5 Parking Management Best Practices For Staying Versatile in a Rapidly Evolving World
In the words of Ferris Bueler, “life moves pretty fast.” And the growing world of mobility is no different.
Just think about how quickly scooters went from child’s play to a fixture of the urban commute.
And for the parking industry to keep up with the world of mobility that it serves, our garages and lots need to stay versatile.
When we talk about versatility, we mean having the ability and resources to adapt quickly. When the environment we operate in changes, we change with it. Keeping pace with the evolution of behavior and technology around us is a steadfast way to find success, even in uncertain times.
Here are the 5 parking management best practices you need to stay versatile in today’s ever-changing parking industry.
1. A mobile-first approach
The market is mobile, you should be, too. Industries from airlines to movie theatres have taken their offerings mobile, even though the experience remains on site.
Make it easy for customers to find you, regardless of whether they’re looking for a place to charge their electric vehicle or just trying to find a parking space.
Consumers will be drawn to the parking asset that meets their needs in that moment and the only way you’re going to reach them there is by taking on a mobile-first approach to ever-changing consumer demand.
Another important aspect of a mobile-first approach is mobile-app capabilities. Not having one is a sign that you’re falling behind.
If you still need to carve out your space in the mobile marketplace, software development kits can help you design a custom app for customers to book parking, pay, and more.
If you already have an existing app, it’s time to integrate functionality like Bluetooth access and mobile payments to the same app with an-API parking platform that seamlessly connects.
2. Configurability
Be ready to reconfigure as quickly as consumer demands change.
The recent need for touchless parking is a perfect example. Motion-activated ticket dispensing became the standard almost overnight. Easy-to-configure systems were able to introduce this feature within days while others will wait weeks or even months to overhaul their systems for the new norm.
In the time it takes to update for current standards, a parking asset can become obsolete. That’s why quick updates and remote configurability are essential to staying afloat as the market evolves.
3. Dynamic pricing
Demand can change in minutes as nearby events begin or businesses close for the day. Some events are predictable but others, like accidents and road closures, can have unanticipated effects on occupancy.
That’s why it’s critical to be able to react with rates that reflect demand in real time; dynamic pricing is the only way you’ll be able to maximize revenue and occupancy in today’s fast-paced markets.
4. Partner networks
Consumers have so many choices when it comes to getting from point A to point B, serving just one is risky – and may soon prove unprofitable.
Offering a variety of mobility services ensures that you’ll be relevant, regardless of which mode consumers choose. But doing it all yourself is near impossible. That’s why partnerships are so important.
Having access to an entire network of partners gives you options. No one knows what high-tech tools your customers will want next; but with access to all of them, you can assemble the right mix of offerings for your customers as quickly as they demand.
5. Extensibility
The mobility revolution is at your doorstep.
It’s time to start extending into the mobility ecosystem by integrating with new and alternative modes of mobility. With the right technology and a future-ready attitude, your garage could be a hotspot for eScooters or Uber drivers.
Cars are still a cornerstone of urban transportation, but these new mobility players are becoming just as important. If you don’t extend to serve them too, your parking asset will retract into obsolescence more quickly than you might expect.
Conculsion
The world of mobility isn’t slowing down, staying versatile means being quick on your feet so that you can react in real-time. Our mobility model is at a critical inflection point that will set the tone for the next era of mobility. No one is sure what’s next, but a sure way to become obsolete is to remain rigid. The right parking management best practices enable asset owners to remain relevant and learn to thrive in an agile environment.
To learn more about FlashParking’s agile parking management system, CLICK HERE.
