PTV Visum
By PTV Group
PTV Visum typical implementation process:
Needs assessment and requirements gathering: Project stakeholders define modeling objectives, data sources, required outputs, and scenarios for the transport planning process.
Data collection and import: Relevant data (network layouts, demand matrices, public transport, GIS files) are gathered and ingested into PTV Visum using its integration interfaces.
Initial model setup: Core network, zoning, public transport lines, and demand structures are modeled using built-in or imported data, creating a preliminary transport simulation environment.
Calibration and validation: Model parameters are tuned and validated against real-world observations to ensure accuracy in simulating current and forecast scenarios.
Scenario configuration and testing: Various development, infrastructure, and policy scenarios are set up, simulated, and compared using Visum’s scenario manager and batch evaluation features.
KPI extraction and reporting: Key performance indicators are extracted and visualized; outputs are shared internally or via the Visum Publisher for stakeholder review.
Training and onboarding: Teams receive training on Visum’s workflows, graphical interface, scripting options, and collaboration tools for ongoing model management.
PTV Visum can be extensively customized to fit specific business needs, offering diverse options for model configuration, data integration, and workflow adaptation. Its customization capabilities span multiple dimensions:
Self-describing data model with extensive attribute options for custom fields and documentation.
Graphical user interface configurable for various modeling workflows and user roles.
Scripting API for Python and other languages, allowing custom routines, analytics, and automated processes.
Procedure and parameter files enabling configuration of calculation methods and business-specific algorithms.
Scenario manager that allows modeling of unique infrastructure changes, regulations, fleet mix, zoning, and future projections per business requirements.
Batch computation tools to automate the evaluation of multiple tailored scenarios simultaneously.
Flexible data import interfaces supporting custom formats, GIS files, and specialized public transport, demand or control system datasets.
Visualization and dashboard tools that can be adjusted for business-specific KPIs, branding, and stakeholder presentation needs.
Integration with third-party solutions (GIS, traffic, public transport, emissions, mapping, optimization tools) for holistic, organization-specific workflows.
Network editing and object management tools for bespoke transport network layouts, operational rules, and custom geographic zones.
Support for multi-modal and emerging mobility models, including custom parameters for autonomous vehicles, micro-mobility, or electric fleet planning.
Timetable and transfer optimization can be tailored for operational strategies unique to each business.
Cost-benefit analysis modules can be defined according to organization-specific sustainability, accessibility, or profitability targets.
PTV Visum offers training and support resources for new users, ensuring a smooth onboarding and ongoing proficiency. These include beginner-friendly guides, detailed manuals, and self-paced tutorial videos covering setup, modeling workflows, and visualization tools. Structured professional training programs are provided at basic, advanced, and expert levels, addressing macroscopic network modeling, public transport planning, demand modeling, intersection capacity analysis, emissions calculation, and more. Users can join webinars, consult the online helpdesk and knowledge base, and access release notes and service packs for technical support. Example projects and user documentation are supplied out-of-the-box, allowing hands-on practice, while direct technical support is available via email and online portals for troubleshooting and personalized assistance.
PTV Visum protects data through an ISO 27001–certified security program, strong encryption in transit and at rest, strict access controls, and GDPR-aligned governance across desktop and cloud components like PTV Hub and Visum Publisher.
PTV Group operates an ISO/IEC 27001:2022–certified Information Security Management System covering development and operations, audited by TÜV SÜD.
The company enforces GDPR compliance, offers Technical and Organizational Measures (TOMs), and provides Data Processing Agreements for applicable products and services.
Regular third‑party penetration tests and security assessments are conducted, with customer‑facing summaries available to demonstrate continuous hardening.
Data is encrypted in transit using TLS 1.2/1.3 over HTTPS to preserve confidentiality and integrity across networks.
Sensitive data is encrypted at rest with industry‑standard algorithms such as AES‑256, with dedicated key management, strict access controls, and key rotation.
Data classification, retention, and secure deletion policies ensure information is handled per sensitivity and removed on schedule in line with legal and contractual obligations.
Least‑privilege access, password policies, multi‑factor authentication, identity lifecycle management, periodic access reviews, and segregation of duties are enforced to minimize unauthorized access risk.
Cloud apps implement granular roles and permissions: Admin, Editor, and Viewer roles govern who can upload, edit, delete, compute, or only view content in PTV Hub and who can administer subscriptions in Visum Publisher.
PTV Hub and Visum Publisher run on Microsoft Azure within PTV’s managed data center/network infrastructure, with logical data isolation between customers to prevent cross‑tenant access.
Data residency is aligned with customer location (EEA data hosted in the EU; US customers hosted in the USA) as outlined in PTV’s trust documentation.
Encrypted backups are stored in geographically diverse locations with regular recovery testing, supported by business continuity and disaster recovery programs.
A formal incident response process covers detection, response, and recovery, with continuous improvement after any security events.
Security is embedded through a Secure SDLC with code reviews, static analysis, threat modeling, and continuous vulnerability management and patching.
Independent penetration testing complements system hardening, baseline configurations, endpoint protection, and high‑availability architecture for reliable, resilient services.
PTV Hub provides workspace‑level access control, secure team sharing links, versioning, and managed model storage; public dashboard links are optional and explicitly metered, with visibility controls managed by Editors/Admins.
PTV Visum typically releases major updates on an annual basis, providing significant new features, enhancements, and performance improvements. Minor updates, service packs, and bug fixes are released periodically throughout the year as needed to address security, stability, or urgent functionality issues.
Updates are managed via a structured release cycle:
Major new versions are announced with detailed release notes highlighting key changes, accessible through the PTV website and customer portals.
Registered users can access downloads, service packs, installers, and release documentation through PTV’s support portal or direct update notifications.
Updates are typically managed centrally by IT administrators for enterprise deployments, ensuring compatibility and minimizing disruption to ongoing projects.
PTV Visum’s policy clearly states that the customer is and remains the owner of their data, both for desktop and cloud deployments. The client is responsible for all data entered, imported, or generated in PTV Visum and retains full rights to export, transfer, back up, or delete their information at any time. Data uploaded to cloud services (like PTV Hub or Visum Publisher) is logically separated by customer account, and PTV only accesses content for technical support, troubleshooting, or legal compliance, never for resale or unauthorized processing.
Data portability is strongly supported: users can freely export all model data, scenarios, and results using standard formats (CSV, VDV 452, GTFS, HAFAS, railML, GeoJSON, etc.) for migration, regulatory reporting, or integration with other solutions. Customers also benefit from comprehensive import tools for transitioning models or merging data from different sources.
PTV Visum contracts, including SaaS subscriptions, renew automatically for the agreed term unless the customer provides a written termination notice before the term ends—generally five days for monthly contracts and thirty days for annual contracts. Upgrades (extensions or expansions) trigger a new subscription term immediately, while downgrades take effect at the start of the next term.
Cancellation requires written notification within the stated notice period; otherwise, the contract will auto-renew for the next period. Customers can request contract termination or switching up to two months before the desired termination or switching date for compatibility with the Data Act and migration requirements.
Both parties retain a right to extraordinary termination for good cause, such as payment default, breach of contract, misuse, or regulatory non-compliance. Upon termination, PTV makes all exportable customer data available in a standard machine-readable format for thirty days, with technical support for migration to alternative services. After this retrieval window, customers must delete all PTV software or related data and confirm the deletion in writing.
PTV Visum software meets several international compliance standards for information security, data privacy, and quality management. The platform operates under ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, ensuring robust information security management and regular independent audits of its development and operational processes. Additionally, PTV Group enforces GDPR compliance for all customer data handled in PTV Visum and its related cloud services, providing required Data Processing Agreements and Technical/Organizational Measures (TOMs) to meet EU legal standards.
Cloud components such as PTV Hub, Visum Publisher, and related services are hosted on Microsoft Azure, benefiting from its privacy and compliance framework, which includes ISO 27017, ISO 27018, and SOC 2 Type 2 standards for cloud security and privacy controls. PTV’s commitment to data protection includes structured data residency options and adherence to privacy-by-design principles.
