Effective parking management today goes far beyond issuing tickets and controlling barriers. Modern technologies address challenges such as the increasing number of vehicles, reducing operational costs, and improving user convenience. This article highlights the latest technological solutions and examples of companies offering innovative parking systems.
1. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) Systems
What is ANPR?
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems automatically identify license plates of vehicles entering and exiting parking lots. This technology eliminates the need for tickets or access cards, significantly speeding up the process for drivers.
Benefits of ANPR:
- Shortened entry and exit times.
- Elimination of paper tickets.
- Enhanced security through vehicle registration.
- Reduced operational costs via automation.
ANPR in practice:
- London, UK: ANPR systems in paid parking zones eliminate manual fee collection.
- ParkCash, Poland: A Polish system integrating ANPR for automating parking management in office and residential buildings.
Notable ANPR system providers:
- Axis Communications (Sweden): A global leader in cameras with license plate recognition.
- Nedap: Provides ANPR solutions for public parking, shopping centers, and office buildings.
- Arvoo (Netherlands): Develops ANPR systems for parking, access control, and smart cities, improving traffic management.
2. Mobile applications for parking management
Why are mobile apps essential?
Mobile apps allow users to reserve parking spaces, pay for parking, and monitor real-time availability. For parking operators, these apps build customer loyalty and generate additional revenue.
Key features of mobile apps:
- Parking space reservations.
- Mobile payments (BLIK, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
- Notifications for expiring parking times.
- Real-time availability updates.
Popular parking management apps:
- ParkCash (Poland): Offers space reservations, ANPR integration, and mobile payments.
- ParkMobile (USA/Europe): A global app for mobile payments and parking reminders.
- JustPark (UK): Allows users to rent private parking spaces.
- SkyCash (Poland): A multifunctional app for parking, public transport tickets, and other urban services.
- EasyPark (Europe): A leading app for mobile payments, remote parking time extensions, and nearby space search.
3. Smart sensors and parking monitoring
How do smart sensors work?
Entry and exit monitoring through license plate recognition (LPR) cameras enables automated access control and provides key information to drivers. Real-time availability data can be displayed on information boards at parking entrances or shared online, such as on a Google listing.
Benefits of smart sensors:
- Improved utilization of available parking spaces.
- Reduced time spent searching for a spot.
- Informed drivers about available spaces.
- Traffic and occupancy analysis for parking managers.
Notable smart sensor providers:
- Axis Communications (Sweden): Offers intelligent cameras with parking occupancy detection.
- Nedap (Netherlands): Produces smart sensors and access control systems.
- Bosch Parking Solutions: Delivers comprehensive solutions for monitoring parking traffic.
4. Automation and digitalization of parking
What can be automated?
Modern parking systems automate processes such as access control, payment processing, report generation, and invoicing.
Benefits of Automation:
- Reduced operational costs.
- Elimination of human errors.
- Remote parking management.
- Better control over vehicle flow.
Notable automation system providers:
- Scheidt & Bachmann (Germany): Advanced access control systems and payment kiosks.
- DESIGNA (Germany): Offers complete parking automation solutions, including barriers and digital payment systems.
ParkCash: Digitizes all types of parking, offering digital tickets and reservation capabilities.
5. EV charging stations
EV charging stations:
An increasing number of parking facilities invest in electric vehicle infrastructure, attracting new customers and generating additional revenue.
Notable EV charger providers and operators:
- ABB (Switzerland): A global leader in EV charging stations.
- EVBox (Netherlands): Manufacturer of charging stations with energy management platforms.
- GreenWay Polska: A major operator in Poland offering public and business EV solutions.
- Tesla Supercharger: A global network of ultra-fast chargers for Tesla vehicles.
Conclusion
The introduction of modern technologies in parking facilities is key to improving efficiency and profitability. Solutions such as ANPR systems, mobile apps, smart sensors, automation, and digital payments help parking operators increase revenue, reduce operational costs, and enhance user experiences. Investing in innovative solutions offers a competitive edge and improved profitability for parking facilities, paving the way for a smarter and more efficient future in parking management.
