Car parks are not something you probably think much about, or have much cause to wax lyrical on. Cursing is more likely. Which is why I would like to offer up the car park at the Bentall Centre in Kingston of proof that you can innovate, and improve customer service, anywhere.
So there we are, queueing to get into what is an almost full car park, not looking forward to playing that annoying game of hunt the 3 remaining spaces across 10 floors. Which is what most people were thinking I bet, and why what happens next seems such an obvious, and great, thing to do.
As you go thru the entrance barrier, there's a big, constantly changing digital read-out, telling you how many free spaces there are on each floor, so you know roughly where to head. Then on the up-ramp to each new floor there's another read-out telling you how many free spaces there are on the next floor, and on all floors above. How does this work? There's a sensor above each space, which can tell if there's a car there or not. And to help you find that one elusive space, the sensor turns on a green light alongside each free bay. So all you need is a quick glance to see where you're headed. It works really well. And takes away a lot of frustration.
So maybe a bit sad to talk about car parks, but I did just think it was a brilliant example of recognising customer issues, and with a little thought and investment, addressing them. And if car parks can do it, anyone can!
