How can SIs strengthen their presence in the smart traffic industry?

There is no doubt that the traffic management and smart traffic industries would continue to grow at rapid pace in the coming years. Solution providers are keen to offer unique solutions and much research is being done in coming up with innovative products. For  systems integrators (SIs), this does mean having to keep up to date with the latest developments in the market. While this can be a challenge, it will definitely help them expand their businesses to a lucrative market.

What SIs should know about the factors driving demand

With 66 percent of the world’s population projected to live in cities by 2050, the demand for and development of smart traffic management solutions is expected to increase dramatically. According to Akif Ekin, President of the safe cities solution provider Ekin, this demand stems from a number of factors including the need for security.

“As police resources dwindle as a result of fewer recruits and rising populations, ensuring public safety with new technology is a necessity,” Ekin said. “By integrating information and communication technology and artificial intelligence into traffic management solutions, law enforcement can more efficiently manage this population explosion and ensure the continued safety of its residents. I believe smart traffic solutions will be a must for cities and law enforcement in the near future.”

Steve Birkmeier, VP of Sales and Business Development at Arteco, pointed out that smart traffic management solutions are becoming increasingly valuable as users demand critical data about vehicular traffic within a designated area. This data then allows users to manage a variety of traffic situations, such as the flow going in and out of a town, establishing appropriate traffic management policies or obtaining vehicle counts.

“Users also desire enhanced security for vehicles and parking establishments, and intelligent traffic management solutions are designed to help users recognize specific events, such as a stolen or unauthorized vehicle, and engage in standard operating procedures to alert the proper personnel,” he said. “As these modern traffic management solutions are beneficial when combined with other security equipment, challenges may lie in the incompatibility between existing and new systems, but this can be overcome with a truly flexible, scalable and interoperable management platform.”

What SIs need to remain competitive

Systems integrators (SIs) play a crucial role in the development of smart traffic industry. But being a competitive market, it is important that SIs understand what is required of them to stay on top.

“The key to efficient smart traffic solutions is openness. With the likelihood of products from different vendors being used, technologies must be able to integrate easily and possess a wide functional competence,” Birkmeier said, adding that Arteco works with SIs by providing a quick and easy installation of traffic solution, which also allows for subsequent modifications after the startup implementation without structural interventions or major changes. For end users to get the most out of their investments, adaptability and the option to work with existing security equipment are crucial.

Ekin added SIs and installers in the traffic management industry must continue to adapt to the changing needs of cities and focus on emerging needs of smart city applications.

“For example, the rise of autonomous vehicles will introduce a new wave traffic management opportunities and challenges and SIs and installers must adjust to these changes,” he said. “As the need for complete surveillance will be of more importance day by day and with technology changing so fast there will be always areas of improvement. As for our relations with the SIs, we have a win-win approach in our relations with them. That way, it is beneficial for both parties in terms of networking and growth.”