Passio’s Skyer: Use technology to solve a problem, not for technology’s sake
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Technology has changed the parking and transit industries in recent years, but organizations need to be sure the solutions they implement help meet business objectives, the head of an Atlanta-based technology company told trade show attendees.
“In a sense, we are at a crossroads. Because there are so many technology solutions, it is easy to get lost in the ‘wow’ factor,” Mitch Skyer, president of Passio Technologies, said during the Parking Association of the Virginias’ Annual Fall Workshop & Tradeshow. “That’s why it is vitally important for transit and parking organizations to keep in mind their business objectives when choosing technology.”
Added Skyer: “The danger we’re seeing in the industry is using technology for technology’s sake. Now more than ever, transit and parking organizations must tailor the technology they implement to ensure it serves their specific needs.”
Skyer presented his perspective as part of a seminar titled “Put Some Clothes on, The Internet of Everything is at the Door…”
Municipal, university and private operators need to rely on analytics in making decisions, Skyer said. A decade ago, systems relied on guesswork to make decisions, but today managers can see in real time who is using their system.
“Big data has become a bit of a buzzword, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful of a tool,” Skyer said. “The key is to understand the data you are collecting and how to analyze it in a way that it helps tell the true story of your system.
“Today we have GPS and automated passenger counting, pay by cell and smart space counters,” Skyer added. “Tomorrow we’ll have the ability to control movement based on instant knowledge of current conditions, and the ability to plan for demand to the exact user. The possibilities are endless, and data can help you evaluate and defend the tough decisions.”
In less than four years, Passio has partnered with more than 35 municipalities, universities and private companies to deploy customized transit technology solutions aimed at optimizing operations and enhancing the passenger experience. The Atlanta-based company recently announced its solutions have been used to count more than 20 million passengers at transit systems across the country.
For more information, visit passiotech.com.