Sensity Systems, the pioneer of Light Sensory Networks (LSN), today announced that Simon Property Group is expanding its NetSense Light Sensory Network deployments to multiple retail properties across the United States. Ranked among the largest shopping mall owners in the country, Simon plans to go well beyond energy efficiency with Sensity LSNs. They are currently deploying the NetSense platform in their parking lots and garages for advanced lighting control. Smart parking, public safety and other operational applications will be implemented in the future to help the mall operator reach their strategic business goals and deliver superior shopping experiences at their properties nationwide.

“Light Sensory Networks provide mall owners and retailers with an entirely new mechanism for creating compelling experiences for their shoppers, while delivering significant cost savings from increased operational efficiency,” said Hugh Martin, Chairman and CEO of Sensity. “Simon is known as a trailblazer in the testing and implementing of innovative retail solutions to ensure that their shopping centers remain vibrant and relevant in today’s era of growing ecommerce.”

“We are constantly seeking out and deploying relevant, leading-edge technologies that can enhance the Simon shopping experience,” said Tim Earnest, Executive Vice President, 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, an S&P 100 company with total market capitalization of $91 billion, operates 228 retail properties in North America, Europe and Asia. Simon has already deployed a Light Sensory Network 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 a LSN, with additional sites throughout Simon’s portfolio to follow.

The NetSense Light Sensory Network is a new, innovative networking platform that 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, Sensity 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.

These applications will help mall operators deploy and adjust resources in an optimal way based on real-time input.  For more information on light sensory networks for malls and other applications, please visit the Sensity Video Library or watch the LSN for Malls video.