Summary & Reader Response (Draft 3)
In the article “IoT based Smart Parking Systems for Smart Cities”, hIOTron (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, benefits will outweigh the challenges. Benefits of smart parking technology includes better flow of traffic, new revenue streams and enhanced user experience.
Firstly, smart parking technology will improve the flow of
traffic. According to Gautam,S (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. Therefore, fewer cars are
required to circle around the carpark to search for an empty parking lot.
Secondly, smart parking technology can lead to the growth of new
revenue streams. Revenue streams are various sources which a business can use
to earn money from the provision of services. Trakaid (2019)
states that 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
creating 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. As a result,
this can lead to the growth of new revenue streams.
Lastly, smart parking technology can enhance user experience. Gautam,S
(2019) states that with this technology drivers are able to save both time and
money, leading to a better parking experience. Being 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. Thus, with these benefits, users’ experience will greatly be enhanced.
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:
Gautam,S. (2019). Benefits of Smart Parking
Series: How Smart Parking Enhances User Experience. Retrieved from https://blog.getmyparking.com/2019/01/30/benefits-of-smart-parking-series-how-smart-parking-enhances-user-experience/
Gautam,S. (2018). Benefits of Smart Parking: How Smart Parking
Reduces Traffic. Retrieved from https://www.parking-net.com/parking-industry-blog/get-my-parking/how-smart-parking-reduces-traffic
hIoTron. (2020). IoT based Smart Parking Systems for Smart
Cities. Retrieved from https://www.hiotron.com/smart-parking/
Trakaid. (2019). How Does Smart Parking Generate
New Revenue Streams?. Retrieved from https://www.trakaid.com/how-does-smart-parking-generate-new-revenue-streams/
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