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APRIL 12–14, 2023

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The recent trend toward urbanization and higher density environments have significantly elevated the importance and desirability of structured parking, particularly in markets that do not offer readily available transit systems as an alternative.

As development of public parking facilities trend upward, there are some critical factors that need to be considered during the early phases in the development of public parking facilities. Space planning, materials and structural engineering issues and traffic circulation systems are always top of mind.

But parking operations—and the systems and technologies that support it— are as important and need to be prioritized during these early phases of development. Taking a closer look at carbon reduction plans and identifying clear sustainability goals should also be addressed.

Importance of Parking Operations

Regardless of who the owner/developer of the public parking facility is, the development issues are virtually the same. The typical team usually includes the architect, contractor, construction manager, parking operator and engineer.

Parking operators often serve as consultants who provide advice and input into the type of equipment that best serves and optimizes the proposed parking operation— both near-term and into the future.

Improved parking operations can lead to increased revenue, improved customer satisfaction, and reduced expenses.

` Increased revenue through higher rates, demand pricing, and more efficient use of space.

` Improved customer satisfaction by providing easier access to parking and better information about available spaces (such as wayfinding and online reservations).

` Reduced expenses by reducing labor with automation, cutting the need for maintenance and repair and increasing equipment lifespan.

Chicago’s Navy Pier, one of the most visited destinations in the world, recently tapped the ABM Parking Services team to implement new business intelligence platforms, technology, and equipment. The result was a 25% increase in cost savings in year one, optimized revenue through dynamic pricing, creation of new revenue sources and an increase of 97% in customer satisfaction.

On the flip side, inefficient parking operations and management can lead to long-term challenges. Drivers can become frustrated and waste time and fuel searching for a spot. There may be an empty parking lot two blocks away, but without proper management of the more desirable spaces, wayfinding signage or online reservations, it sits vacant while people complain about the shortage of parking in the downtown area.

Sustainable Future

Developers also need to evaluate and plan for future needs. The demand for e-mobility and EV infrastructures are growing rapidly. More than 10 million electric cars are on the road across the world—and the number is

You can find answers to these and other important questions to help you market your products in construction and renovation from one of the leading B2B research firms in the country. Just spend some time at www.a-i-m.com. Then call 847-358-8558 for a confidential conversation with Jim Nowakowski, President.

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Let AIM help shed some light on what you’re doing.

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Manufacturer Brief: How COVID-19 is Changing the Way Interior Designers Get Product Information

Manufacturer Brief: How COVID-19 Changed the Way Architects Get Product Information

Accountability Information Management, Inc. 553 N. North Court, Suite 160 Palatine, Illinois 60067 847-358-8558 www.a-i-m.com projected to reach 30 million by 2030. Some states even aim to phase out combustion vehicles completely, such as California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order requiring all new vehicles to be zero-emission starting in 2035.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) recently completed one of the largest EV charger installations in the United States installing 1,200 charging stations at the new economy parking facility at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The technology factor

The good news is that the parking industry is becoming ever-more technology-enabled. The growing availability of integrated automation solutions, advancements around the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless technologies as well as intelligent software provides the opportunity for parking operators to achieve strategic differentiation and really transform how people interact with their parking facilities.

An essential part of today’s parking infrastructures are smart parking technology suites that include Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems (PARCS) and parking guidance technology. PARCS are real time computerized parking systems that automate the entry, exit, and payment of all customers accessing a parking facility. There are multiple forms and levels of functionality, security and complexity offered by these systems to enable parking facility owners and operators to control access and collect revenue. Elements of these systems include parking facility entry and exit control systems, pay stations (pay-on-foot and payin-lane), ticket dispensers with gate arms, license plate recognition systems and valet equipment systems.

Navigating the Maze

The ever-growing options of equipment, technologies and solutions can seem overwhelming – particularly for a team without experience in technology implementations.

But an experienced parking operations consultant can help walk through the various operational options and provide recommendations on the type of parking equipment and systems that can best serve the unique needs of your public parking operation.

This can include valuable insight into the history, use-case and longevity of the specific software and equipment, in addition to other considerations related to your IT strategy such as deploying SaaS versus on-premise solutions.

Once the equipment and technology decisions are made, parking operations consultants can also help bring the data these systems provide to life. Mobile payment systems and PARCS provide a wealth of granular data that can be leveraged to prevent cost overruns and effectively address customer needs. Linking the PARCS data with the parking operator’s management and reporting program can offer real-time insights from data and analytics to maximize your revenue, forecast optimal use of each space, and create new revenue streams.

Some additional examples include using license plate recognition (LPR) to streamline the parking permit process or installing electric vehicle charging stations that customers can use with a smartphone app.

Technology upgrades—such as touchless technologies, mobile payment integration, contactless card readers, and license plate readers and sensors—can work together to provide actionable data to maximize revenue and forecast optimal use of spaces.

A smart parking infrastructure with connected EV charging stations can offer new revenue streams, improve sustainability metrics, and deliver a key differentiator.

Just a few of the technology factors that need to be considered include:

` EV charging station requirements versus demand

` Online parking apps for reservations

` Wayfinding programs

` Data analytics programs

` Demand pricing capabilities

` Touchless/cell phone payment capabilities

` Webpage apps for direct reservations and prepayment

And, creating exterior signage consistent with a directional and marketing plan. In the end, these types of details will make your parking facilities safer, build customer confidence, maximize your bottom line, and enable smart operational decisions.

With long-term urban revitalization and densification trends on the rise, there continues a sustained demand for public parking facilities. But you don’t need to go it alone. Look to an experienced parking operator to help create a smart, efficient, and sustainable facility. FC

TRADE SHOW: MAY 23-25 |

CONFERENCE: MAY 21-25

JAVITS CENTER, NEW YORK

Bright Ideas for Bold New Builds

From products that improve human performance to energy-efficient technologies, the latest lighting innovations that benefit commercial facilities will be on display at LightFair 2023. Meet leaders from across the entire lighting industry and generate new ideas at the industry’s most comprehensive conference and trade show.