Smart Parking Systems and Why You Need It
Published on : March 26, 2020
What are smart parkings systems and their advantages?
- What is a smart parking system?
- Parking Guidance and Information System
- Transit-based information system
- Smart payment system
- Automated parking
- Benefits of a smart parking system
- Better fuel economy
- More convenience
- Lower labor costs
If you’ve ever driven a vehicle, you would understand how difficult it is to find a parking spot anywhere. As such, some purveyors of parking spaces have begun taking advantage of the benefits of smart parking systems.
Smart parking systems aren’t fairly new in the country. Some malls have eventually shifted towards these types of technology. For example, certain establishments have already incorporated the use of light sensors in their parking spaces. Red indicates an occupied spot, while green indicates a free space.
Though there is still much to be done to make sensors more reliable, smart parking systems have proved to be advantageous for both the car owner and the parking service provider. Continue reading to learn more about this innovation.
What Is A Smart Parking System?
A smart parking system is, simply put, a type of automated technology employed by parking facilities in order to provide drivers with easier access to parking spaces. Whatever type of smart parking system is in place, one distinct feature they have in common is that they feed automated, real-time information to a central database. This is for the convenience of both the driver and the facility managers.
Though the way facilities may employ smart parking systems differs across the board, one could say that it can be classified into the following categories: parking guidance and information system, transit-based information system, smart payment system, and automated parking. Here’s how they all differ:
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Parking Guidance and Information System
Parking Guidance and Information System (PGIS) is a system that utilizes technologies to provide relevant information to the drivers. A sample type of technology is the Variable Message Sign. On a much larger scale, VMS is used to indicate the level of traffic congestion in a particular area. It relays traffic-related updates to the driver to enable them to take a better route or to help them understand the traffic situation and anticipate the road conditions.
VMS in parking systems simply indicates to the driver the number of available parking slots inside a facility. For example, VMS may be in the form of a digital sign that is attached to a fixture on the parking level. Reliable VMS systems are accurate and will tell the driver exactly the number of vacant parking spots on that floor.
The real-time information allows drivers to make instantaneous decisions and take an appropriate course of action.
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Transit-based Information System
On the other hand, the transit-based information system is more focused on guiding the driver towards park-and-ride facilities. The system’s reliability is measured by its capacity to provide accurate information regarding available parking spaces as well as public transportation schedules and traffic conditions.
The system is generally employed in Western countries like France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, and more.
The trouble with manual parking payment systems is that they can cause delays, especially if there is a high volume of vehicles in a parking facility. The solution to this is to implement a smart parking system which reduces the need for manual labor.
Smart payment systems in the Philippines generally include the use of non-contact payment methods, whether through a phone application or through a dedicated e-card.
Automated parking has been around the country for some time now. This system incorporates the use of computer-controlled technology connected to a mechanical parking structure.
Customers who make use of automated parking spaces need only drive up their vehicles until the bay and lock the car. The system will subsequently place the vehicle in the allocated space.
This practice not only maximizes the facility’s parking slots but also saves the driver more time.
Benefits Of A Smart Parking System
Now that you’ve been introduced to the basics of smart parking systems, it would be in your best interest to know their following benefits: better fuel economy, more convenience, and lower labor costs. Here’s why:
You might have encountered this kind of situation: you arrive at the mall’s parking facility during peak hours. You end up having to circle the entire parking building for several hours only to find that there are absolutely no more parking spaces available. Not only did you waste your time, but you’ve also nearly emptied your fuel tank because of such a task.
With smart parking systems, you can avoid this kind of situation. A presence of a variable message sign can tell you whether there are still available parking spaces on a particular level. You don’t have to pointlessly circle the lot – instead you quickly move up to a higher level, allowing your vehicle more mileage.
Smart parking systems are convenient for the driver and the facility managers. The driver doesn’t have to find a spot by themselves, especially in the case of an automated parking system. Furthermore, the drivers also won’t have to end up parking in inappropriate spaces which may cause them to get a fine from the parking facility management.
Finally, the shift towards smart parking systems also reduces the high cost which you spend towards hiring manual labor. Though the investment in the technology can seem to be costly in the beginning, it will eventually be outweighed by the benefits of adopting such a highly-efficient smart parking system.
Key Takeaway
Innovations like smart parking systems have created more efficient and cost-effective solutions for both drivers and parking facility managers. Though smart parking systems may come in different forms, the main idea is that they all serve to bring advantages in parking optimization, fuel economy, as well as cost projections.
The guide above has hopefully equipped you with sufficient information on the importance of smart parking systems in the country.