As many agencies leverage the tremendous capabilities of modern ITS solutions, the linchpin to a thriving traffic management program lies in having a well-trained and self-assured staff. These professionals are instrumental in effectively utilizing the advanced features and capabilities that ITS solutions offer, ensuring the seamless operation of traffic management initiatives. Join us in this exploration of how knowledgeable and confident personnel can maximize the benefits of ITS technology.

Leverage lesser-known solution features

Managing a hundred signalized intersections can be a daunting task, let alone a thousand, regardless of a transportation agency’s available financial and personnel resources. Investment in sophisticated intelligent transportation system (ITS) solutions allows an agency to maximize the impact of its traffic management strategy.

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of ITS is the speed at which information on arterial performance is made available. Real-time feedback, while valuable, can place a tremendous burden on those responsible for responding to incidents, performance deviations and alarms—all of which typically occur in sequence like a waterfall.

Traffic data management solutions from Iteris like ClearGuide® and BlueARGUS™ are web-based software platforms offering user-definable parameters for arterial performance alerts and alarms. This means an incident alarm is only broadcast when certain criteria are met.

For example, weekdays only during AM and PM peak, with the key benefit that Traffic Signal Maintenance & Operations (TSMO) staff are advised only when detrimental performance issues arise. TSMO personnel unaware or untrained to implement these types of features are missing out on a great opportunity to eliminate alarm fatigue without compromising operations.

Maximize ROI from ITS investments

Putting to work ITS solution features that are often under-promoted to end-users also helps to achieve the greatest return-on-investment (ROI). I’ve long remembered a saying that humans use just 10% of their brain capacity (I haven’t found any studies to back the statement however, a minute or two on TikTok provides some validation).

Many agencies are using a fraction of the capabilities available within their implemented ITS solutions. Investment in obtaining advanced training for these solutions places emphasis on achieving the most value and ROI.

Additional ways to expedite ROI can be found by identifying intra-agency users. Sharing access to valuable traffic management information can help leverage an ITS investment further and perhaps enable cross-department funding for solution expansion. City planners, police and fire departments can all take advantage of available network video feeds and congestion data while conducting their respective responsibilities.

Safety first, last, always

Personnel safety is always at the forefront of any public agency. One way to achieve optimal safety is to limit time spent in the field at busy intersections.

Naturally, access to intersection data and video is made easier from the office or traffic management center (TMC) but TSMO staff can also monitor intersection activity anywhere they have connectivity with a tablet or mobile phone.

Mobile apps like the Iteris Video Viewer shown above conveniently allow users to view intersection activity in the palm of their hands and review video and data analytics without having to be in the field or the TMC.

Trained staff is empowered staff

We all know how good it feels to be competent at any given task, to be the “expert” or “guru” and the one called upon to resolve an issue. Whether at the office offering a solution to a complex problem or at home fixing a flat tire on your child’s bike, problem-solving with earned knowledge is empowering and motivating. In fact, training or even cross-training for staff can be just the recipe for identifying areas of interest and the development of new skill sets.

Intentional and authentic efforts to train personnel is a strategic investment. The upside to support personnel training is significant—and could also be considered a form of preventative maintenance. The more knowledgeable an agency’s team is, the faster they can react when needed and that can only reduce downtime and show a true transfer of ITS solution ownership.

Iteris is committed to providing our valued customers with the most comprehensive training program in the industry. We recognize the variety of ways in which people learn and have taken that into consideration in a plethora of ways:

• Pre-recorded courses - We’ve built an online library of recorded courses and tutorials that can be taken at your pace at a time and place convenient to you—simply visit and sign into the Resource Center (pictured above)
• Earn CEC’s - Online courses come complete with tests eligible for IMSA Continuing Education Credits
• In-person training - In-person, hands-on training is an essential part of our training curriculum
• Training webinars - Pre-scheduled webinar calendar: 30-45 minutes sessions on specific topics regarding iteris sensor and SaaS technologies ideal for those with time constraints. These webinars are happening this month—access the schedule and sign up here
• Data sheets, user guides and manuals - all available on demand in the Resource Center
• Hybrid training - remote laptop access to physical ITS devices located in our training studio in Santa Ana, California will soon be available

Unlock your team’s full potential with Iteris’ full suite of training available today. If you’re interested in onsite training, please the contact us or reach out to your local Iteris representative.