The initial install of a parking stall sensor system is a big step. We want your experience to be a great one.. This article reviews the typical steps taken during the project fulfillment process.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Site Specifics
Although mostly worked out in the original quote, the first step in deployment is often to finalize the details of the installation, particularly site-specific details like placement of the sensors, suggested gateway locations (see infrastructure articles), etc. It is important to consider what is available for gateway installation, such as power, Ethernet Internet connectivity, etc. Site visits will help pin these down and identify any potential areas of concern that need more consideration. The precise details on where and what type of sensor is to be installed are required to start building the dashboard, including drawing the map, configure applications and plan installation. If digital signage is to be deployed the site details for that are very important as costs can vary wildly depending on the installation details. In summary:
- Precise location information for sensors (so a map can be drawn)
- Sort out installation specifics of the gateway(s): location, mounting, power, backhaul connectivity
- Plan specifics of digital signage:
Steps/Scope of Work
- Sourcing/Supply
- The time to source and supply the components of your system can depend on supply chain availability and any customizations/fabrications required of third parties
- Physical Installation
- The timing of the install needs to be planned and scheduled with third parties if involved. There may be the requirement to close access to parking lots during the installation.
- For parking sensors the physical installation of both in-ground and above-ground sensors is detailed in videos available under the category of installation
- Sensors must be installed in good weather (dry day). Epoxy must be given time to set, and in some cases cured with a flame to prevent bubbles or voids.
- Gateways and Signage are case-by-case as the mounting situation varies quite a bit.
- Configuration and Integration
- Sensors are configured using the SmartPhone App at installation time. The device information is recorded/logged during installation and its position assigned on the map
- Then the sensor is calibrated after epoxy has set, in dry conditions, with nothing obscuring the sensor.
- The Magnetometer calibration can occur automatically over time or be forced.
- Training and Support
- If arranged, approximately one hour of training is provided to get up and running with the system
- Support contacts at eleven-x are provided to you, and the Network Operations Centre needs contact information to reach out to if there is an outage in the services.
- Maintenance and Warranty
- The physical components of the system are protected from the weather and generally designed to be maintenance free. Gateways may require periodic inspection to ensure no damage has occurred to cabling or antennas. Parking sensors target 10+ years of usable lifetime in-ground.
- You may have purchased an extended warranty in your contract that will be explained.
- Renewal of Services
- There are ongoing operational expenses (OPEX) that will need to be renewed upon expiration. The renewal period varies from contract to contract but can be as long as 5 years.
Using the System
Once the system is up and running you will want to carefully monitor analytics, especially in the early days, and identify any patterns that may indicate some tuning of your parking or guidance is required. For example, if digital signage is deployed you may find that adjustments are required in guidance to see optimal use of the parking that is available.
There are a number of articles available in the Knowledge Base that can help you address many common use cases for a real-time analytics parking system, for example, do you have enough handicapped parking in the right places? Or, are the EV stalls being utilized? Are there problem lots that require more enforcement? Are your timed parking locations being abused?
Please look under "Use Cases" in the Category of "Usage Guides" for more ideas and information.