TRACKTICS GmbH

TRACKTICS tracking devices are true all-rounders. They capture GPS data, record movement patterns, and are primarily intended for analysing football training sessions. The flexibility of their users, however, brought an unexpected challenge: the devices were used not only on the pitch but also for jogging. This created a problem for data analysis, because jogging and football activities differ fundamentally, both in their dynamics and in the focus of analysis. A solution was needed to distinguish these session types clearly.

A Look Behind the Scenes

When I took on this task it was clear that the key lay in the data processing pipeline. In a UNIX-based system I first had to familiarise myself with the existing process, understand it in depth, and find the right place to intervene. I noticed that the movement patterns offered a valuable source of information. Direction changes, speed variations, and the frequency of such events all reveal whether someone is chasing quick plays on the pitch or accumulating kilometres on a running track.

The Birth of the Algorithm

Armed with this knowledge, I developed an algorithm that analyses the frequency of direction and speed changes and derives the session type from them. Theory alone is not enough, though. To make sure the algorithm held up in practice, I applied data science methods to test and validate the reliability of its decisions.

The result was impressive: the algorithm proved itself not only in the test environment but was also integrated seamlessly into the production pipeline. It now reliably identifies whether a session was a jogging run or a football training, laying the groundwork for specific and targeted data analysis.

What This Means for Users

With the new solution the TRACKTICS platform becomes even more valuable to its users. Data can now be evaluated in a way that is tailored to the session type. Football training sessions receive a dynamic analysis focused on game situations, while jogging data puts endurance performance front and centre. These results are presented clearly and attractively in the user interface, improving the user experience and creating genuine added value.

A Step Forward

This development shows how important it is to respond flexibly to user needs and to solve technical challenges creatively. The algorithm is more than just a piece of code: it is a tool that brings order to data chaos and takes the TRACKTICS platform to a new level.