Finding the Right Parking Control Solution for Your Business | Part 1

Finding the right Parking Control Solution for your business can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider when selecting a Commercial Access Control system, such as security, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. This blog post will discuss the different types of Parking Control Solutions available, their features, and the advantages and disadvantages of each one. It will also explore the best practices for selecting the most suitable Parking Control Solution for your business.

Do Your Research On Parking Control Systems

Parking control systems are a necessary part of many commercial properties such as airports, educational institutions, municipalities, gated housing complexes, and public venues. Entry can be regulated using an armor boom barrier with a pre-programmed fob or keypad for automated access. Furthermore, for greater security, specialized guard booths can be utilized. Upon confirming authorized entry, guards will personally oversee entry and exit.

When researching which parking control solution is best for your commercial space, it’s important to consider all of your options. If you need an automated gate, there are a wide range of access solutions available including swing gates, sliding gates, turnstiles, and parking lot barriers. Some systems even include card readers or code entry pads. Consider which access solution fits your needs as well as your budget, and make sure you do your research to ensure you get a system that provides the highest level of security.

How Do Parking Systems Work

Parking control systems work to restrict unauthorized people and vehicles from entering a lot. Depending on the facility or space, the parking lot access control system may possess diverse features and functions. However, it typically includes two primary elements: a parking gate and an access control reader. Upon presentation of a credential to a reader, the parking lot gate control system sends the information to the control panel in order to validate the credential. In response, the control panel sends a signal to the parking gate security system which activates the gate unlock, thus allowing access.

When it comes to selecting a vehicle access control gate, there are various types to pick from. For parking lots, a secure system with a gate and fence might be needed in order to protect against individuals entering without permission. This setup is most commonly seen in areas with high security, such as commercial buildings. Rolling and vertical gates are frequently seen in residential garages which need access control for the tenants. For bigger public parking garages and lots, entry and exit control systems with a straight or folding gate arm may be implemented for the sake of allowing vehicles to enter and exit more swiftly. These systems are not as sturdy but can provide greater convenience.

An automated gate that utilizes RFID technology or license plate recognition is also becoming increasingly popular for use in parking lots. With these automated access solutions, customers who have been issued an RFID tag or registered their license plate number can simply drive up to the gate and gain entrance without having to manually stop and present their credentials every time. An automated gate also helps to keep out unauthorized users and minimizes wait time. Additionally, with the implementation of automated access solutions, businesses can get real-time insights into who has accessed their parking lot and when they have accessed it. Automated gates help businesses better manage their security measures while keeping the flow of traffic uninterrupted.

Parking Control System Available Technology

Technology that is utilized for parking access control can drastically affect the efficiency, safety, and ROI of a commercial security system. Vehicle access and gate control systems can be a substantial expenditure for any business. Opting for a system that is adjustable and will stand the test of time can lighten the financial burden on business owners, as well as provide them with the ability to manage multiple parking access control systems at a variety of sites. Investigate the current vehicle access control technologies with an eye for the expenses, management time, and security involved.

PIN readers are a cost-effective way to secure a commercial parking lot or garage, requiring users to input a passcode in order to open the gate. Unfortunately, this type of technology is not as secure or convenient as more advanced methods. For instance, if one person shares their code with a guest, it is easy to breach the shared vehicle access control PIN. People are also likely to forget the code and become locked out, adding additional pressure to building management and causing congestion at the gate. Allocating different PIN codes to each user might reduce code-sharing, however, it would also add to the burden of management and tracking each code. In addition, repeatedly entering a code in order to gain access to the parking lot is a lengthy process, especially when many people require access at the same time. Additionally, the keypad gate security system requires frequent maintenance and is vulnerable to wear-and-tear over time.

Ensuring the security of your property is essential and a card-based access system is an excellent option. RFID card and fob readers for parking lots are usually cost-effective in the beginning and are quite effortless to use, thus eliminating the need for extensive instruction. At the gate security system, a key card only needs to be scanned for a few seconds, making it a superb solution for areas with considerable vehicle traffic and preventing the entrance and exit of the parking lot from being congested.

Admittedly, there are several disadvantages associated with implementing a key card gate control system. Generally speaking, it is both costly and laborious to operate, since it requires every individual user to have their own individualized key card credentials. It can be quite a headache, particularly for larger businesses, to manage the process of issuing and managing the key cards. In addition, the security provided by this system is less than optimal due to the fact that criminals can reproduce key cards, as well as employees exchanging their cards with one another.

With the implementation of mobile or smartphone-based credentials for parking access control systems, people no longer need to carry an additional item to gain entry. This mobile system also provides the added advantage of being able to use the same credential across all access points, such as doors, parking lots, turnstiles, and elevators, making it a convenient and effortless option.

Mobile-based parking access systems are taking advantage of the touchless technology and features. Openpath has come up with an amazing parking access control system that uses the Wave to Unlock feature, allowing people to use their hands to open the gate. You no longer need to input a PIN or press any buttons. With this system, users are free to leave their phones in their pockets or bags and just wave their hands to gain entry. It is certainly more convenient and adds more assurance of safety.

Managers need to have reliable and real-time access to their parking access control data, no matter their physical location. That is where the cloud comes in handy. Cloud-based vehicle access control management systems provide constant monitoring of parking entries and exits with precise activity logs for easier auditing and reporting.

Cloud-based parking management technology allows property managers to swiftly adjust user access permissions to the gate security system and parking control systems, giving employees the necessary access to travel between multiple sites. Furthermore, it is easier to integrate cloud-based software with other parking management and building systems, which in turn, provides a comprehensive view of access, security, and usage across the organization. This influential overview enables a streamlined process for critical decisions and operations.

License plate recognition (LPR) is a widely-desired feature in parking lot access control. Installing cameras that utilize LPR allows you to set up an automated system for entry of registered vehicles only. Additionally, integrating this technology with parking access control systems can be used as a method of multi-factor authentication without hindering the experience of drivers. LPR cameras are frequently seen in commercial lots and retail parking garages for tracking entry and exit time, making it possible to calculate payments and calculate usage of individuals.

Parking lot gate control systems can be employed to regulate the quantity of vehicles accessing the lot. Whether for social distancing purposes, or simply to manage the size of the crowd, property managers are able to track and count vehicles as they come and go in real time, and configure limits in the security system. Information related to occupancy can be used to observe the parking capacity and identify trends in usage that could be used to further improve the control management processes related to parking access in the future.

With automated gate access solutions, vehicles can move quickly through gates upon approval by the system’s controller or by entering designated access codes. Organizations may also opt to use biometric scanners such as fingerprint readers to help prevent unauthorized personnel from entering or leaving the premises. An automated gate access solution also eliminates any need for manual monitoring, as all data will automatically be collected and stored in a secure database. Automated gates can even be remotely managed through web portals, allowing managers greater visibility into who enters and leaves the premises at any given time. Not only does this ensure that access control is better enforced, but it also creates a more efficient flow of traffic into and out of the parking lot.

Customize Your Parking Control Solution

If you’re looking for an effective and efficient way to manage parking at your business, you may want to consider a customized parking control solution. By customizing your access solution, you can ensure that you are getting the best value for your money and that your parking needs are fully addressed.

With a custom parking control system, you can choose from a wide range of features and technologies, such as automated gates and barriers, ticketing machines, and license plate recognition technology. You can also customize the look and feel of the system to match your company’s branding and aesthetics. Additionally, you can select the access solution that best suits the needs of your customers, whether they are visitors, employees, or clients.

For example, if you own a retail store, you may want to opt for an automated gate that can be used to control access to the parking lot. This system can be used to track customers entering and exiting the lot, as well as manage payment methods such as credit cards. Similarly, if you have an office building, you may want to install ticketing machines to facilitate entrance and exit of vehicles.

When selecting a parking control solution, it is important to make sure that you are selecting the right combination of features and technology to meet your needs. By customizing the system to suit your specific requirements, you can ensure that your parking system is as effective and efficient as possible. With the right parking control solution in place, you can create a safe and secure environment for your customers and employees.

Learn more by calling Quality Gates And Openers at 850-271-3617 or visiting www.QualityGatesAndOpeners.com