Simon Property Group extending use of advanced lighting controls
One of the nation’s largest mall operators is updating its parking lot lighting with a tech-savvy solution.
Simon Property Group is expanding its deployment of the NetSense Light Sensory Network, from Sensity Systems Inc., to multiple retail properties across the United States, using the advanced lighting controls platform in its parking lots and garages. The mall operator also plans to implement smart parking, public safety and other operational applications associated with the platform in the future to help it deliver superior shopping experiences at their properties nationwide.
“We are constantly seeking out and deploying relevant, leading-edge technologies that can enhance the Simon shopping experience,” said Tim Earnest, executive VP, Simon Malls. “The Sensity NetSense solution fits into our overarching sustainability strategy while also providing unique ways to deliver additional value to our customers and retailers.”
Simon, which operates 228 retail properties in North America, Europe and Asia, has already deployed the advanced lighting control system from Sensity at its Brea Mall (Brea, California) and Puerto Rico Premium Outlets (Barceloneta, Puerto Rico) locations. The Great Mall (Milpitas, California), The Mills at Jersey Gardens (Elizabeth, New Jersey) and Ontario Mills (Los Angeles, California) are the next locations for the deployment, with additional sites throughout Simon’s portfolio to follow.
The NetSense platform capitalizes on the widespread move toward LED lighting for outdoor uses. Transforming LED light fixtures into sensor-equipped, smart devices capable of capturing and transmitting data in real time, the solution provides retail customers with an opportunity to deliver a broad array of applications and services, such as:
• Real-time parking availability information: A hassle-free parking experience improves the overall shopper experience at a brick-and-mortar store. NetSense helps shoppers by providing real-time parking availability information throughout the parking lots and garages of a retail property.
• Increased public safety and security: With video-based security and real-time video analytics, NetSense offers not only a cost-effective solution to increase the safety of shopping patrons, but also pro-active information with which to respond to incidents. For example, video analytics capabilities include the detection of loitering, entering forbidden areas and other potential public safety events.
• Operational efficiencies (lighting control and traffic monitoring): NetSense enables real-time control, management, and maintenance support for all lighting fixtures (all outdoor, large indoor) across a mall property. Features include activity-based dimming, daylight harvesting, fault detection, and verification of energy savings.
In addition, applications under development include snow-level detection, parking resurfacing monitoring and vehicle traffic analytics.