Much more than just counting kilometers - HALE expands the functions of its distance counter WSZ-07

With a software update for the WSZ-07 distance-travel counter, the Austrian manufacturer HALE further expands the deployment options of its device. Since its market introduction in the summer of 2024, the WSZ-07 has occupied a special position among the distance-travel counters approved in Germany. Because the device is equipped with an integrated Technical Security Module (TSE) and can sign trip data itself. No additional hardware or the connection to external signing servers is required for this. The signed data are transmitted via an embedded mobile modem directly to a certified data center and archived there.

For car rental operators this is especially interesting in light of the regulatory developments. While the TSE obligation currently applies only to newly installed distance-travel counters that have been put into service since July 1, 2024, the next deadline is already on the calendar: from January 1, 2027, older digital systems will also have to comply with the relevant requirements.

Against this backdrop, HALE's current software upgrade is primarily aimed at a closer integration between the distance-travel counter and data transmission.

Among other things, a new feature is the ability to take over flat-rate trips directly from the mediation system. These can be recorded as external trips and signed immediately in a TSE-compliant manner. This should reduce administrative effort, especially in patient transport, shuttle, or fixed-price operations.

The control of price tiers has also been expanded. Thus the activation price tier can now be specified via data transmission. Pre-booked fixed prices or agreed route prices can thus already be stored in the system at the start of a trip.

More flexibility in vehicle choice

Another detail concerns vehicles that were not originally delivered as taxis or rental cars. The WSZ-07 is now approved for operation with the Wegimpuls WA12 adapter after the software update. This means the device can in the future also be used in suitably retrofitted vehicles. For companies, this opens up additional flexibility in vehicle procurement.

There are also additions to receipt printing. Prints via the thermal printer TPD-02 now contain additional information such as the serial number and the date of data backup. This should ensure that the receipts fully comply with fiscal requirements.