The M4 Camera System uses cameras to identify if a car is parked in each space. One camera sensor can view up to four parking spaces.
Park Assist has evolved from engineering advanced parking sensor technology to also delivering powerful business intelligence solutions. Gary Neff, CEO Park Assist, explained how the business intelligence technology company utilises cameras to enhance the efficiency and profitability of parking facilities.
Neff took up his role as CEO of Park Assist last September, bringing with him 25 years of experience within the parking technology sector. In conversation, it is clear that he has a passion for parking and a progressive approach to maximising the potential of technology, new revenue streams and great customer service.
Airports are a comparatively new and developing market for Park Assist. “Our business developed from solving parking issues with shopping centres around the globe, which are very focused on the customer experience,” Neff commented. “Today airports are focusing more resources on the customer experience, so we see a nice fit.”
Park Assist recently completed a major project with Melbourne Airport, and has started an installation at Fort Lauderdale Airport. “We have over 20 major airports we are communicating with about our products and see the airport segment as a key market in which our products can materially impact the customer experience,” Neff added.
Key among these products is the M4 Camera System, which uses cameras to identify if a car is parked in each space. One camera sensor can view up to four parking spaces. The software can also read the license plate and convert the characters to data, from which Park Assist can use either a ticket number or plate number to show a customer where their car is parked. “With the combination of ticket number, plate number and space number, we can really put the data to use with Policy Enforcement, Dynamic Pricing, Surveillance and provide countless management tools,” Neff explained.
Indeed, perhaps the biggest opportunity for airports in terms of new revenue streams is Dynamic Pricing. “For example, if garages offer the best 10% of the spaces for premium parking, both the consumer and airport can benefit,” Neff stated.
Enhanced customer service is also crucial, and Park Assist’s Find Your Car feature enables the customer to search from either an integrated mobile App, or from the revenue control payment kiosk.
“With increased airport competition, the best way to achieve consumer loyalty is to service them better than your competition. Making parking easier should positively impact overall airport revenue,” Neff concluded.
