Innovative technological solutions over the last few years are solving complex issues and giving everyday people the tools needed to monetize their time and assets; the smartphone is the new receptionist room, as business is increasingly conducted online, mainly, through mobile apps. Let’s learn more as we examine how ParqEx is Using the IoT to increase the supply of rentable parking spots.
Parking Pain-Points
In an article found on ZDNet called: “The Internet of Things: does it start with parking?”, written on December 6, 2012 by Mary O’Conner, we learn:
“A 2006 study in Brookyln, New York, found 45 percent of surveyed drivers were circling blocks, looking for street parking (sure, they could have paid $20 for a lot, but when street meters only cost $1, it’s easy to see the rationale). In other cities, on average 30 percent of traffic in congested areas is comprised of drivers looking for parking.”
Now, take these stats and imagine all the large cities in the U.S. and worldwide; solving the parking problem will deal with a major pain point in modern cities. Increasing the supply of rentable parking spots is the goal of ParqEx, and the main tool used is the smartphone.
Solving logistical parking issues in large cities will help reduce: carbon emissions, gas, time to find parking spaces, excessive amounts being paid for parking, frustrations in trying to find parking, and accidents that occur because of heavy traffic congestion.
Finding a parking spot that’s affordable and accessible is what many urban commuters, tourists, and residents dream of. Going to an event center in the city shouldn’t be ruined with parking woes, yet finding adequate parking is sometimes a battle that takes hours and costs nearly hundreds. Indeed, rentable parking shortages in metropolises are a thorn in the side of most urban dwellers and visitors.
Parking Solutions Include the IoT
The IoT, in relation to smart cities, is the technology and online systems being used to create innovative solutions and solve complex logistical issues, such as parking. For instance, parking spot sensors are being used by parking garages and city governments, in order to inform drivers of vacancies (and owners of non-compliance) and navigate them to the spot – all through their smartphones. Technology and the IoT has even shown to play a positive factor on individual health.
Another example is ParqEx’s service, which acts as a broker between those renting their private parking spaces and the renters parking in the spaces. Reservations, location information, cost, pictures of spaces, specific rules from space owners, and payments – are all facilitated through the ParqEx App.
The ParqEx Access+ technology is also available; this innovative IoT solution allows users to access and manage entry into their parking spaces – by opening and closing the door or gate remotely through a smartphone. Access+ can be used by: property managers, apartment tenants, homeowners, condo boards, etc. – to efficiently manage and streamline access to parking areas.
Essentially, what makes IoT technology so powerful is its ability to communicate and integrate with other systems and technological solutions within a city. Using cloud and mobile computing technology, combined with the nearly universal rate of smartphone usage, the IoT is creating innovative solutions not possible before. Closing a garage door from across the world through a mobile app is a good example.
Summary
IoT technology is working together through innovative cloud and mobile solutions, in order to create business opportunities and solve complex logistical issues. Smart cities are being developed by many individual companies using separate systems that communicate with each other. The agility and flexibility being offered by the cloud is far preferable to, exclusively, on-premises logistical solutions.
Access+ gives property owners the ability to streamline and enhance their parking service to customers or employees. Instead of rolling down their window and punching numbers, they can use their smartphones for safer, more convenient, and quicker entry. Also, superior data analytics will give owners more strategic tools for business improvements and streamlined management.
Technology is promising to be the best solution for overcrowded city streets, in the U.S. and worldwide. In particular, sharing economy solutions, like the ParqEx App and Access+, are giving residents and visitors viable and affordable parking solutions. In addition to helping drivers find parking spots, ParqEx and Access+ are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and giving businesses the tools needed to enhance their services.
IoT technological innovation will continue, as will the number of ways startups find to make it useful for society. Already, with the right mobile apps downloaded, parking has become easier in day-to-day life in many cities. If interested in learning more about ParqEx and Access+ please contact us today.
