Integrating and/or upgrading to a smart /digital parking management and parking enforcement software system,
Parking Into the 21st Century: Making the Switch to Smart Parking Management Software
The industry of smart parking is ever evolving to meet the growing demands of urbanization as these areas continue to struggle with congestion and inadequate parking space availability. The beginnings of smart parking has its origins in the development of sensor technology, there have been other innovations that make smart parking the vision of the future. These innovations range from cameras, wireless communications, smart parking meters, mobile apps to control and monitor parking, and other advanced algorithms.
Smart Parking Defined
Smart parking is a phrase that is used to describe methods of parking that use technologies and other advancements to create an easier parking experience for the facility and the user. These systems help a driver find an open parking space using sensors, camera, and other technologies that monitor parking spaces that can update a mobile app of availability. Early forms of smart parking would monitor a parking garage or lot and then close once at 90 percent capacity. Now these systems can monitor and enforce a 100 percent of the parking facility. There are different levels of automation available to a facility wanting to switch to smart parking technologies. Simple forms of smart parking include automated parking timers, cameras or sensors installed into spaces, and payment and tracking through a mobile phone app.
How Does a Smart Parking System Work?
The typical smart parking system uses sensor technology to determine the availability of spaces, time spent in the parking facility, and when a car or vehicle leaves. These technologies are cameras, vehicle counting equipment, sensors that are installed directly into the cement or pavement, and more. These sensors enable a driver to spend less time searching for a space which creates a more positive experience for the consumer. These technologies can be used in many applications from parking lots, hotels, shopping malls and centers, offices, concert venues, airports, and more. Some systems can allow a user to reserve a parking spot in advance before arrival to guarantee a space upon arrival, as well as receive real-time parking space availability on a mobile application.
Making the Switch
With a rise in urbanization and with it an increased demand for parking, making the switch to a form of smart parking software is a solution that allows all parties involved an easier and more positive experience. For a facility looking to make the switch, there are several options available to install into a system to allow for parking to become more advanced. Depending on the level of automation, the user may pick and choose a few or install all of the components of a smart parking system. It all depends on the facility’s goals, budget, space, and overall revenue as to how the system is customized. Below is a chart of different components, their definition, and advantages.
| Component | Definition | Advantages |
| License Plate Readers | A reader that records and monitors a system based off of vehicle license plates that can be cross referenced with other smart parking software | These allow for the ability to look up a vehicle based on their plate numbers. |
| Cameras ( Lot and Garage) | Cameras are the most common integration for real time monitoring of the spaces | Record and monitor for added security to a parking facility for both peace of mind and enforcement |
| Mobile App | A phone app specific to the Parking Badge System that assists in booking, tracking, payments, and more | Digital tracking and report generation getting rid of the stacks of files and papers that can easily become lost. |
| Parking Meters | Meters that record the amount of time spent in a parking space or facility. | Track and charge a user for the space through real time and then piggy backing off of the mobile app allows for accurate charges and quick payment options |
| Cloud Services | A virtual base for all recorded information | Keep important and private information and data safe from fraudsters |
| Parking Management Software | The day-to day applications such as communications, billing, refunds, report generation, and more | Easily generate reports, personalized bills, and keep record straight |
| Enforcement | System in place to issue warnings, violations, block access to the facility, and towing services | Allows for immediate enforcement of the facility rules and procedures |
| Sensors | The most common application for smart parking- sense when a car enters, parks, leaves, and more | Allows for real-time tracking of space availability, the number of cars coming in and out of the facility, and more |
There are different levels and approaches to developing a smart parking facility that meets the needs of each specific place. At Parking Badge, expert staff understand that there are no cookie cutter parking lots and garages. Reach out to one of the members of Parking Badge to design a parking solution that is right for the facility!
Want to find out more about ParkingBadge’s free parking management software system? Schedule a Quick Demo Now! https://parkingbadge.com/request-demo/
