A parking management system is used to help companies and parking operators manage their parking spaces with ease and efficiency. Managing parking spaces is trickier than it sounds due to the ever-changing patterns of traffic and parking space availability.
With the acquisition of parking data from long-term use of a parking management system, the parking experience of the operator and consumer can improve with faster transactions, useful insights on parking behavior, and streamlined parking operations.
A parking management system digitizes and simplifies all aspects of parking management. Key components of the system include payments, parking enforcement, access controls, and real-time analytics.
- Payments: The payment component of a parking management system allows users to pay parking fees through various methods such as cash, credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and even subscription models for frequent users. This component may include automated ticketing machines, mobile apps, and online payment platforms.
- Parking Enforcement: Parking enforcement is critical to maintaining order and maximizing the efficient use of parking spaces. This component includes the use of technology to monitor parking spaces, identify violations (such as overstays or unauthorized parking), and manage penalties. Enforcement mechanisms can range from manual ticketing by personnel to automated systems using cameras and sensors that detect and report violations in real time.
- Access Controls: Access controls are vital for regulating who can enter and exit parking areas, particularly in restricted or secure environments. This component includes physical barriers like gates and boom barriers and digital access control systems that use RFID, license plate recognition (LPR), or mobile access credentials.
- Real-Time Analytics: The real-time analytics component of a parking management system collects and analyzes data on parking usage, occupancy rates, payment transactions, and enforcement activities.
The system integrates these components through a centralized management platform, allowing operators to monitor and control every aspect of their parking facilities in real time. Users interact with the system through payment kiosks, mobile apps, or access control mechanisms, receiving immediate feedback on parking availability, pricing, and any restrictions.
It’s Important to Choose Wisely
Finding a parking management solution that works best for your company’s unique needs and circumstances is a necessity. The automation and speed of many parking management systems save money on labor and other operations, and the safety and security of vehicles under your watch can only boost customer and operator satisfaction.
Different Types of Parking Management Systems
There are several different types of systems to choose from. Here’s an overview of the most common types and their benefits and drawbacks.
Intelligent Parking Management Software
One of the many different types of parking management systems is Intelligent Parking Management Software, which uses a network of cameras and sensors to efficiently and effectively guide motorists to find parking. These systems are highly effective during peak hours, but can be expensive and may be underutilized during off hours.
RFID Parking Systems
RFID Parking Systems, with RFID standing for “Radio Frequency Identification,” use tags placed on vehicles, and readers, which allow authorized parkers to enter the parking facility and park. RFID Parking Systems include automation and are relatively inexpensive, but require all authorized vehicles to be fitted with a tag.
Robotic Parking Systems
Robotic Parking Systems use integrated robotics and automation to park cars quickly and efficiently, without the need for humans, but are very expensive to construct and maintain. In many cases, they can also require a large building footprint, making them unsuitable for certain locations.
AutoPay Parking System
An AutoPay Parking System is a cheap solution that uses cameras and software to bill parkers automatically after they use the parking facility. To use these systems, however, prior registration on the consumer’s end is required.
Integrated Systems
Finally, Integrated Parking Management Systems combine sensors and software to seamlessly bill and maintain records for parked vehicles and can easily make use of existing infrastructure. Smart cities across the country recognize that integrating advanced technological solutions into their parking infrastructure is key to improving the customer experience.
Important Items to Consider When Selecting a System
Creating a great parking experience doesn’t happen by accident. Selecting a parking management system that will benefit your customers, team members, and organization is essential. Here are a few key considerations to take when selecting the right system for your business.
Key Consideration #1- Customizability
Every business is unique, with different parking needs corresponding with different parking assets. Some businesses have small lots and are looking to optimize their parking profitability on a smaller scale, and some businesses require larger-scale parking infrastructure, potentially spanning multiple lots and locations. The ability to customize parking management systems is paramount to successful optimization and improvement.
Key Consideration #2- Options for Integrations
For businesses with multiple parking assets, integrating parking systems is essential for optimizing each asset and making the most of what you have. The integration of lots and locations enables businesses to tailor each lot/deck to their specific needs and better monitor their assets to ensure customer satisfaction and the maximization of revenue.
Key Consideration #3- Ease of Use
Parking management systems must be easy to run and operate to provide value to their customers. If a parking management system is needlessly complex or is not optimized for human use, a lot may be worse off than it was before the addition of the system.
Key Consideration #4- Smart Pricing Options
Many parking management systems do not offer dynamic pricing options, which adjust pricing on parking plans based on real-time data and trends. Demand-based pricing can provide customized options for the consumer and, in turn, maximize revenue.
Key Consideration #5- Customer Support
Even with a highly optimized parking management system, customer support is essential to assist when needed. Having customer support to solve technical issues and address customer concerns provides an important backup to a finely tuned management system.
How ParkHub Will Revolutionize Your Parking
ParkHub’s parking management system has been employed at large-scale venues, including BB&T Pavilion, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Texas Rangers stadiums, and AT&T Stadium. In many cases, decreases in wait times, upticks in revenue, and increased customer satisfaction at the stadiums were recorded after the switch. In the Texas Rangers stadium, after ParkHub, there was a 50 percent reduction in invalid scans, and an estimated value of $15,623 was prevented from theft. With ParkHub, analytics are live and easily accessible by operators, and contactless pay and ParkHub Pay allow consumers to easily and swiftly access and use parking spaces.
Benefits For Businesses and Communities
Parking management systems automate typically time-consuming processes. The benefits of a parking management system are numerous.
Parking management systems optimize space usage by dynamically allocating spots, reducing search time and congestion. They enhance security by controlling access and monitoring facilities, deterring unauthorized use, and ensuring user safety.
Automation boosts operational efficiency by streamlining processes like payment and space allocation. These systems also streamline rule enforcement with technology, ensuring fairness and compliance.
Lastly, they contribute to urban sustainability by decreasing traffic congestion and pollution, encouraging efficient use of resources, and potentially integrating with eco-friendly transportation modes, fostering greener, more livable cities.
Benefits For Customers
For customers, a parking management system brings benefits such as improved safety, an improved user experience, and saved time and effort.
Parking management systems enhance patron safety by monitoring facilities and controlling access, reducing accidents and deterring crime. They improve user experience through convenient payment options and real-time information on availability, making parking stress-free.
By guiding users to available spots and offering efficient payment solutions, these systems save time and effort, significantly reducing the hassle of finding and paying for parking.
What ParkHub Brings to the Table
If you are thinking about implementing a parking management system for the first time or considering upgrading or replacing your existing management system, look no further than ParkHub for your parking management solutions. ParkHub has many products that can help meet and exceed your parking management needs.
- ParkHub’s Smarking BI is a parking management solution that allows you to consolidate real-time data and view pertinent analytics all from one easily accessible dashboard.
- ParkHub’s Automated Yield Management (AYM) platform allows you to optimize your parking charges by using historical and predicted demand.
- CurbTrac offers multiple integrations with differing platforms across the parking industry, allowing you to easily connect all aspects of your parking management.
Discover how ParkHub’s leading parking management system can revolutionize your operations, ensuring optimal space utilization, enhanced security, and unmatched efficiency.
Experience the pinnacle of automated parking solutions and stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Book a free demo with ParkHub today and unlock the full potential of your parking assets with the industry’s best.