Applying SKIDATA Parking Applications to Municipalities
The SKIDATA parking management system incorporates many software modules that offer specific functionality to
address the diverse demands facing municipalities. To accommodate their organization, their transient and contract
customers, local retail and entertainment businesses, event parking, and government entities dependent upon the
availability of parking for the functioning of their operations, Municipalities require adaptable systems.
Lower Your Cost of Ownership
One way to lower your operating costs is by installing thermal barcode readers and barcode ticket-stock, as opposed to
using magnetic stripe tickets. Thermal printheads save money up front, since they don’t use inks or ribbon/ink cartridges
requiring replacement. Using the cheaper ticket-stock adds up, in part due to your ability to use the same paper for multiple
types of tickets. For example, if you need both standard-issue tickets and receipt coupons, you can set up your exit
column to print both from the same ticket-ream. That same ticket-stock can be printed on the fly with your logo, the logo
of a sponsor advertising a nearby event, or even a discount coupon for a local car wash which wants your customers to
visit after leaving.
Transient Parking
The Shortterm Parking Ticket (SPT) offers you many benefits due to the flexibility of SKIDATA’s software and hardware:
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Passes may be created to accommodate: single-exit cases; preset numbers of uses; unlimited-use passes for a
defined date-range or expiration-date passes; or city departments such as the judicial system’s jury duty passes .
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Validations can be applied ticket by selected vendors using a thermal validator or directly to a transaction using
chaser validation barcode coupons.
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Different rate-structures can be applied upon ticket-issue, based on vehicle height or other definable conditions.
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A unique door code can be printed on each ticket upon its issue. This allows the facility personnel doors to be
secured, but the transient parker to regain entry using the code only while the ticket is “IN” the facility.
Event Parking Options
One expansion of municipal garages is the after-hours parking due to entertainment venues located downtown. To
keep your lots full 24:7, let your customers know about nearby events and reserve their spots in advance.
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Promote city-wide events: By easily modifying text and graphics printing on the tickets, you can promote city
events, advertise a local retail shop, etc. This creates additional revenue via advertising opportunities and
increases attendance at city-sponsored activities.
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Reservations: SKIDATA’s software modules allow you to set up online reservation services to allow either local
businesses/event planners or individual customers to reserve parking in advance. For downtown garages near
prime sports or entertainment venues, offering reservation options is a great service to tech-savvy clients.
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Prepaid Parking: Other transient uses include using barcode event tickets for prepaid parking as the mode
for entry into the parking area and exit afterwards for event parking at sports and concert venues.
Contract Parking
Contract Parking utilizes a more durable media, such as a Keycard or AVI tag, for parkers to access parking
facilities or reserved parking areas within a facility. The keycard can be associated with pre-specified functions or
with customized departmental applications. For example:
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Loyalty Cards for combined Park&Go, i.e. parking near mass transit points, gives monthly payment plans to
commuters with full monitoring of revenue for your municipal transport departments.
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Keycards for pre-specified users can be set up as access-devices–to open barriers, unlock doors, or allow
access to high-security areas such as administrative offices or money storage areas where entrants are required
to both present the keycard and then enter a security code to gain access.
Unified System Control for Your Facilities
SKIDATA’s Control Center offers unsurpassed localized control for each device at your facility and allows immediate
operator-intervention when required. SKIDATA offers a unique Main Control Center allowing you to view and control
the status of all your facilities from a single computer/or PDA, meaning you require fewer managers to monitor on-site
operations. Your budget grows as your employee efficiency increases.
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Remote System Control: Your parking managers can receive Remote Event Messages by text or email. This option
allows you to send pre-specified event messages to select individuals, so a single individual can monitor multiple
facilities remotely. These managers have the advantage of then responding via the SKIDATA Remote Control Center,
i.e. offering your managers remote connection to any facility via any internet-accessible device, such as a PDA or
a Cell Phone. This allows your manager to view devices at each facility and respond accordingly.
Other Applications of Interest
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Automate your facility: SKIDATA’s Automatic Payment Machines offer you reduced manpower costs as well as a
simple means for a transient customer to pay for parking on the way to their vehicle. Customers may also pay with a
credit card at the exit lanes or use a Lane.Cash device, which accepts cash and credit in an exit lane. These devices
employ many coin and banknote intake/dispensing options.
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SKIDATA Web Key: SKIDATA offers a unique web-based electronic key/lock system allowing you to program user-rights
on specific keys, while generating reports based on key-usage. Managers no longer have to carry hundreds of keys for
numerous facilities. A single key can be programmed for specific device access or global device access. Your managers
can now control who has access to which equipment, even maintenance and cash-collecting procedures.
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Third-Party Card Systems: SKIDATA can give security access to your customers with our optional External Card
Systems feature. It allows use of your customers’ existing third-party building access cards, i.e. while assigning prespecified rules for a single card or group of customer cards. SKIDATA’s software allows you to integrate your specific
third-party value-added applications such as Loyalty Programs, vehicle maintenance procedures, or car washes.
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Payment Card Industry (PCI) Standards: SKIDATA continues to meet regulations for current PCI standards, thereby
satisfying your auditors with the latest certifications while protecting you and all customers using credit card from
potential fraud. SKIDATA regularly updates and publishes a Secure Implementation Guide detailing “Best Practices”
for your facilities which accept credit cards.
To figure out all of the potential savings to your operations, contact us for an appraisal of what SKIDATA’s parking
management systems offer. We’d be happy to do on-site presentations to your department, to explain what how to
improve your system integration and budgetary bottom line.
SKIDATA, Inc., One Harvard Way, Suite 5, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Phone: (908) 243.0000 / Email: info.usa@skidata.com / www.skidata.com
SKIDATA® is a registered trademark of SKIDATA AG in the USA, the European Union, and other countries.