Case study: TransMach (ITSO POST Kernel)

Unicard have worked with ticketing solutions specialists TransMach for many years. We have helped them to integrate our ITSO middleware software with their physical hardware ticketing devices, to enable the devices to handle the ITSO smartcard functionality required to allow them to enter the concessionary travel market.

This middleware includes Unicard’s ITSO POST Kernel – an API that can manage complete ITSO transactions. It updates the smartcard being used with the card-reading hardware according to the latest ITSO Specification, and generates and sends the required ITSO messages. Our middleware also communicates with the ISAM chips in devices that help to keep all ITSO transactions secure.

Our API allows customers to quickly and easily build ITSO functionality into their own travel applications without having to invest time and money in acquiring in-depth knowledge of how ITSO functionality works at a more detailed level.

Using our terminal software, which is compliant with the latest version 2.1.5 of the ITSO Specification, also helps to speed up the customer’s development process and reduce their ITSO certification costs.

TransMach have become more experienced in handling these Unicard middleware integrations with their devices over the years. Nowadays we supply an updated ITSO Kernel and, to build confidence, they can run the ITSO tests themselves before undergoing formal certification at ITSO – with Unicard on hand to provide support when needed during both phases.

One of the major advantages of using Unicard’s ITSO middleware for TransMach (and other customers of ours) is that ITSO has already fully certified our software after we went through their rigorous testing process.

This means that when our customers want to certify their own ITSO application, the inclusion of Unicard’s middleware can significantly reduce the time and money they need to spend on ITSO testing and certification.

Unicard ITSO SME Michael Cuthbertson said: “Unicard are proud to support and work closely with TransMach as they test and roll out their latest ITSO ticketing devices. This shows our commitment to keeping our customers up to date with our software, certified to the latest version of the ITSO Specification, and supporting them through the end-to-end process.”

Customer background

TransMach Systems Limited are specialists in ticketing solutions. They offer a range of products to transport operators which include on-bus ticket machines and portable ticket machines.