Summary & Reader Response (Draft 1)
In the article “IoT based Smart Parking Systems for Smart Cities”, hIOTron (n.d.)(2020), claims that smart parking technology will improve the overall efficiency on roads and the experience of users. Smart parking utilizes sensors installed on lots to detect lot availability which can be used in offices and shopping malls. Occupants can book in advance the desired lot while receiving real time accessibility. Once the sensors confirm a vacant lot, the car will be parked automatically. For an IoT solution, it must make it easy to transfer field data to the cloud at low cost and increased ROI. Challenges faced include real upfront costs, as in-ground sensors can incur additional cost of two parking systems. Smart parking authentication is done using an RFID tag and data collected is reserved in the cloud. The app would find a vacant lot and send the location to the user after registration is completed. Optimal parking is achieved with minimal time and effort while enhancing the user’s experience. While I agree to a certain extent that smart parking technology has some challenges, however, benefits will outweigh the challenges. Benefits such as better flow of traffic, new revenue streams and enhanced user experience.
Firstly, with smart parking technology the flow of
traffic will improve. It was mentioned that lesser cars are required to circle
around the carpark to search for an empty parking lot. Based on the article
“Benefits of Smart Parking: How Smart Parking Reduces Traffic” (2018), smart
parking technology is the key to reducing traffic by smoothening the process of
parking for both users and lot owners. By using Internet of Things (IoT), data
collected by sensors can be synced to a cloud that transfers information to the
mobile app. The app will guide the driver using GPS to the parking lot,
allowing driver to stay focus on the road and saving time and effort to look
for spaces.
Secondly, with smart parking technology comes new
revenue streams. In the article “3 Benefits of Smart Parking for Business”
(2019), it states that smart parking allows businesses to generate extra
revenue from the parking lots after operating hours. Based on the article “How
Does Smart Parking Generate New Revenue Streams” (2019), there are many ways to
generate revenue streams. One way is using parking apps where drivers can
receive parking information on their mobile phone. As they are paying a certain
amount to access the information, therefore it creates revenue for lot
operators. Another way is allowing drivers to pay through their mobile phones.
Mobile operators will benefit the most as they can charge users small
commission when using mobile payments. On top of that, operators can adjust the
reservation fee according to the lot demands.
Lastly, using smart parking technology for
enhanced user experience. With this technology users can save both time and
money, leading to a better parking experience. Having able to access real-time
data, easy navigation and fast payments, the parking apps can boost the overall
efficiency of parking process. As drivers can reserve a lot and make payment in
advance, it will be a lot easier for them. Lot operators can add in some
discounts to regular customers as a small token of appreciation for using the
app.
In conclusion, with the use of smart parking
technology, it brings about many benefits to users and lot owners. Drivers can
be less frustrated when looking for a parking lot as there will be lesser cars,
therefore smoother traffic. The overall parking process will be made easier and
more convenient.
References:
IoT based Smart Parking Systems for Smart Cities.
(2020). hIoTron. Retrieved, February 14, 2020 from https://www.hiotron.com/smart-parking/
Benefits of Smart Parking: How Smart Parking
Reduces Traffic. (2018). Parking Network. Retrieved, November 06, 2018 from https://www.parking-net.com/parking-industry-blog/get-my-parking/how-smart-parking-reduces-traffic
3 Benefits of Smart Parking for Business: BehrTech Blog.
(2019). BehrTech. Retrieved, July 09, 2019 from https://behrtech.com/blog/3-benefits-of-smart-parking-for-business/
How Does Smart Parking Generate New Revenue Streams?. (2019).
Trakaid. Retrieved, May 29, 2019 from https://www.trakaid.com/how-does-smart-parking-generate-new-revenue-streams/
Benefits of Smart Parking Series: How Smart Parking Enhances
User Experience. (2019). Get My Parking Blog. Retrieved, January 31, 2019 from
https://blog.getmyparking.com/2019/01/30/benefits-of-smart-parking-series-how-smart-parking-enhances-user-experience/
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