Parking Access Control Systems for Shopping Centers

Good parking access control systems for shopping centers are not only about security; they can make or break the customer experience. Malls and other commercial centers attract people who drive in with their cars, increasing the need for an efficient parking lot management system.

Common Challenges for Shopping Center Parking

Manual ticketing systems are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Despite this method being outdated, it is still used in many shopping centers worldwide. Paper-based manual ticketing systems complicate information management. When incidents occur, center management needs to have all the information instantly available; with manual ticketing, this is very difficult.

Much of the open parking in malls provides little to no security for shoppers. Lighting is inadequate, and there is not much shelter from the elements to protect people or vehicles. This is no longer acceptable to the discerning customer.

People sometimes try to claim that their vehicle sustained damage in the shopping mall’s parking lot in an attempt to make an insurance claim. Many times, the damage was already there before entering the parking lot. This creates a need for top-quality surveillance systems which will be able to provide visuals to prove that the vehicle was already damaged when it entered the shopping center parking lot.

However, making the transition to a new system is challenging. Integrating the solutions into third-party systems is even more so. It requires the assistance of a market leader in this field.

Truck, Deliveries, and Loading Dock Access

There is hazardous activity that occurs in these areas, including delivery vehicles, stock movements, maintenance contractors, waste dumping, and waste removal. Security is paramount because there is a lot of value moving through, but the biggest problem is when unauthorized customers and staff use these areas. Accidents can occur, and liability can be questioned. Shopping Centre Owners and Managers should regularly undertake a comprehensive risk assessment of the loading docks and implement and monitor effective controls.

Access for Busses and Taxis

Busses and taxis must be considered when planning a secure parking solution for a mall. There must be sufficient space for buses to maneuver, and they should be able to drop off shoppers and staff within a short and sheltered walk to the mall entrance. Taxis should be able to drop off and pick up fares without having to be inconvenienced with parking payment while still falling under the shopping center’s entry management guidelines.

Staff Access

Staff should feel safe when arriving at work or leaving – especially those who work odd hours. Staff should feel safe at all times at the shopping center. They often carry high value items and feel threatened; it is the job of center management to ensure their safety as far as possible. Ensure staff parking is well-lit and access control solutions are up to standard.

Charged Access for Individual Vehicles

For efficient parking, shopping centers need access control systems using advanced technologies. Individual vehicles must be charged in an efficient and convenient manner. Parking facilities must be readily available to ensure the customer or visitor’s pleasant shopping experience. Part of that pleasant experience is knowing that your car is safe and that you will be safe getting to it.

A great day at the mall begins and ends with hassle-free parking. It has to be simple for your customers, and at the same time, it must offer the utmost security for both parties. Employees must also be considered, and so should VIPs. There are so many options available when you design or upgrade a shopping mall’s parking access control system.

Are you ready to transform your mall parking lots into smart facilities? Join the many retail management centers that are adopting advanced technologies to improve the shopping experience. Get in touch with LocoMobi World Inc. for more information about parking access control systems for shopping centers.