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The world is changing. Intuitive and intelligent technologies are no longer a nice to have but a necessity to running your organization— and your parking program is no different. The parking and mobility industry continues to evolve its solutions to meet and exceed the needs of customers and organizations. More and more facility managers are looking for one solution that merges parking technology and management into one to fuel operational performance and satisfy customer expectations. So, how do we accomplish this?

The new year means a fresh start! Now is an optimal time to begin exploring the latest solutions that will set your parking management strategy up for success.

Check out the top 23 solutions you should consider when developing your parking management strategy in 2023: 

1.     Control centers that digitize your parking operation.

A digital revolution is underway, allowing organizations to uncover new ways to streamline their operations. Working with a parking operator that utilizes an in-house control center is integral for digitizing all aspects of your parking operation, both at a business and customer level. From expanding your service offerings and turning data into actionable insights to keeping tabs on your devices and reducing costs, these powerhouses will take your operation and management strategies to the next level.

2.     Remote monitoring and digital customer service for immediate service and support.

Being aware of what is occurring on-site while having the ability to assist customers and keep tabs on logistics is vital. Thanks to intelligent solutions such as remote site monitoring and digital customer service, you are guaranteed a 24/7 connection to your on-site operations and devices without being on-site physically.

3.     Barcode scanners or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) readers for the countless doors they open.

Integrating barcode scanners with your existing parking technology is an easy way to begin accepting digital permits, payment flexibility, validations, reservations and loyalty programs in the form of a QR code or barcode.

To start accepting BLE permits, all that is required is a Bluetooth reader installed as a standalone unit or within the column itself at each entry and exit point. 

4.     Flexible parking permits that secure recurring revenue and develop a returning customer base.

The traditional workday has evolved into one that offers employees flexibility, convenience, and choice. So why not offer permits that mimic that? Flexible parking permits provide your customers with options that satisfy their distinct needs, all while securing customer loyalty and recurring revenue streams.

5.     Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) permits for seamless parking access.

Offering Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) permits is a great starting point for smart access and connected building strategies. BLE permits allow registered users to access your gated parking facility by simply turning on their mobile Bluetooth. Once the registered users arrive at the parking entry or exit lane, their mobile BLE permit is detected by a BLE reader, and the gate automatically opens.

6.     Mobile parking apps that allow customers to enter, pay and reserve parking in one place.

Smartphones have become a personal necessity and an integral part of the customer journey. So why not allow visitors to enter and exit, pay, reserve, or validate their parking on one mobile application? Offering a networked experience benefits your customers and makes it easier for you to manage your operations.

7.     Accessible parking pay stations for equal opportunity, ease and convenience.

Accessible pay stations provide equal opportunity for your customers, help your organization meet best practices, and contribute to the greater good of our society and country. Integrating accessible parking technology into your parking infrastructure in 2023 will help ensure that your organization can provide an effortless customer experience for all visitors you welcome to your facility.

8.     License plate recognition from a digital vehicle signature lens.

Devising a strategic parking operation plan starts with understanding where, when, and for how long customers park at your facility. Intelligent technologies like license plate recognition (LPR) allow you to devise smart access control, provide automatic enforcement and gather real-time business intelligence.

Drawing on LPR for 100% license plate capture rates are digital vehicle signatures—which can capture the make, model and colour of a to help detect and cater to returning or frequent visitors.

9.     Smart sensor technology paired with digital vehicle signatures and vehicle heads-up displays for truly frictionless experiences.

When paired with license plate recognition technology, create a seamless wayfinding loop that reduces congestion, increases efficiency, and enables visitors to find parking easily. On a business level, this technology can gather real-time data that helps you to maximize garage efficiency, expand revenue opportunities, improve security and enhance operational control.

Smart camera-based sensor solutions also provide a rich—and potentially untapped—data set that generates dynamic pricing opportunities, allowing parking operators to set parking rates based on occupancy and locations.  

When paired with digital vehicle signature technology, parking guidance systems can be taken one step further to guide registered visitors to preferred or pre-booked parking stalls via vehicle heads-up displays. Although this is capable with existing technologies, industry leaders are currently working on integrating solutions with various vehicle manufacturers to make this a truly frictionless experience a reality.  

10.  Spatial mapping to start exploring parking opportunities in the metaverse.

The next generation of the internet, the metaverse, has shifted how we interact with technology and has brought a new level of immersive experiences to the surface. Spatial mapping, otherwise known as 3D mapping, is a crucial first step managers must take to incorporate the metaverse into their management strategy. Just as 3D maps can help manage commercial operations, they can also help manage parking facilities. In the future, spatial mapping could provide real-time parking occupancy levels, allowing your customers to plan their journey accordingly, and deploy . Better yet, they will let your business manage our parking facilities in real time without having to be there physically.

11.  An online presence to house the details of your parking lot.

92% of parking experiences begin online. That is why it is essential to have your parking information readily available for those looking for parking. Developing a solid online presence where customers can easily access information about your parking lot is vital, as it creates a direct communication channel for your visitors, all while providing information on your lots. Setting up dedicated pages within your website and a local business page on Google will allow you to maximize your location awareness.

12.  Location pins on every online map and in-car navigation system to put your location in front of potential visitors.

Once you have perfected your online presence, it's time to start capitalizing on local SEO techniques. This will ensure your facility's physical location is visible in the top results of search engines and in-car navigation systems, thus increasing the number of drivers who request directions to your parking facility.

13.  Online ads to generate location awareness.

As a parking facility manager, your goal is to get your location in front of as many eyes as possible, and running online ad campaigns will help you do just that. When developing a paid ad campaign, it is vital to determine a few key factors- your target demographic, where they spend their time and the keywords they use when looking for your facility. This will give you insight into where to target your next ad campaign.

14.  Parking management dashboards that connect data into one place.

Investing in a business intelligence tool that functions as a central management platform will allow you to successfully manage and control your parking portfolio with access to a wealth of data insights, real-time system performance, and live control over the technology on-site.

This type of end-to-end parking management platform will enable you to manage and control your entire parking portfolio from one place.

15.  Prepaid parking permits (essentially gift cards for days of parking) to inspire customer loyalty, fuel flexibility and generate more parking revenue.

Allow visitors to purchase days of parking without having to book ahead of time. Pre-purchased days of parking allow your visitors unlimited entry and exit within valid 24-hour time periods. Access can be shared with affiliated parking facilities. Better yet, purchases can be programmed amongst several access cards (or QR codes) for families or businesses. 

16.  Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to meet the evolving needs of your customers.

No major industry will change more over the next two decades than transportation. That is why it is important to consider investing in a turn-key EV charging solution to ensure your management strategy remains agile. Ask your parking operator if they can supply, install and support your EV charging solution.

17.  Touchless technologies that encourage safe parking experiences.

Health and safety remain a top priority for property owners and facility managers alike, even more so in a post-pandemic society. Integrating touchless technologies into your existing parking infrastructure is an efficient way to mitigate physical touchpoints, all while creating a seamless customer journey.

18.  Scan-for-assistance for effective parking operations without on-site staff.

When it comes to parking, it is safe to safe that your customers will always have questions. Installing mobile scan-for-assistance solutions give your visitors a one-of-a-kind, immediate self-serve option and instant assistance on-site. No parking attendant is required! 

19.  Digital kiosks with advertising opportunities for additional revenue streams.

There are more ways to add a revenue stream to your parking facility than you may expect. Investing in a digital kiosk will allow you to promote your own business or sell advertising space to others. The best part? This standalone technology can be integrated into your existing parking infrastructure. No downtime is required!

20.  Permit software that allows you to manage your entire billing and collection process automatically.

When looking for a solution that manages your entire billing and collections processes, it must give you the flexibility to determine your billing cycle and enable you to plan and regulate your monthly cash flow easily. Whether for a long-term, short-term or temporary guest or contractor permit, your permit software should have the tools to support multiple billing and payment options.

21.  Signage is strategically placed to help guide customers to their destinations.

Signage is an integral component of successful parking programs. Installing visible and directional signage in appropriate locations is critical for easy navigation and seamless traffic flow throughout your parking facility.  

22.  Loyalty programs to strengthen customer relationships.

There are loyalty programs, and then there is everything your brand does to create loyalty. Integrating parking with your loyalty program is an effective way to secure recurring revenue and connect visitor experiences. All it takes is a simple hardware integration or upgrade to enable digital action and behaviour tracking.

23.  Quality assurance audits to ensure your facility is up to standard.

Let's face it; most customers tend to avoid parking in an unsafe facility—that is why it's vital to ensure your parking facility is well-maintained and meets standard safety requirements. It is important to conduct frequent on-site audits or monitor your parking facility remotely to ensure your parking experience remains pleasant. 

Incorporating the latest and greatest in parking and mobility solutions will ensure the ongoing success of your parking management strategy and will help you continue to meet evolving parking needs.

References

Bluetooth low energy parking permits - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from /bluetooth-low-energy-parking-permits  

Electric vehicle charging stations - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from /ps-electric-vehicle-charging-station-solutions  

Gated parking systems - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from /ps-skidata-gated-parking-systems  

Last-mile solutions - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from /ps-last-mile-solutions  

Live central monitoring - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from /ps-live-central-monitoring-iparc  

Park Assist Parking Guidance System - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from /ps-park-assist-parking-guidance-system

Parkedin urban mobility - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from /ps-parkedin-urban-mobility  

Parking signage & wayfinding - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from /ps-parking-facility-signage-services  

Subscriber management - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from /ps-parking-subscription-management  

Justin Powell

Director, Western Canada, Precise ParkLink