Panashi Parking Kiosks – the Essential parking Solution for Middle-east Shopping Malls

Vehicle parking can be a challenging task, especially in crowded cities where vehicle numbers are high and congested spaces are normal. You might have driven your car for a long time in a busy locale to find a parking spot. Yes, it’s quite normal in big cities.

If you are a car parking facility provider, you know the complexities and challenges involved in car parking.

A parking kiosk automates the parking facility operations with utmost efficiency and precision. It streamlines various tasks like entry and exit of vehicles and ticket issuance. And therefore, these kiosk machines are employed in diverse sectors like transportation hubs, shopping malls, hospitals, stadiums, entertainment houses etc.

In this blog, we’ll go through the features and benefits of the same. Read on…

Challenges involved in human-assisted vehicle parking

Human-assisted vehicle parking facilities experiences several challenges on a day-to-day basis. I know most of you have gone through parking the car in an attendant-managed facility. Hence, you can easily relate.

Human-assisted parking facility – The conventional human-assisted parking facility can be a time-consuming process. When the employee has to attend a particular user, the other users have to wait in the facility. Human-assisted parking may involve errors and miscalculations, which invites unpleasant scenarios.
Peak hour inefficiencies – Human-assisted parking facilities find it difficult to manage the peak-hour parking requirements, often leading to long lines of users waiting to retrieve their vehicles.
Environmental implications - Cars idling for a long time in parking facility can adversely affect the environment resulting in increased emission of harmful gases. And yes, those waiting times are harmful to the environment.
Health concerns – The parking attendants have to spend hours in the parking lot as part of their work. The air quality inside the facility can cause health-related issues to the employees. Staying in the environment for several hours, particularly in underground facilities with inadequate ventilation can adversely affect their health and well-being.
Staffing expenses – Of course, parking attendants have to be hired, and should be given proper training. Training and recruitment can be a costly affair, particularly in regions where labour wages are high.
Liability concerns – in the case of human-assisted car parking, if anything is found missing from the parked vehicles, the facility may have to be answerable for the “missing” allegation or compliant. The users might point their fingers on the attendants, particularly if the parking facility is human-assisted. Missing cases, the resulting disputes, legal actions etc. can cause disrepute to the service providers.
Staffing shortages – The parking attendants may not stay for long in their roles for their own reasons. This can cause staffing shortages in the facility. Finding a skilled employee, every now and then could be a daunting task for the facility provider.
Reduced CX – Waiting times, unpleasant interactions with the attendants, human errors, restrictions in payment modes – all these aspects contribute towards reduced customer experience (CX).

Features of parking Kiosks

Panashi Parking kiosks come in various design formats like the Standalone, or countertop type to suit the unique requirements of the client. We offer plenty of customization options too.

Touchscreen interface - the user can make use of the touchscreen interface to input vehicle credentials.
Payment processing - The parking payment machine offer multiple payment modes like cash, card, cardless, and mobile app payment options.
Ticket issuance - Upon entering the vehicle credentials, and making the payment, the kiosk issues the ticket.
Barcode or QR code scanner - the users scan easily scan the ticket at the exit kiosk and make the payment.
Intercom facility - For seamless communication with parking enforcement manager.

LPR technology for improved efficiency the LPR technology or the License Plate Recognition technology is widely used for vehicle parking management owing to its efficiency and convenience.

The technology facilitates automatic recognition of license plates with cameras and dedicated software applications, and hence eliminating manual intervention and improving operational efficiency. The plate number gets stored in the backend system as a virtual ticket.

Benefits of integrating LPR technology

Here are the most important benefits of integrating the LPR technology into the parking management system.

Highly convenient vehicle entry and exit the technology facilitates automated ticketless parking, expediting entry and exit process.
Reduced waiting times the driver need not input the vehicle credentials at the entry. The ticket need not be produced at the exit. This reduces the waiting time. Ticketless entry and exit avoid scenarios like tampered and misplaces tickets, adding to the convenience of the users.
Improved throughput the vehicle entry and exit take place smoothly, and therefore increased throughput.
Increased revenue Increased throughput reflects in increased revenue for the facility provider.
Payment integration you may easily integrate the technology with various parking payment solutions.
Improved user experience The user experiences a highly streamlined parking experience with reduced entry and exit times. This results in improved customer satisfaction.

Parking kiosk operations at shopping malls

The parking kiosk facility at a typical shopping mall involves the installation of self-service parking machines, one at the entrance and the other at the exit of the mall. The exit kiosk, is linked to a barrier to permit/restrict the passage of the vehicle based on parking payment.

Here are the instructions to use a shopping mall parking kiosk. I’ve presented two scenarios, one that insists the use of a ticket for vehicle entry and exit, and the other completely ticketless.

Case 1 – Barcoded Ticket parking

The driver enters the parking facility. A barcoded ticket is issued through the parking kiosk deployed at the entry gate of the facility.
The barcode stores the entry time of the vehicle and a unique identifier for that particular parking session.
The vehicle gets entry access to the parking facility and the user can conveniently park the vehicle at any available space.
For vehicle retrieval, the user takes the vehicle to the exit gate and scans the barcoded ticket at the Exit kiosk terminal.
The system calculates the total parking time and based on the data, displays the parking fees on the kiosk screen.
The user makes the payment via the kiosk machine either in cash/card/ cardless formats. The user can also make use of mobile app payment options, whichever convenient.
The users can also make payments via the kiosk terminals installed at the mall premises, to avoid payment at the exit gate.
After payment confirmation, the ticket is validated for exit.
The kiosk machine instantly displays the exit message. Simultaneously, the barrier gets lifted and the user may leave the parking facility.

Case 2 – Ticketless parking

LPR technology facilitates automatic, ticketless parking which significantly improves user convenience.

The user drives the car toward the parking entrance gate. A high-resolution camera captures the license plate information. The license plate number, and time of entry are stored in the backend system.
The plate number serves as a virtual ticket. No physical tickets are involved here.
Once the vehicle identification is done, the barrier lifts up instantly. The process gets completed within few seconds. And that’s all it takes – giving a smooth and instant access to the users.
Upon exit, the user drives the car to the exit gate. The license plate information is again captured by the camera installed at the exit gate.
The system finds the entry time details from the database and calculates the parking time, and displays it on the parking kiosk screen.
The user selects one of the payment modes and makes the payment with ease. The user can make payment via cash, card, cardless or via mobile app like Google Pay, Apply Pay, Samsung Pay etc.
To avoid exit gate payment scenario, the users can make the payment at any of the kiosk terminals installed in the premises of the mall. This helps to further expedite the exit process.
Once the payment is confirmed, the barrier lifts up for the exit.

A highly convenient and hassle-free experience! Isn’t it?

Ticketless entry significantly reduces the interaction time at the entry and exit gates, eliminating congestion. Users always prefer a congestion-free parking space as they help them save their precious time!

Parking Kiosks Benefits

Parking kiosks offer several benefits to the facility providers. And the relevant benefits are listed below.

Multiple payment modes The kiosk machine offers multiple payment modes like coin, cash, card, cardless or even mobile app payments.
Multi-language facility the kiosk is equipped with multi-language facility, so that the users can select from a wide range of languages and pick their preferred one.
24/7 parking The facility providers may run the parking facility 24/7, with utmost efficiency and precision.
Reduced staffing needs Human intervention is not needed to manage the operations of the parking payment machine. Hence, the facility providers can eliminate staffing needs.
Reduced human errors the parking kiosks automate the operations, eliminate human errors, and other fraudulent activities.
Real-time data management The self-service parking payment machine works in sync with parking management systems (PMS). This facilitates the transfer of real-time data regarding various kiosk interactions like entry and exit information, payment data etc.
Remote monitoring facility the performance of the kiosk machine or the kiosk network can be remotely monitored by an admin from a central location. The admin can troubleshoot bugs, deploy necessary updates without visiting the actual site of installation.
Weather-resistant, sturdy kiosks Panashi Outdoor kiosk enclosures for parking are made out of sturdy, durable and weather-resistant IP65 stainless steel that can withstand harsh weather like extreme sunlight, rainfall, heat and humidity.
Improved user experience easy input of vehicle credentials, smooth payment systems, fast and efficient issuance of tickets – all these aspects improve the overall user experience. Customers feel the safety and convenience of parking vehicles via automated parking kiosks.
Loyalty programs for frequent users You may easily integrate loyalty programs into the kiosk machine for the frequent users of the facility. Car users appreciate parking fees concessions via dedicated loyalty programs. Loyalty programs can even attract new users to your parking facility.
Additional revenue generation opportunities if you have the resources to set up a car wash facility adjacent to the parking facility, you’ve an excellent opportunity to gather additional revenue. A self-service kiosk-assisted car wash can significantly streamline the car wash operations, improving the operational efficiency and customer experience.

For additional reading on self-service car wash kiosks, please visit our blog here .

Ongoing Trends in the Car parking domain

LPR technology and kiosk integration into parking facilities – I’ve already mentioned parking kiosks, LPR technology and their benefits in the blog. Large parking lots and garages are integrating the parking kiosk and LPR combo into their systems owing to their convenience and efficiency.

Apart from Access Control, LPR technology offers other benefits related to fraud prevention and enforcement.

Fraud prevention - Cars in the parking facility can be linked to their unique license plate numbers and the data gets recorded in the database. This avoids fraudulent attempts to stay for long in the parking facility, or any unauthorised entry.

Avoid Ticket misplacement scenario - The technology can avoid misplacement of tickets or “ticket lost” scenarios, and the resulting unpleasant consequences.

Parking regulations and restrictions – the technology can help parking facility managers to regulate or restrict the entry of vehicles to certain parking areas that are designated for a specific use or purpose. For example, parking lots for the people of determination, employee or VIP parking etc. Additionally, the parking officials may deny access to unauthorised vehicles too.

Sensors for parking assistance – Dedicated sensors can provide real-time space availability information to the drivers. So, the drivers need not drive across the entire facility to find an appropriate parking space.

Even the parking officials can collect the real-time data of vacant spaces and do the required space optimization easily.

There are various types of sensors available like the infrared, ultrasonic, magnetic or radar. These sensors perform space recognition in real-time basis, either from the ground level or few meters above the ground, preferably the ceiling. They also handle continuous tracking of vehicle movements, any changes in the position of cars etc. offering updated, real-time data to the officials.

Cars roaming around in all directions in the facility cause unwanted congestions and negatively impacts the parking experience. Installing parking sensors at appropriate places can help your customers save several precious minutes of their lives!

Parking reservation and payment with mobile apps – Performing parking reservations and payments via mobile apps have gained traction in the recent years. Of course, the convenience is the major factor that attracts the masses towards app-based parking system.

The mobile app companies offer parking facilities in multiple locations, especially in renowned locations. The users can make use of the app to reserve a place for parking, and arrange their travel accordingly. They do not need to visit busy, congested parking facilities or hunt for parking spots. Peace of mind – guaranteed!

Mobile apps like Parkonic offers convenient parking options across various locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Dynamic pricing strategy for parking lots – the strategy is simple yet highly rewarding. And no wonder, the strategy is implemented by several small and large parking facilities across the globe. The parking fees is regulated based on the parking demand for a particular day, hour, or timeframe. Hence, the parking facility may raise the parking fee in connection with events, peak-hours, holidays etc. If judiciously implemented, the strategy helps the facilities boost their revenue considerably.

RFID technology for parking – By integrating RFID technology into the parking system, the parking facility can offer highly efficient, ticketless parking experience. The technology comprises a RFID tag attached to the body/windshield of the car, and a RFID reader attached to the entry and exit gates.

The RFID reader gathers the vehicle information from the tag every time it enters and exits the gates, enabling automatic lifting of the barrier.

RFID-assisted parking expedites the entry and exit process, prevents fraudulent parking attempts, and enhances the overall security of the parking facility.

The system can also allocate parking bays for vehicles, and the facility becomes handy particularly for large vehicles like trucks.

To add on, the facility providers can easily integrate others systems and applications like loyalty programs into the RFID system.

To conclude

The parking management systems market in the middle-east is a continuously expanding and growing sector fueled by swift developmental activities, infrastructure growth, and rise in vehicle ownership.

In Saudi Arabia, the market is anticipated to achieve notable growth in hospitality, healthcare and transportation sectors. The United Arab Emirates closely follows the trend. The governments in the region see technology as a catalyst for economic diversification.

The self-service parking kiosks offer a highly convenient, safe and hassle-free parking experience for the users. To add on, these kiosk machines streamline the operations and help the facility providers improve their operational efficiency.

If you have large parking garages, you may consider integrating cutting-edge technologies like License Plate recognition (LPR) into the parking management system to streamline the operations and improve the revenue generation process.

Our parking solutions are highly adaptable to various business needs and requirements.

For any assistance or consultation regarding parking kiosk deployment in the middle-east, please get in touch with our technical team of experts.