In the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, new norms have emerged in the automated parking industry. Indeed emphasizing safety, and reduction of contact. Terms like “contactless” and “quarantine” are now ingrained in our everyday language.

Global entities are adapting to this ‘new normal’ by integrating parking technology, including the automated parking industry. Although the initial crisis has passed, we have seen that many people, and organizations, globally are looking for ways to continue to reduce contact with shared surfaces. Specifically, we have seen a huge increase in the demand for better technology to enable this. Consequently, automated parking, and the way we interact with it, has been no different.

We are asked regularly “how can Frogparking help us reduce contact by an automated parking system”?

Simple. As an illustration, an easy and cost-effective way to adapt is to implement an automated parking mobile application. Ultimately, FrogMobile offers a seamless solution allowing users to pay without handling coins or touching machines. Say hello to parking mobile application that has it all. 

The most common question we are then asked is “but, how do people who don’t have the parking mobile app pay?”.

There was an unlikely hero in the fight against coronavirus. Indeed, 2020 was the year in which the humble QR code emerged as an MVP candidate in many places. The QR code also provides a simple, yet elegant, parking solution for first-time, or non-regular parkers, to still pay for their parking. Even if they don’t have an account or your automated parking mobile app yet. 

In simpler terms, for first-time or transient parkers without the app, QR codes placed strategically in your facility offer a simple parking payment solution. In essence, users scan the code, enter details on a secure web portal, and pay with their credit card. Thus, streamlining the process. Subsequently, once payment is cleared, that user is then invited to download your automated parking mobile app. From there, they create an account to save time next time. It’s that easy!

We, in fact, just implemented a new PARCS at a university in California, and the QR code is a champion for both their FrogValidation and FrogKiosk systems.

Sometimes the best automated parking solution is the simplest.

Accessibility is a huge focus within the industry at the moment. At Frogparking, we know that we need to develop automated parking solutions that help the industry facilitate this. Meanwhile, we understand that smart parking systems need to cater to all parking users, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone.