University campuses are home to a wide range of departments, each with its own unique parking requirements. Whether it’s faculty, staff, students, or visitors, finding a one-size-fits-all solution can be a complex challenge, especially for departments with diverse needs like a dental hygiene clinic. Parking confusion often leads to incomplete entries, frustrated users, and additional work for the parking team, which can be further complicated when dealing with groups that require special accommodations.
The Parking Challenge
Old Dominion University (ODU) faced significant difficulties managing parking for their on-campus dental hygiene clinic. The clinic serves a wide range of parkers, including low-income patients who might not have access to smartphones, students who arrive at different times throughout the day, and faculty or staff members. Ensuring that these groups could easily access complimentary parking while minimizing confusion was a top priority for the university.
Some of the specific challenges ODU encountered included:
- Low-income patients who may not have smartphones or might be less tech-savvy, making it difficult for them to navigate digital parking solutions.
- Groups of around 30 students arriving at various points throughout the day, all needing to be validated for parking.
- Eligibility for parking in multiple lots, adding another layer of complexity to the parking process.
ODU needed a two-fold solution: a simple digital option for those who could use it and an alternative process for those who couldn’t.
The Offstreet solution: Simplifying complex parking needs
To address these challenges, ODU implemented Offstreet’s platform, which provided a seamless parking solution tailored to the clinic’s unique needs. Here’s how Offstreet transformed the parking experience at ODU’s dental hygiene clinic:
- Digital Permits and QR Code Access: Offstreet allowed ODU to create a unique parking portal specifically for the clinic. Patients arriving at the clinic could scan a QR code posted in the lobby, which directed them to a simple registration page. There, they could enter their license plate number and name to secure their complimentary parking permit.
- Assistance for Non-Digital Users: For patients who didn’t have a smartphone or were uncomfortable using digital tools, the clinic’s admin staff was equipped with a user account to manually register their vehicles. This ensured that no one was left without parking due to technological barriers.
- LPR Integration: The use of License Plate Recognition (LPR) meant that patients and students didn’t need to display a physical permit. Their vehicle was automatically recognized by the system, streamlining the parking experience.
- Automated Guest Communication: Offstreet automated communication with patients and students, providing clear instructions and confirmation, which reduced confusion and the need for additional follow-up.
- Easy Bill-Back Process: The solution also included an efficient billing system, where charges for parking could be easily tracked and billed back to the relevant department, simplifying financial management.
Implementing Offstreet at ODU
- Configuration: Offstreet’s team worked closely with ODU to configure the system according to the clinic’s specific needs, including setting up digital permits and establishing communication protocols.
- Integration: Offstreet seamlessly integrated with ODU’s existing infrastructure, particularly their LPR system, ensuring a smooth transition and operational continuity.
- Staff training: Comprehensive training was provided to ensure that all staff members were comfortable using the new system, particularly those responsible for assisting patients with registration.
- Optional pilot phase: A one-month pilot phase allows campuses to test the system and make any necessary adjustments before full implementation.
- Full rollout: Within three months, Offstreet was fully integrated and operational, transforming the parking experience at the dental hygiene clinic.
A better experience for everyone
- The clinic achieved a 99% user success rate, meaning nearly all users were able to successfully register for parking with minimal assistance.
- The solution significantly reduced the administrative burden on the parking team, freeing up resources for other tasks.
- The guest experience was greatly enhanced, leading to higher satisfaction rates among both patients and students.
- The streamlined parking process improved overall satisfaction among clinic staff, as they could focus more on their core responsibilities rather than managing parking issues.
- Parking management was simplified, resulting in fewer errors and less confusion.
Testimonial
“Offstreet has provided us with a solution that meets our needs for validated parking on campus that we could not get anywhere else. The software is robust and easy to use and integrates well with our existing products. We have received positive feedback from our customers on how easy it is to park with Offstreet. In addition, the Offstreet team is responsive to our needs and has provided the necessary support to make the product rollout a success.”
— Katie Campbell, Previous Interim Director of Parking and Transportation Services, ODU
Transform your campus parking with Offstreet
For university departments with complex parking needs, Offstreet offers a tailored, efficient solution that enhances the experience for everyone involved. Whether it’s simplifying parking for a dental hygiene clinic or any other department, Offstreet’s platform is designed to meet the unique challenges of campus parking.
Ready to simplify parking at your university? Discover how Offstreet can make a difference.
