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Interoperability via Standards
Communicating a Win-Win
As is the case with most industries, proprietary solutions often limit the ability of one manufacturer's solution to effectively communicate with another - for example, your parking data may not be able to be displayed on city wayfinding signs or integrate with other parking systems.
In 2011, industry standards - such as NTCIP- took hold, allowing structures to expand beyond one brand of hardware and software, and exchange information with other structures and agencies, creating cohesive parking systems that can integrate with the rest of our infrastructure. |
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What is NTCIP?
The National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) is the standard protocol that allows all transportation management systems to communicate with one another, including parking systems, wayfinding signs, cameras, intersection controllers, and central software systems. |
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Federal Funding for Green Projects
Go Green, Get Green.
Following suit with other industries and projects across the nation, more and more projects are being funded through federal (vs. state or local) initiatives - and the parking industry is no exception. Over the past year, this trend gained traction in the parking industry in support of green initiatives, as money trickled down from the capital in support of:
✓Solar panels and canopies
✓Energy-efficient lighting
✓Innovative water and waste management systems
✓Accommodations for electric vehicles and charging stations |
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Parking via Mobile Phone
Got an app for that?
 Escalating consumer demand for an "app-driven society" has infiltrated all walks of life - from angry birds to grocery shopping - so it should come as no surprise that mobile parking applications continued to take a front seat in 2011 parking trends. Available on any cell phone platform, mobile parking apps are now widely available in cities across the country, helping consumers:
✓ Locate available parking, both curbside and in garages / lots
✓ Reserve a parking space enroute
✓ Pay for parking
Through continued deployment of electronic parking guidance systems and open-standards, these mobile applications will become more and more sophisticated, providing richer data and a richer consumer experience. |
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Looking Forward
Anticipated 2012 Top Trends
In 2012, it is no doubt that the parking industry will continue to revolutionize the way we find and pay for parking. Similar to this year, we anticipate the majority of growth to be in new parking technologies and sustainable solutions, while simultaneously increasing parking revenues and customer satisfaction. |
>> Ease with Automation
The automation of payments and the inclusion of automatic vehicle identification will drastically improve the efficiency of how we currently search for parking and serve as a much needed revenue generator.
 >> Growing Greener
Sustainability and green initiatives will continue to create more energy-efficient, alternative fuel accommodations. As we see an increase in the number of alternative fuel vehicles on the road, the demand for charging stations will be on a rise. |
Make McCain Your New Year Resolution!
Trusted Partner
McCain's Parking Guidance System is the ideal solution for revolutionizing your parking system.
Our fully integrated system leads drivers to the first available space, making parking easy and stress free, reducing search times, decreasing toxic emissions, and boosting sustainability.
We can customize a solution to meet your program's individual needs. Contact us today to see if we can help your get a head start!
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