By Shawn Conrad, CAE

Most of us remember the “Got Milk?” advertising campaign. A San Francisco agency developed this rather simple phrase and message in 1993 to increase sales for the California Milk Processor Board. Needless to say, the campaign’s success is almost unmatched in the world of advertising.

Since I have a “go big or go home” mentality, I thought of this ad campaign when IPMI and other industry leaders began developing the Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS)–and no, the phrase “Got Data?” was never considered.  My thought process wasn’t focused on boosting sales of new technology or any particular piece of equipment, but rather on helping parking and mobility organizations fully utilize the data you collect. APDS provides a harmonized data dictionary that allows organizations to share parking data across various platforms, and compare performance on a local, state, national, or, if so inclined, worldwide basis. APDS is voluntary and we’ve made it free to use.

In the weeks ahead, a new Version 3.0 will be announced covering on-street, off-street, rights, rates, occupancy and utilization data, and other parameters. IPMI has been hosting tutorials and discussions for those interested in learning more or those seeking guidance as they apply the standard. A number of opportunities are planned to help you use APDS, including free user groups meetings June 8 and June 15. Click here to participate in these free sessions. 

By summer we expect to have the final acknowledgement of APDS being ISO Certified, so big things are happening. For now, let us know how we can help you better understand or compare your data with other like-sized organizations. I’m getting thirsty just writing those words.

Sign up for APDS updates to get the documents as soon as they are available—and stay well. 

Shawn Conrad, CAE, is IPMI’s CEO.