Limited parking spaces have always been a problem for physical retail stores. This is one of the reasons why eCommerce has surpassed them in terms of sales and growth over the past few years. Parking problems like this are also prevalent in hotels, malls, churches, and even offices. Fortunately, parking problems can be easily addressed with a Parking Management System or PMS, but some businesses are too complacent to even think about this.
A parking system doesn’t just make things convenient for you; it also gives you the flexibility you need when managing the flow of vehicles. No matter the size of your parking area, there is a PMS suited for you.
Here are four benefits of a PMS to a business:
1. Improved Traffic Flow
A PMS will help improve the traffic flow in your parking area by showing clear navigation on where the customers could go. These navigations will show where the entrance and exits lanes are and how they should go around the parking lot, alongside implementing clear parking line marking to guide customers seamlessly to available spaces and reduce congestion.
The purest form of a parking management system consists of the following:
- Security Personnel
- Parking Attendant
- Visual Guides
- Entrance and Exit Lanes
When customers know where they should go, it eliminates confusion and makes an excellent first impression on your business. Even without the use of expensive technology, you can provide your customers with a better parking experience just by implementing a simple system.
2. Space Optimization
Another advantage of having a PMS is its ability to optimize the parking space you already have. One of the most significant problems that drivers encounter is the poor use of parking space or the lack of it. Some cities in the United States, like New Orleans, have more parking spots than residents, and in such places, they are turning to monthly parking New Orleans as an option. When you have a lot of drivers scrambling around for a parking space, it creates a problem that affects your other customers too.
Through space optimization, customers can be immediately informed if a parking lot is full, where the nearest available slot is, or if there is another parking lot within the nearby area.
Another space optimization strategy is by offering a valet service which is another component of a PMS. Such kind of service will involve an additional fee for your customers, but the convenience they get is incomparable.
Business owners have two ways of adding a valet service to their parking system:
- Hiring a third-party provider – A third party valet service provider will help minimize management problems but restricts your control over them which can jeopardize the quality of work.
- In-house valet team – It can be costly as you will need to hire more people and create your process. It will also require management. However, it provides a pool of talent resource which the company could use when scaling the business.
An optimized parking area will mean that customers will have an easier time getting in and out of your establishment which can encourage customers to come back.
3. Process Automation
Processes like opening a gate, validating a parking ticket, or capturing payment, are repetitive tasks. All of these can be programmed and automated through a PMS. Businesses will no longer need to dedicate human resources to maintain such system more so if the PMS is outsourced to a third-party service vendor. However, essential personnel, such as security and parking attendants, are still recommended to provide quick assistance should the need arise.Process automation can extend to mobile application as well.
Customers can use their mobile phone to book valet services or reserve parking spots in advance. Mobile payment systems can also be integrated into the app for a more seamless experience.Process automation will help improve the overall customer experience and result in more people doing business with you. Your customers will appreciate the extra mile you give in ensuring parking efficiency.
4. Improved Security
An integral part of a sophisticated PMS is its security feature. Some systems will have security cameras included in their package. A parking lot with extra security features will enhance your business image and increase customer trust. Another benefit of improved security is that you significantly reduce the risk of liability. As a business owner, you are responsible for safeguarding your customers’ vehicle and well-being while they’re inside your establishment.
For example, if a vehicle theft occurs, you can be sued by your customer for not having enough security measures equipped in your parking lot, but if you can provide evidence that you have a well-managed parking area with security features, you can reduce or even eliminate the liability.
Conclusion
Having a strong parking management system for your business is an investment that not many business owners can agree with. While the initial payout may seem big, the return on investment is incomparable as you can elevate the customer’s experience. You don’t want to risk losing a customer just because of a mismanaged parking area.
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