Posted: May, 09, 2023 11:40AM ET • 3 min read

The parking and mobility industry is rapidly evolving due to society's increasing technological advancements. There’s no disputing the need for customer friendly, reliable and supported parking meters, but facility managers are adapting their operations to remain ahead of the curve by integrating complementary solutions that increase profitability and drive results.

Below are five key integrations to consider for your parking meter operations.

1. Mobile parking platforms for convenient customer experiences.
Mobile parking platforms have revolutionized the parking experience. Not only does it allow customers to pay for parking using only their mobile device, but most platforms also allow customers to reserve parking ahead of time. By simplifying the payment process, mobile parking platforms enhance the entire parking journey for customers, enabling them to pay as they go and reducing payment processing times to mere seconds. Additionally, reserving a parking spot in advance can save customers valuable time by eliminating the need to search for available spots during peak hours. Integrating a mobile parking platform into your parking meter operation can significantly improve the customer experience and set your business apart from competitors.

2. Cloud-based parking enforcement for automated control.
Utilizing cutting-edge solutions is essential for staying competitive. One such solution is cloud-based parking enforcement technology, with minimal on-site enforcement staff to manage and automate parking meter operations. By leveraging this technology, enforcement officers can access the most up-to-date information stored in a centralized database. This includes information such as valid transactions, parking session start and end times, and payment status. The result is an enhanced accuracy and issuance of violations, which in turn improves the overall effectiveness of the enforcement process. By implementing cloud-based enforcement solutions, facility managers can significantly streamline their operations, reduce costs, and ultimately provide a better experience for their customers.

3. Real-time support with remote monitoring and digital customer service on a 24/7/365 basis.
Keeping tabs on your operation in real-time is crucial for optimizing processes and maximizing revenue. By connecting your parking equipment to a live central monitoring system on a 24/7 basis, you can minimize equipment downtime and troubleshoot any issues promptly. This centralized monitoring system offers direct communication to customers, enabling them to receive instant responses from agents at the center and resolve any issues quickly. With an efficient operating system and fast response time, revenue can be captured to its maximum potential. By closely monitoring your parking meter technology, improvements can be identified, and operations can be optimized for maximum efficiency. This level of monitoring provides valuable insights into occupancy rates and technical issues, enabling facility managers to make data-driven decisions and ensure that their operations are running at peak performance.

4. Strategically placed signage to guide customers to their destination.
Clear and visible signage is critical for a successful operation to keep customers informed, safe, and satisfied. Signage should display any vital information your customers need to know, including parking rates, hours of operation, and payment instructions. This will allow your customers to complete the parking process quickly and easily, improving their overall parking experience.

5. Digital marketing to put your location in front of as many eyes possible.
Believe it or not, digital marketing is an essential element for promoting your parking meter operation and attracting more customers online. Through various social media platforms, paid advertising tactics, and website optimization, you can increase awareness and enhance the visibility of your parking lot. By utilizing these digital marketing strategies, you can attract more customers to your operation, boost revenue, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

As the parking and mobility industry is constantly evolving, with technology playing a crucial role in driving innovation, companies should stay ahead of the competition. These parking meter integrations can ultimately result in increased profitability and improved revenue capture, while also providing customers with a more efficient and satisfying parking experience.

References

Precise ParkLink. (2022, February 25). Key factors to consider when purchasing parking meters. Parking Industry Insights . Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.parkingindustry.ca/parking-management/key-factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-parking-meters

Parking enforcement is useful to promote better customer service. OperationsCommander. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://ops-com.com/blog/parking-enforcement-improves-customer-service/

Sih, W. (2020, August 20). Why parking facilities need live central monitoring and integrated cameras. Parking Industry Insigths. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.parkingindustry.ca/feature-articles/why-parking-facilities-need-live-central-monitoring-and-integrated-cameras