By Liz Young

Who would have thought something as mundane as parking could ignite such a boom in the tech world? We’ve come a long way from punching holes in tickets and counting cars on our toes. The idea of effortlessly gliding into a parking garage—without even glancing at an entry device—once felt as futuristic as flying cars and robotic maids.

And yet, here we are—zipping in without a care in the world, our cars recognized automatically, payments handled invisibly, and spaces reserved with a tap on our phones.

Behind this seamless experience lies strategic collaboration that has driven this growth. As an industry, letting go of rigid proprietary thinking opened the door of innovation. Through partnerships, we’ve been able to bring these advancements to life, with the goal of enhancing the user experience.

Collective efforts between technology providers, asset owners and Operators have elevated parking into a meaningful player in tech. Each has a role in shaping the future of this ever-evolving industry—and the journey is just beginning!

We depend on our technology partners to understand the market and identify trends shaping our industry. They’ve risen to the challenge, delivering powerful AI-driven solutions, frictionless options, and dynamic messaging systems that ensure every parker can find their perfect space, so no driver is left behind…

But it’s not just about a cool story bro, these technologies must also be intuitive, reliable, and scalable to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our dynamic industry.

Collaboration with asset and ownership groups that prioritize future customer needs is the key to success. While mindful spending is important, investing in a strong foundation today allows us to redefine the parking experience and maximize future revenues.

And let’s not forget the operators.  They navigate the complexities of managing multiple systems while balancing the delicate relationships between technology providers, ownership groups, and the public. As the front line to customers, their efforts ensure the smooth operation of the ecosystem.

Together, as technology partners, asset owners, and operators, we are shaping parking into an industry driven by innovation, collaboration, and growth. The future holds endless possibilities, so bring out your folding chairs and cigar boxes, filled with popcorn, and watch the show!

Liz Young is the Vice President, Solutions Engineering for FAAC Parking Solutions. Liz can be reached at Liz.Young@faactechnologies.com.