-modal transport for Berliners is a testament to that. To partner with the organization as it embarks on an even more connected, informed, and intuitive future for its passengers is a huge privilege."

Bastian Knabe, Chief Financial Officer at S-Bahn Berlin added: “We aim to push the boundaries of intelligent transport to deliver the best, most open, and most integrated service possible for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

“Technology is at the very heart of this vision. For this project, we were keen to identify the best partner and best technology on the market. As a recognized leader in transportation command and control solutions, Synectics has committed to working closely with us to develop a tailored system that delivers a positive customer experience for passengers using S-Bahn Berlin’s services – both now and well into the next decade.”

Delivery of the S-Bahn Berlin solution will take place over the next 15 months, with an eight-year support agreement included in the contract as part of a long-term partnership.