Virtual Permits and ALPR Based Permit Enforcement: With Zero Upfront Capital Investment?

The parking industry has been discussing the topic of Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) for a very long time. The fundamental technology behind ALPR is the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) and pattern recognition.

Artificial Intelligence and its potential real-world integration have also been anticipated and planned for in the computer industry for decades. Anecdotally, even Von Neumann, the father of modern computing, struggled with the idea of Artificial Intelligence. Many of the existing AI algorithms have existed for a while now. But only recently, after the power of computing has reached a real inflection point, with the advent of Cloud Computing and Smart Devices, some of these AI/ML algorithms are beginning to become feasible for real-world applications.

The same is true for the usage of ALPR technologies in the parking industry. It wasn’t long ago that even the best ALPR solutions were achieving around 80 percent accuracy in license plate recognition, and with a 20 percent error rate those solutions were barely usable. Only recently have innovative camera technologies been introduced to the market with 90-95% accuracy, thus making their usage more viable for the industry. Over time more sophistication in camera hardware will improve this accuracy even further.

However, all this technology comes at a high price. This makes it more difficult for an industry that has been impacted tremendously by the COVID crisis, as well as a community that has been traditionally very margin conscious, to invest in these technologies. Large capital investments required to implement these systems have been a big drag on the adoption rate of these technologies by the parking operators.

Now more than ever parking operators and owners are seeking solutions that come with very low, to no, upfront capital investments. They are looking for solutions that allow them to “pay as they go”. They want a technology pricing model that helps them to even monetize this additional operating expense, by passing along to the customer for their convenience of usage.

For today’s solution providers, it has become imperative that they offer what the industry desires. One such solution is the ALPR-based Virtual Permit Enforcement system from ParkEngage. This technology is run over a smart device but uses a very powerful and sophisticated pattern recognition tool, and proprietary permit matching algorithms, on the device. This makes the overall permit enforcement system nearly perfect and easy to use. And since expensive cameras are not needed, such a solution can be easily offered at no upfront cost, and at a truly transparent “pay as you go” price.

Contact us to learn more about how we can integrate this technology at your facilities!

Best Practices for Implementing QR Codes Safely in Parking Processes

There’s been a great deal of discussion recently about the increasing integration of QR codes into the parking experience. Specifically, some have raised concerns about the potential security complications if not implemented or monitored appropriately.

QR codes have become integrated into many aspects of parking technology, from parking meter payments, to parking garage access. However, as adoption rates increase, scammers are on the lookout for gaps in the business processes involving QR codes. In a recent case, authorities found that someone had placed fake QR codes onto parking meters throughout a city, sending unsuspecting patrons to a fake payment site.

As parking technologies continue to become more sophisticated, the responsibility to protect consumers grows as well. Processes using QR code technology are no exception. There are many scenarios where it is an extremely valuable and convenient solution for parking operations, but some in which it should be avoided or used very cautiously.

The use of QR codes for parking business processes in itself is not harmful. But if they are not installed in a trusted, controlled, and physically secure environment, they could be targets for tampering. For instance, scammers could replace legitimately posted QR codes with fake ones, leading the customer to malicious links or even to download malware on their phones.

In parking, QR codes are best suited for parking garages and gated lots rather than for open street parking or un-monitored facilities. Vending the gates is an ideal process to automate with QR codes, but care should be taken if QR codes are used to prompt the customer to initiate payment processes.

Customers should be taken to the payment process via a secured link sent to them only after they have been able to physically verify a trusted and expected second factor outcome, like the opening of a gate arm. If that expected second factor outcome does not take place, it would caution the customer that something is wrong, and they can notify the attendant immediately to take corrective action. This prevents any other customer from exposure if it indeed happened due to a fake QR code.

For example, only after the customer sees that their scanned QR code has successfully opened the gate (thus establishing the QR code’s verity), would they then trust an eTicket link, sent to their mobile device, after they have successfully entered through the gate. Once this trust is established, they would be willing to safely use that eTicket link for payment, before proceeding to the exit gate. For added safety, we propose our customers use our unique system of Dynamic QR Codes.

Finally, there are also a number of physical design-related precautions that are necessary to protect the process. Proper branding and signage elements will inform the customers of the exact steps and screens to expect during the parking process, while creating a professional and quality image for the garage. In addition, simply locating the signage in a convenient location, but secured behind or within a clear box or structure will eliminate the opportunity for anyone to tamper with the actual QR code. As parking professionals, it is important that we are constantly looking at all aspects of our parking operations to ensure that the public is protected both physically, as well as digitally. The responsible integration of these valuable technologies will not only ensure that we keep our communities protected, but that we maintain the highest standard of quality for our organizations.