The GPS Tracking System Feedback Loop: Improving Driver Behavior with Actionable Insights
In 2003, local authorities in Garden Grove, California, faced challenges in reducing speeding through school zones. Traditional measures, such as enhancing signage, had little effect. However, dynamic speed displays successfully reduced speeds by 14%. This scenario highlights the effectiveness of feedback loops in influencing behavior. Thomas Goetz, in a 2011 Wired Magazine article titled “Harnessing The Power of Feedback Loops’, explains how feedback loops work in four distinct stages: evidence, relevance, consequence, and action.
How GPS Tracking Systems Leverage Feedback Loops
1. Evidence Stage: Collecting Data
The foundation of a feedback loop lies in gathering data. GPS tracking systems, such as GTM’s Tracking software, automatically capture data on driver behavior. Information like speed, braking, and acceleration is collected from vehicle sensors, processed, and stored for further analysis.
2. Relevance Stage: Making Data Meaningful
Raw data needs to be presented in a way that resonates with users. In fleet management, this can involve real-time alerts. For example, drivers might receive beeping notifications or configurable text messages on Garmin devices to indicate violations, such as speeding or harsh braking. These prompts make the information timely and actionable.
3. Consequence Stage: Understanding Impact
Feedback systems analyze driving behaviors and relay this data to both drivers and fleet managers. Reports highlight instances of aggressive driving, enabling a clear understanding of the consequences of such behaviors. Managers can discuss these reports with drivers, emphasizing the need for safer practices.
4. Action Stage: Promoting Change
The final stage involves actionable steps for behavior correction. Drivers adjust their habits in response to feedback, aiming for safer and more fuel-efficient driving. Fleet managers can monitor the results, ensuring the feedback loop continues to foster improvement.
Benefits of the Feedback Loop in Fleet Management
By applying the feedback loop, fleet tracking systems enhance road safety, reduce operational costs, and increase productivity. Drivers become active participants in improving their performance, leading to long-term behavioral changes.
Gps Tracking Mart’s integrated hardware and software solutions exemplify the power of feedback loops in modern fleet management. By automating data collection, offering real-time alerts, and providing detailed reports, these systems not only improve driver safety but also boost operational efficiency. Adopting such technology ensures a proactive approach to driver behavior management and operational excellence.
