Summary
Airparking is a project that allows people to rent out their parking spots by using an application. Zhidong Feng Yueting founded Network Technology Company Ltd in 2015 with the intent of creating a platform that would assist users in placing parking spots that would then be used by other customers (Xiao et al., 2020). Unlike other similar applications that operate in the field of real estate, Airparking uses the consumer-to-business-to-consumer method. In this case, the individual with a free parking space that is ready to be shared or rented out can upload the information online. The company’s representatives deal with such aspects as approving the deal with property management companies, having the necessary technology to inspect the plates and parking spots, and being a mediator between the users. On the other hand, the person interested in renting the spot can see available offers and choose the most appealing option in terms of distance, price, and comfort. The main goal was to improve the infrastructure and address some of the issues that drivers encounter in regard to parking.
Technological Implications
Technology plays a significant role in this project due to the fact that the system operates based on technological measures. While the application is the primary platform where customers can use the company’s services, the developers had to consider other aspects that also require applied automation. The biggest challenge was creating a system that would collaborate with property management companies. Since most parking spaces are located in private areas, employees responsible for the entry and exit of vehicles need to recognize unknown automobiles. If an individual cannot provide proof of this digital transaction with the parking spot owner after renting it, entering the private area would be impossible. This is why the developers came up with a technological implementation that had to be installed in order for the software to recognize plate numbers. The cameras and the gates of the private poverties have been connected to a software system that was able to scan the plates and register the numbers into the system of the parking lot. This minimized the implication for the staff and created an opportunity for the customer to avoid specific issues that may have occurred. Moreover, the software was designed to monitor when the vehicle leaves the area and send signals to the parking lot’s system. Such digital measures play a vital role in the development of the project and the customer’s satisfaction during the use of Airparking services.
Concept
The concept that appears to be revolutionary is the company’s overall aim, which is to improve the parking infrastructure. While the first idea that comes to mind regarding this topic is simply creating more parking spaces, the founder decided to use available resources and the human factor. Since the owners are not utilizing their empty parking spaces, this gives them opportunities to make a profit and contribute to a more efficient parking infrastructure. By creating this digital system, the developers combined efficacy, relevance, and profit, which is an excellent business system that serves a greater purpose. With the application and plate recognition technology, the whole parking infrastructure is changing towards a more flexible system based on cooperation.
Recommendation
Since the owner’s initial purpose was improving the parking system, the next step would be utilizing other private places such as malls, supermarkets, and other businesses. The developers already have the required technology to monitor the influx and outflow of cars in parking lots. Customers would benefit from a feature that would allow them to see if a specific parking lot has available spots for their vehicles. The next logical step would be implementing a digital feature that would inform the users about such spaces that they can utilize.
Reference
Xiao, X., Ge, C., Jiang, J., & Su, N. (2020). Airparking: Digitalizing shared parking. Ivey Publishing, 1-10.