3 Things to Consider When Managing a Parking Facility: Parking Management Software

If you’re a property and/or asset manager, then managing a parking facility is likely part of your job. While property managers oversee day-to-day parking operations, asset managers typically play a more complicated role in implementing strategies to grow cash flow and asset values.

Either way, your parking facility maintenance should be at the top of your priority list. Don’t overlook this important piece of the equation.

Your parking facility will be the first impression for your tenants and their guests, and it merits the same level of consideration as the front lobby of your building. A parking facility also can and should generate substantial income, and opportunities to do so should not be discounted.

As such, here are three major things to consider if you’re responsible for managing a parking facility.

1. Start with a Clean Slate: Basic Parking Lot Cleaning

The cleanliness of your parking lot speaks volumes about how it’s run. And like it or not, visitors will immediately look to the state of cleanliness when trying to decide if your facility is even safe. That first impression directly affects customer satisfaction and whether someone returns.

Inspections should be conducted routinely to check for things like:

  • Litter and debris in parking spaces and walkways
  • Oil or other automobile fluids that have leaked from cars
  • Unpleasant odors in enclosed areas
  • Trash receptacles that need to be emptied

Conducting walk-throughs of your parking lot every morning is an absolute best practice. Your team should also be checking stairwells and elevators for lights that may need replacing, trash, and any other unfavorable conditions.

If your facility isn’t clean, patrons will begin to question quality and safety, and this will lead them to seek parking elsewhere. That means parking facility maintenance and cleanliness are important not only for reputation and safety purposes, but also because they directly affect the bottom line.

2. Deep-Clean Annually (At Least)

When managing a parking facility, your cleaning regimen should be taken one step further. At least an annual power-washing of the facility should take place, if not more often. This removes dirt, oil stains, and the general day-to-day muck that accompanies regular automotive traffic flow.

These stains build up over time in busy urban and suburban areas alike.

If your parking garage or surface lot isn’t properly maintained, the result can be a very dingy looking lot, even if you’re diligent with daily cleanings. Steam-cleaning or power-washing sessions should be scheduled during hours that don’t conflict with traffic, or they can be done one section at a time.

However you choose to schedule these cleanings, deep-cleaning keeps your structure’s longevity and the facility’s overall appearance optimized. A well-maintained parking space makes a real difference in the customer experience and helps property managers protect the value of their asset over time.

3. Don’t Miss the Asset Optimization Boat

Effective parking management practices extend well beyond the appearance of a facility. Asset management principles should also be applied in your approach to parking operations.

Any parking lot can generate revenue, and there’s always a way to tap into this resource. This is especially true in markets where parking is at a premium and personal automobiles are the primary source of transportation for commuters and non-commuters alike.

Evaluate Your Current Parking System

If your lot is already generating revenue, it’s worth evaluating your current parking system to determine whether there are opportunities to increase profits or reduce costs. Many property managers are still relying on outdated payment systems or manual processes that leave money on the table.

Consider how your facility handles:

  • Payment processing: Are you offering contactless payment and mobile payments, or are patrons still dealing with outdated pay stations and cash?
  • Parking enforcement: Do you have a reliable system for identifying unauthorized vehicles and parking violations?
  • Space utilization: Are you using real-time occupancy tracking to understand parking availability and how each parking spot is being used?
  • Visitor parking: Is visitor parking easy and frictionless, or does it create frustration for guests?

These are the kinds of questions that separate a parking lot that simply exists from one that actively generates profit.

The Role of Parking Management Software

Today’s parking management software gives property managers the ability to manage parking operations from a single platform, without needing to hire a full parking management company. Modern software solutions offer features like license plate recognition, access control, real-time space monitoring, and artificial intelligence-powered pricing that adjusts rates based on demand in real time.

The right parking management system also improves the user experience for tenants and visitors. With a user-friendly interface, contactless payment options, and no mobile app required, parking becomes one less thing for your tenants and their guests to worry about.

For property managers looking to take control of their parking operations, this kind of parking software can be the difference between a facility that costs you money and one that consistently drives revenue.

Take Control of Your Parking with Parkify

If you’re ready to stop leaving revenue on the table, National Parking’s software, Parkify, is the parking solution built specifically for property managers and asset owners who want full control of their parking facility.

Parkify is an AI-powered parking management system that comes with zero upfront cost for the full technology stack. That means no capital expenditure and no need for a third-party parking management company. You manage it yourself through an intuitive, user-friendly interface.

Built-in features include:

Parkify is designed for effortless guest and resident parking experiences and built to actually make your parking facility a profit center. Whether you manage a mixed-use property, a residential community, or a Class A parking garage, Parkify works for your property type and scale.

Book a free consultation with Parkify today and see how much revenue your parking facility could be generating.

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What Drives Us?

Our service standard is what drives us to be the best in the business and why we continue to do things differently than our competitors.

The parking team was excellent for our hotel arrival and departure. They clearly explained the app, helped with bags, and my car was waiting for me five minutes after I texted to retrieve it.

Amanda B.

They were so polite, my car was given to me the way I gave it to them. In the morning, they pulled my car up with a smile on their face – which made my stay even better!

Araina L.

I used National Parking at a recent hotel stay right by SunTrust Park. From the minute I pulled up, the valet were nothing but professional and courteous. I parked and retrieved my car at least a dozen times and it was the same great service.

Jason S.

National Parking’s staff always showed up on time, prepared and never provided anything less than stellar services. I would highly recommend them if you’re looking for professional parking services.

Lydia C.

Everyone should use this service – it saves us time when we have an appointment at the medical clinic. The attendant was extremely nice and helpful.

Richard L.

Quick and convenient valet service. Instead of having to keep up with your valet ticket, they will send you a texts when your car is ready. Great experience!

Tiara B.