There's a buzz about big data. That's because information is pouring in from many sources faster than ever before. And whether it's a small parking lot or a big city, operators, and decision-makers are looking for ways to take advantage of it.
Why data feels so big
Collecting data has become a by-product of everyday business. Today, it's rare to see parking officers on foot, checking for infractions and collecting coins from meters. Instead, digital pay stations are connected to the cloud. Officers are also using automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) systems to cover more ground in less time. While these technologies have made enforcement efforts more efficient, they're also delivering much more information.
Sometimes, this overwhelming amount of data is hard to interpret. And, the analysis becomes frustrating. In the process, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters-understanding how it can help organizations think and act better.
Volume versus quality of data
It is important to take a step back and ask-what does big data really mean? Answering this question often reveals that the volume of data is not the most relevant concern for parking operations, or even growing cities.
Instead, it's the quality of data. Many systems provide basic, unstructured information that doesn't reveal much. Only with high-quality data can parking agencies, cities, and businesses understand how to act on real-time information to better plan, and make effective decisions.
The antidote to lots of basic information
Meaningful data matters. Systems that deliver structured, easy-to-understand data help users make sense of the streams of information. It gives them a leg up by offering specific reference points.
For instance, ALPR systems can tell organizations who entered which lots, how long they stayed for, what times they entered and left. They also tell businesses how many vehicles are parked in the lot at any given moment. Ultimately, these insights help organizations improve policies, enhance services and be better at what they do every day.
Continuing the conversation about big data
Join us at the IPI Conference and Expo on Wednesday, May 24th 9:15-10:15 AM in rooms 238 and 239 at the Ernest N Morial Convention Center for our speaking session called 'A Pragmatic Look at Big Data: Perspectives from Automatic License Plate Recognition'. You'll learn whether big data really plays a role in the parking industry. And you'll take away new ideas about how to use the influx of information to better understand and improve your business.
About Genetec
Genetec develops open-platform software, hardware and cloud-based services for the physical security and public safety industry. Its flagship product, Security Center, unifies IP-based video surveillance, access control and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) into one platform. A global innovator since 1997, Genetec is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and serves enterprise and government organizations via an integrated network of resellers, integrators, and consultants in over 80 countries. Genetec was founded on the principle of innovation and remains at the forefront of emerging technologies that unify physical security systems. For more information about Genetec, visit: genetec.com
