On August 26, 2026, IPMI Hosted a Learning Lab session titled Beyond Rip-and-Replace: The Shift Toward Open Parking Ecosystems presented by Trellint.

 

Presenters:

David Strathy-Miller, Head of Product Management, Trellint

Sean Mackin, Head of Customer Care, Trellint

Summary:
In this Learning Lab, Trellint explored how parking and mobility agencies are shifting away from traditional “rip-and-replace” technology projects and toward open ecosystem strategies. Rather than replacing entire platforms, agencies are increasingly integrating specialized technologies that work together while preserving existing investments. Through several case studies, the presenters demonstrated how open ecosystems can reduce implementation risk, support innovation, and improve operational flexibility. The session emphasized that successful modernization depends not only on technology, but also on planning, stakeholder alignment, training, and change management.

Key Takeaways from the Learning Lab Session:

Modernization Doesn’t Have to Mean Starting Over
One of the core messages of the presentation was that agencies no longer need to view modernization as a complete replacement of their existing technology stack. Instead, organizations can focus on improving specific operational challenges while retaining systems that already function effectively. This approach minimizes disruption, reduces risk, and allows agencies to modernize at a pace that aligns with their resources and goals.

Open Ecosystems Create Flexibility and Scalability
The presenters distinguished simple system integration from a true open ecosystem. While integration allows systems to exchange data, an open ecosystem enables agencies to adopt best-of-breed technologies, connect specialized vendors, and add new capabilities over time without rebuilding the entire platform. This flexibility helps organizations respond more effectively to changing operational needs and future innovations.

Success Depends on People, Processes, and Change Management
Technology implementation alone does not guarantee success. Organizations that achieve the best outcomes establish clear goals, invest in staff training, prioritize stakeholder engagement, and continuously refine processes after launch. The speakers emphasized that user adoption, operational efficiency, customer experience, and measurable business outcomes are critical indicators of whether a modernization effort is truly delivering value.

Pilot Programs and AI Adoption Should Be Outcome-Driven
The session highlighted the value of using pilot programs to test technologies, validate workflows, and build stakeholder confidence before scaling initiatives across an organization. Similarly, AI should be evaluated based on its ability to solve real operational problems and deliver measurable improvements, rather than being adopted simply because it is a popular trend. Agencies that pilot, evaluate, and iterate are better positioned to innovate while minimizing risk.

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