How Anoka County Gained Smarter Traffic Visibility with Parallel Technologies

Traffic waiting at a stop light with trees in the background

Industry

Government

Challenge

Anoka County’s traffic operations team needed a more capable and responsive camera system. Their existing technology lacked the visibility, flexibility, and functionality required to effectively monitor intersections, troubleshoot issues, and support public safety collaboration. Without the ability to easily record footage or optimize camera performance, day-to-day operations were limited and coordination with other departments was more difficult.

Results

With support from Parallel Technologies, Anoka County improved camera visibility, standardized hardware for future deployments, and reduced the need for outside help. The team now manages and troubleshoots their system more confidently and has established stronger collaboration with public safety partners through shared access to live video feeds. Looking ahead, the county plans to continue expanding its camera network, with a goal of eventually covering more than 200 signalized intersections.

Key Product

Client Success Manager, Video Surveillance

www.anokacountymn.gov

200+

intersections targeted

Faster camera configuration across intersections

Multiple departments now connected via shared video feeds

It’s a night and day difference. We went from barely managing basic camera functions to feeling confident and in control of our entire setup. I’ve already recommended Parallel to other counties.

Ryan Koehler

Anoka County Highway Department

The Client

Anoka County’s Highway Department manages over 200 signalized intersections across Minnesota’s fourth-most-populated county. Their mission: ensure traffic flows safely and efficiently for residents. With a focus on innovation and long-term value, they’ve embraced scalable technologies to modernize their operations.

Smarter Traffic Visibility with a Scalable Plan in Anoka County

When Anoka County’s Highway Department began evaluating its traffic camera infrastructure, one thing was clear: their existing setup wasn’t meeting operational needs. They could view intersections, but recording footage, troubleshooting signals, and optimizing performance were difficult without more control or support.

“We wanted to do more than just watch,” said Ryan Koehler of the Highway Department. “We needed to record, troubleshoot, and actually use the footage in real time.”

The county wasn’t starting from scratch, they were already using Genetec. But the tools weren’t being fully utilized, and the hardware in place wasn’t delivering the clarity or reliability they needed. With growing interest in sharing video with the Sheriff’s Office and 911 Center, it was time to strengthen the foundation.

Support That Stuck

Anoka County partnered with Parallel Technologies to strengthen their traffic camera infrastructure. What began as a focused effort to improve visibility quickly grew into a trusted relationship. Parallel introduced Axis PTZ cameras that offered clearer imaging, reliable performance, and consistent configuration across intersections.

Just as important as the technology was the support behind it. Parallel’s Client Success Manager, Paul, worked directly with Ryan and his team to explain features, walk through settings, and help replicate configurations across multiple intersections.

“Paul made everything easier,” Ryan said. “He walked me through settings I didn’t even know existed. Now I can optimize a camera and apply those same settings to others. That wasn’t possible before.”

With Paul’s guidance, the overwhelming aspects of Genetec became more approachable. The team gained confidence not only in the system, but in their ability to manage and grow it over time.

"Our Client Success Manager has been amazing. He walked me through everything and made the system feel way less overwhelming. He’s always available when we need help."

Laying the Groundwork to Grow

Today, Anoka County is actively deploying Axis cameras as part of its standard for new and replacement intersections. While not every site is outfitted yet, the team is moving toward a consistent approach that simplifies maintenance and streamlines daily use.

The change is already having ripple effects. Staff can now troubleshoot issues more independently, and public safety partners like the 911 Center and Sheriff’s Office are starting to gain live access to video feeds. These steps strengthen interdepartmental collaboration and increase the value of the technology across the county.

Ryan described the difference as “night and day” from where they started. “We went from barely managing basic camera functions to feeling confident and in control.”

Looking ahead, the county plans to continue expanding its camera network, with a goal of eventually covering all 200+ signalized intersections. With a trusted partner and a scalable plan, they feel ready.

“This setup gives us a strong foundation for the future,” Ryan said. “We’re confident in the tools we’re using and the people we’re working with.”