As the name suggests, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (commonly known as ANPR) software is a type of technology that uses optical character recognition to analyze images, extract vehicle license plate information and associate them with precise location data.
In other words, it's a special type of camera that can instantly recognize the numbers and letters on a license plate, giving you a lot of information about who is entering. a particular space. It is also a valuable technology in many different contexts, all of which deserve a closer look. To learn more, check out this article on how ANPR cameras work.
1. Law enforcement agencies
One of the most common uses of ALPR technology is related to its role in the work of law enforcement across the country.
ANPR camera systems allow police officers to track criminals not only on a local level, but also on a regional or even national level. If a particular police department is looking for a fleeing criminal, they can be informed of the criminal's exact location if they pass one of these cameras. Whether they are in the same city or several states away.
The license plate of the car in question can be added to a database and, when spotted, can instantly notify the relevant authorities. These will get high-quality images, location and time data, and more information to work with.
For the same reasons, it can also be an ideal way to help track and apprehend organized crime groups and even terrorist organizations.
2. Parking garages
Another common application of ANPR technology often takes place in parking lots. In this case, these innovative camera systems can prove useful in different ways.
First of all, they are ideal for access control. The authorities know exactly who is entering and leaving the garage (and when) at any time. Paired with the right type of software, they can even help create a much better experience for people using the garage for parking. If you've ever walked into a parking lot and paid through an app on your phone, without taking a ticket or interacting with an employee in any way, ANPR technology is probably the reason.
When you pay, your license plate is scanned into the appropriate system and listed as current. Any car whose license plate does not appear in the system has therefore not paid, which will allow it to be given a ticket or made to leave the area as quickly as possible.
3. Local government buildings
Speaking of access control, another common use for automatic license plate recognition software is in local government buildings and similar secure areas. Especially in big cities, you can't stop in front of a local government building and go inside whenever you want.
You need permission or at least a reason to be there. ANPR systems can help security teams identify vehicles (and therefore individuals) who do not have the necessary security access to be on scene, allowing these professionals to investigate the situation as soon as possible. possible.
The same technology can also be used to automatically alert people when certain people arrive at a local government building. If a particular person is not required to be present at all times, security officials can be alerted as soon as their car enters the parking lot. This can help eliminate surprises with potentially dangerous consequences, while creating a safer environment for everyone.
4. Commercial parking lots
Automatic license plate recognition systems are also often used in commercial parking lots of various types of businesses. If you have ever been to a large electronics store, DIY store or similar establishment, you know that the parking lots are generally huge. They are generally far too large for a single security guard to patrol alone, especially at night when it is pitch dark.
Enter: automatic license plate recognition software. Combined with other security measures, these systems can be a great deterrent to the types of problems these businesses often encounter. If someone steals something and flees in a private car, you can add that vehicle to a blocklist to instantly know if it reappears. The system can even be used to prevent people from gathering after hours and participating in the types of illicit transactions that often take place.
At the end of the day
Overall, automatic license plate recognition software is very versatile: it can benefit many types of businesses in unique ways. This is also why, if you haven't yet considered investing in an ANPR system for your own space, now is the perfect time to start.