Parking Management 101: Everything You Need to Know to Manage Your Parking Lot

By
Scott Fitsimones
July 15, 2020
5 min read
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Parking management plays a crucial role in the success of any real estate property. From maximizing net operating income to providing a seamless tenant experience, an effective parking management system can significantly enhance the value and efficiency of your property. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the concept of parking management, best practices, available software and hardware solutions, and highlight AirGarage as a leading provider in the industry.

Goals of a Good Parking Management System

To effectively manage your parking lot, it's essential to understand the significance of parking management and the challenges property owners often face. Whether it's limited parking availability, broken gate arms, traffic congestion, or ensuring a positive user experience, a robust parking management system addresses these challenges and provides solutions for efficient operations. A well-implemented parking management system can help you achieve the following goals:

Maximizing Net Operating Income and Real Estate Value

By efficiently managing your parking spaces, you can increase revenue and enhance the overall value of your property. A comprehensive parking management system considers factors like tenant experience, especially for mixed-use lots or hotels, and ensures smooth traffic flow to prevent any bottlenecks.

Pricing Optimization

Setting pricing intelligently is key to maximizing yield. Many old school parking systems use fixed prices, written on a sign or hardcoded into a parking machine or meter. Modern parking systems like AirGarage use dynamic pricing to charge drivers the best rate depending on the time of day and predicted demand. A good pricing strategy also optimizes space utilization to make sure there is always some spaces available for new drivers and ensure turnover.  Finding the right pricing strategy takes some experimentation, which is why AirGarage constantly experiments with rates to maximize your revenue.

QR Payments and Validation

Implementing QR code payment systems and validation processes simplifies the parking experience for users and tenants. Especially when replacing old cash and coin based systems, QR code-based payments simplify reporting, auditing, and taxes.

License Plate Reading Cameras

License plate reading cameras can increase security and replace hardware like gate arms, improving traffic flow and eliminating the need for physical tickets or access cards. Removing legacy hardware like gate arms and pay machines can also reduce maintenance costs and improve overall efficiency.

Choosing a Parking Management Company

Parking management companies have a wide range of approaches to parking solutions, each having their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Traditional companies like LAZ Parking focus on providing customer service, through continuous staff training and user-friendly payment systems. However, they can often neglect the utilization of more recent technological advancements, which may lead to less efficient operation. Their approach to maintaining clean and safe facilities can also be seen as basic, lacking innovation and modernization.

Contrastingly, tech-oriented companies like Metropolis rely heavily on advanced technology, using AI-powered platforms to streamline operations and user convenience. However, their heavy reliance on technology can lead to the neglect of human interaction, which is crucial in service delivery. They offer features such as automatic license plate recognition and mobile apps for easy parking reservation and payment, but these technological features can often seem impersonal and can complicate the user experience for those less tech-savvy.

The range of offerings in the market ensures that there is likely a fit for every type of parking facility and client preference. However, the choice between traditional or tech-centric approaches, or a mix of both, should be a careful consideration based on the specific needs and objectives of the parking lot owner or operator.

Benefits of AirGarage

AirGarage offers a comprehensive parking management solution that caters to the needs of real estate owners, combining operational excellence and technology. Here are some key benefits of using AirGarage:

  • Increased Net Operating Income: With AirGarage's dynamic pricing capabilities, you can optimize revenue and maximize your net operating income.
  • Dynamic Pricing for Optimal Revenue: AirGarage's intelligent pricing algorithms ensure that you make the most of your parking spaces by adjusting rates based on demand.
  • License Plate Recognition for Seamless Entry and Exit: AirGarage's license plate recognition technology enables seamless entry and exit for users, eliminating the need for physical tickets or access cards.
  • Replace Gate Arms with Cameras: AirGarage's camera-based system automates the process of paying for parking with drivers, automatically charging drivers and mailing tickets to drivers who don't pay.
  • Full-Service Parking Operations: AirGarage offers comprehensive parking management services, including enforcement, maintenance, and customer support.
  • Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Gain valuable insights into parking trends, occupancy rates, and revenue through AirGarage's advanced reporting and analytics features.
Conclusion

Implementing an effective parking management system is vital for real estate owners looking to maximize revenue, optimize space utilization, and provide a seamless parking experience for their tenants. With AirGarage's comprehensive suite of features and services, you can streamline your parking operations, increase net operating income, and gain valuable insights into your parking business. Embrace the power of technology and enhance your parking management strategies with AirGarage today.

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Scott Fitsimones
Scott is a co-founder and the Chief Technology Officer of AirGarage. AirGarage is a real estate management company working with over 200+ properties in 40+ U.S. States and Canada.

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