[How does smart parking work?](/content/en/resources/blog/how-does-smart-parking-work/index.html)

[Smart parking](/content/en/smart-parking/index.html) is an efficient and cost-effective system to monitor the availability of parking spaces in real-time. Technologies such as [sensors](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-sensor/index.html) and cameras detect free parking spaces and direct drivers to the most convenient spot via digital [signage](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-circ/index.html) such as LED-displays. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, edge computing, and interconnectivity, the complexity of driving in a complicated environment is simplified.

### Benefits of smart parking solutions

[Smart parking solutions](/content/en/solutions/index.html) not only significantly minimize search traffic, but also help ease congestion in cities and [reduce vehicle emissions](/content/en/why-cleverciti/reduce-unnecessary-emissions/index.html). Finding a free parking space easily in an often-confusing commercial car park enhances customer experience, thus improving revenue. Simultaneously, [parking operators](/content/en/verticals/parking-operator/index.html) and civic authorities can gather intelligent data on parking and customer habits that can be used to drive future infrastructure developments.

### Generating data easily

Data is generated via in-ground sensors that have to be installed in each parking space or via Overhead [sensors](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-sensor/index.html) as developed by Cleverciti. The latter can be easily mounted on existing infrastructure such as [lampposts](/content/en/solutions/smart-lamppost/index.html) or buildings and provide a comprehensive real-time overview of the occupancy status of up to 100 parking spaces per sensor.

Overhead sensors scan the vicinity and identify the position of a parked car or an empty parking space while also measuring the length of an available parking space and registering whether vehicles have been in an illegal space (e.g. in front of a fire hydrant or other no-parking zone).

The data gathered by these sensors is transmitted via cellular (LTE), Wi-Fi or wired Internet connection. The best smart parking solutions process data “at the edge”, which means the only data leaving the sensor itself is the GPS coordinates of a parking space and its availability. This approach ensures compliance with all the relevant data privacy regulations.

### Real-time parking information

Relevant insights can then be passed on to drivers via a mobile application, website or digital signage. LED displays such as Cleverciti’s [Circ360™](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-circ/index.html) and [Circ180™](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-circ/index.html), both of which are multi-directional LED signs that can be installed on existing lampposts, show live parking information and messaging.

Parking meters can be integrated into the system, showing parking operators whether time-limits are being observed.

### Speed

[Research shows](/content/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ShoppingMallFlyer_ENG_A4_online.pdf) that finding a parking spot at a shopping center can take up to 12 minutes. Cleverciti’s smart parking technology can change that. Through a combination of real-time detection of available parking spaces and digital signage guiding drivers to open spots, the time required to park can be reduced by 30% or more. In a shopping mall with 1,000 parking spaces, this improvement can result in annual [revenue gains](/content/en/why-cleverciti/maximize-return-on-parking-assets/index.html) of more than $4 million.

### A positive impression

As the first and last memory of a shopping experience, streamlined parking is key to creating a satisfied customer. Take it from us: In July, Cleverciti finished installing its [smart parking technology](/content/site-root.html) at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s Ruhr Park, Germany’s largest open-air shopping center with more than 2,600 parking spots. Known for their devotion to innovation and service, Ruhr Park’s executive team wanted to deliver extraordinary service, convenience, and a [hassle-free parking experience](/content/en/why-cleverciti/transform-the-arrival-experience/index.html) for its clients.

### Creating rewards

In addition to streamlining parking, Cleverciti’s newest technology, the [Cleverciti Card](/content/en/innovations/cleverciti-card/index.html), can be used to reserve parking spots in specified areas. Imagine VIP customers being able to reserve a space in advance, which not only maximizes their time spent shopping, but also provides additional data to the retailer regarding the most loyal and top-spending customers, allowing salespeople to know in advance of the arrival of their best customers. For years, brands have created loyalty programs with rewards, bonuses and discounts, and now parking can become part of these efforts.

### Utilizing data

Cleverciti’s solution is more than just sensors. Using edge-computing, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), the technology creates a unified and intelligent platform that provides customer and behavior data to retailers — something retailers are always craving. From the location of each parked car, to parking violations, to how long each shopper spends in the store, this information can help retailers learn about customer behavior, measure effects of marketing campaigns and plan more effective traffic patterns.

### Reduced footprint

Consumers are starting to use purchasing power to get their messages and opinions across to businesses and brands, and we’re seeing this prominently when it comes to [reducing emissions](/content/en/why-cleverciti/reduce-unnecessary-emissions/index.html) and global warming. A [report by Nielsen](https://www.inc.com/melanie-curtin/73-percent-of-millennials-are-willing-to-spend-more-money-on-this-1-type-of-product.html) found that 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable goods, so it is likely that they will also pick a shopping center that has actively chosen to reduce its carbon footprint.

Smart parking technology directly relates to this effort: when shoppers spend less time searching for an open space, they’re releasing fewer emissions into the air and therefore cutting down on pollution. Cleverciti’s mission to creating a sustainable environment can be key to showing consumers that retailers care about more than just the bottomline.

To learn more about how Cleverciti’s technology can help your business, connect with our teams [here](/content/en/contact/index.html).