In recent years, parking lot operators have become more sophisticated with the help of parking lot management technology. Operators have taken advantage of software and hardware solutions to improve communications with customers and increase revenues.

One important technology for parking lot operators is digital signage. In the post below, we provide an overview of digital signage, and we list several ways that operators can use digital signs in their parking lots.

What is digital signage for parking lots?

Digital signage refers to the hardware and software that allow businesses to display custom content on their screens. For hardware, a digital sign can use almost any TV or monitor as a screen. In addition to a screen, a digital sign also requires a media player to render content to the screen. People often refer to this media player as a digital signage player, and the device typically connects with the screen via an HDMI cable.

Most digital signage systems also feature digital signage software. This software is often accessible as a SaaS product, and it allows users to manage the content on their digital signs from anywhere. Users can add content, edit content, build playlists, and control their screens in just a few clicks. This remote management functionality is a massive improvement from previous workflows, which often required a user to visit each screen in person to make content changes.

Ways that parking lots can use digital signs

Parking lot operators use digital signs to replace existing printed signs and for a range of other creative use cases. Ways that parking lots can use digital signs include:

• Showing parking lot maps. Digital signs can show drivers a map of the parking facility. Maps can include the number of aisles, the name and number of each section, and the number of floors in multi-level parking garages.

• Displaying security notices. Parking lots can be the place of serious crimes, including theft, break-ins, and assaults. Digital signs can help reduce crimes by displaying security-related notices. For example, notices may include warnings that the parking lot has 24/7 surveillance and security personnel on duty.

• Showing speed limit warnings. Car accidents in parking lots often occur when drivers do not respect speed limits. Parking lot operators can use digital signs to display speed limit warnings throughout the facility.

• Display parking lot fees and operating hours. Parking lot management staff can use digital signs to display parking lot fees and operating hours. Staff can easily change fees and operating hours for special events or high-volume weekends.

• Show advertisements. Parking lot operators can show advertisements from local stores and businesses on digital signs. This use case can provide an additional revenue stream to the parking lot facility and help promote local businesses.

The above uses for digital signs in parking lots are just some of many. Digital signs can show images, motion graphics, videos, and even live web pages. There are dozens of ways that parking lots can use digital signs to improve the customer experience.

Showing parking lot availability with a digital signage API

IoT connected parking lots can display detailed availability data for parking spaces. With a digital signage API, parking lot operators can connect their digital signs with their parking space availability systems. The facility’s digital signs can then display real-time data on what spots are available and direct drivers to those spaces. With a digital signage API, parking lot operators can program those content changes to occur automatically based on predetermined triggers.

Check out our digital signage API documentation to learn more. With the Screenly API, users can edit content, playlists, and screen group tags automatically.

Getting started with parking lot digital signage

To get started with digital signage for your parking lot, sign up for a free trial with Screenly digital signage software. Screenly allows users to manage content, create playlists, and group similar screens remotely from an online dashboard. In addition to an online Screenly account, users also need one Screenly Player per screen.

If you have any questions about deploying digital signs at your parking lot, reach out to our team at Screenly Support anytime. We are always happy to help.