By Hannah Fuller, Director of Commercial Strategy and Partnerships, Unity5
Every parking enforcement operation is unique. From the specific local ordinances of a municipal authority to the varied tenant and visitor rules of a private property, the nuances are endless. Yet, all too often, parking technology is presented as a one-size-fits-all solution, forcing operators to adapt their intricate processes to the software, rather than the other way around. This rigidity can stifle efficiency, create frustrating workarounds, and ultimately hinder the effectiveness of enforcement.
In the UK, we’ve seen how a configurable approach has transformed parking management. Operators are no longer constrained by the limitations of their tools; instead, they wield technology that adapts to their specific needs, enabling precision, compliance, and genuine operational control. For the US market, where diversity in regulations and operational scale is even greater, the power of configurable parking solutions is not just beneficial – it’s essential.
The Challenge of Inflexible Systems
Many traditional or legacy parking enforcement systems are built with fixed workflows and hard-coded rules. This can lead to a host of problems:
- Compromised Operations: You can’t implement ideal workflows because the software doesn’t allow it.
- Complex Workarounds: Staff are forced to develop manual solutions to bridge the gap between their needs and the system’s capabilities.
- Slow Adaptation: Changes in regulations, new parking initiatives, or evolving payment methods require costly, time-consuming custom development or a complete system overhaul.
- Frustration and Inefficiency: The constant battle with inflexible software leads to lower staff morale and reduced productivity.
The goal isn’t just to manage enforcement; it’s to manage it your way, efficiently and effectively, while adapting to future demands. This requires a system that is fundamentally built on the principle of configurability.
What “Configurable” Parking Enforcement Really Delivers
Configurability means that the core of your parking enforcement system is designed to be shaped and adapted to your specific operational context, without requiring extensive custom coding every time a rule changes. This empowers operators with:
- Tailored Workflows: Define and implement your precise parking enforcement workflows, from infraction capture to dispute resolution, matching your unique operational procedures. This ensures your system supports, rather than dictates, your best practices.
- Dynamic Rule Management: Easily adjust parking rules, grace periods, penalty levels, and violation definitions as local ordinances or private policies evolve. This means instant adaptation without significant IT involvement.
- Scalability and Growth: A configurable parking enforcement system can grow with your operation. Whether you’re adding new parking areas, implementing new permit types, or expanding your enforcement team, the system can be scaled and reconfigured to meet new demands seamlessly.
- Empowering Your Team: Give your administrative and operational staff the tools to make system adjustments themselves, reducing reliance on external vendors for every minor change. This fosters autonomy and speeds up response times.
- Future-Proofing: Invest in technology that can evolve with the parking industry. As new technologies emerge (e.g. advanced sensor data, AI-driven analytics), a configurable platform can integrate them more readily.
Impact of Parking Enforcement Software on Operations and Revenue
The benefits of configurability extend far beyond mere convenience. They directly impact your bottom line and public perception:
- Increased Compliance: A system that accurately reflects and enforces your rules leads to clearer communication and higher compliance rates.
- Reduced Errors: Automation based on precisely configured rules minimizes human error in enforcement and processing.
- Optimized Resource Allocation: Tailored workflows ensure that your enforcement officers are deployed most effectively.
- Improved Public Relations: A fair and transparent enforcement system, which is enabled by accurate configuration, enhances community trust.
Finding Your Fit at IPMI
As US cities and private operators consider modernizing their parking infrastructure, the conversation must shift from “what can this system do?” to “how can this system be configured to do exactly what we need?” This year at the 2025 IPMI Conference & Expo in Louisville, we’ll be discussing how to achieve this level of operational control.
I’ll be there with Unity5, eager to meet with operators and partners who understand that generic solutions are rarely the best solutions. Click here to see what Unity5 will be showcasing at IPMI 2025 If you’re looking for a parking management system that truly fits your unique operational blueprint, rather than forcing you into a rigid mold, let’s connect.
Ready to take control of your parking operations? Visit us at IPMI to see how configurable technology can be built around your needs, not the other way around.
I’m passionate about collaboration and technology which I combine in my role as Head of Commercial Relationships at Unity5. I also champion diversity and inclusion as co-founder on Women in Parking in the UK and am involved in mentoring female talent in our sector.
