Crucial Features of Parking Access & Revenue Control Systems

All parking areas should have some type of access control or parking management procedure to ensure safety and security.

A Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS) is an automated parking management solution made up of numerous components to optimize parking processes. These systems control access, manage payments and prevent common security breaches, such as tailgating, vehicle damage or theft, vandalism, and violence. We will discuss some critical features of these systems in this blog. 

Entry and Exit Stations

The parking lot entry and exit stations are at the frontline of your parking operations. They can either be operated by a person in a kiosk or, thanks to advanced technology, can now be fully automated. Entry and Exit Stations are complemented with integrated license plate recognition (LPR) cameras driven by computer vision software that ensures the 100% validity of entries and exits. As the future progresses, entry and exit stations will be replaced by fully automated LPR systems which will be the new entry and exit systems.

In addition to the security barriers or gates, these stations include automated access control measures like virtual intercoms and intelligent controllers, ticket dispensers, cashier computers, and payment meters. 

Virtual Intercom

Virtual Intercom systems control access to a parking lot without the need for cameras, special apps, or major hardware. They allow users of the parking garage to gain access by dialing the gate from the comfort of their vehicle. They will be granted access if their phone number is registered and activated at the time of the call. 

If someone needs access to the facility, but they have not been authorized or added to the system, some virtual intercom systems (like CallWhenHere) have integrations that redirect the calls of unauthorized vehicles to the front desk, security office, or virtual concierge. 

These systems allow concierge staff and property managers to manage visitor parking remotely through online portal access and solve the problem of lost or shared tickets, fobs, or access keys. 

Intelligent Controllers 

By integrating intelligent controllers into your existing parking barriers, you can automate the parking process. 

These modern systems are more than just hardware (gates, booms, or barriers); they typically include a range of equipment and add-ons for access and revenue control. Comprehensive controllers such as the BriskPark Smart Gate are also compatible with integrations like GateKit, which use Bluetooth technology to automate access control, monitor traffic, and pair with payment systems to ensure secure transaction processes. 

LPR Cameras

Security should be a priority for anyone that owns a parking facility. With the use of cameras and advanced surveillance systems, you can ensure the safety of all the people who use the parking lot and the security of their cars. 

License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras optically read license plates at each entry and exit point of a parking facility. Ideally, they should be able to read the license plates of both stationary and moving vehicles. Specific integrations allow for License Plate Inventory (LPI) data to be uploaded to the Cloud in real-time. This allows you to easily count and track vehicles in your parking facility, respond to variables quickly, and optimize your parking operations. 

Using the computer vision AI, additional characteristics are recognized and increase the level of reads and security so that all vehicles become trackable. Having the full “DNA” of the vehicle provides the ultimate security of vehicles and revenue control.

These systems need to be quick and precise, so systems like the EyePark2 Camera, which include prompt triggering, video-based motion detection features, and enhanced imaging capabilities, are ideal. 

Payment Kiosk and Meter

The payment stations are PCI compliant and can be either Pay in Lane (PIL) systems or Pay on Foot (POF) systems. The kiosks and meters accept the tickets from customers, calculate the fees owed, accept and process payments, and issue receipts upon request. 

Efficient payment systems also accept tap and card payments and provide accurate reports for accounting and auditing purposes. You can add to the efficiency with intuitive Cashier Fee Computers, which, in addition to the features of the payment system, allow you to set multiple rate structures and can be easily integrated with LPR systems to display license plates and fares owed. 

The addition of AI voice recognition allows future systems to be fully voice interactive with all entry, pay on foot, and exit devices.

Merchant Validator

Merchant validators allow you to offer parking validation (discounts or waived fees) to specific people. 

Validator systems can be set up to be public-facing (where customers can scan their tickets for validation) or management-facing (where a concierge or parking attendant would scan for validation. 

Finding the right validation system can be difficult, but with a bit of research, you can find a system that makes the process seamless. For example, some systems, like the MPT10 Merchant validator, have been designed to include cloud portal integration, usage tracking and analytics, aggressive scanning of all barcodes, and programmable features to validate custom parking fees. 

Virtual validation systems are now being introduced with simple merchant dashboards that allow entry of plates and validation without the need for paper, machines or other coupons.

If you are looking for a Parking Access and Revenue Control system for your gated or non-gated facility, LocoMobi World Inc.’s technologies deliver a unique and efficient parking experience for virtually any type of environment. Contact us today to find out more.