Four Benefits of Automated Parking Spot Allocation

How Does a Parking Allocation Work?

When it comes to digital parking management, the allocation process typically looks like this:

1. You display your parking offer on a digital sales page.
2. Your customer registers interest or purchases a digital parking permit/reserved spot.
3. The customer gains access to their contract and can start parking (this happens seamlessly after step 2).

But how exactly does the customer get access to their new parking spot? There are three automated allocation processes (or four, if you include manual handling):

1. Automatic Allocation from Queue (0 min)

• The system automatically sends a contract proposal via email to the next person in line when a spot becomes available.
• The customer signs the contract digitally.
• The customer downloads your branded mobile app and gets immediate access to their parking spot.

2. Automatic Allocation via Direct Purchase of Permit or Reserved Spot (0 min)

• The system automatically sends a contract proposal to the customer at the time of purchase.
• The customer downloads your branded mobile app and gains instant access to the parking spot.

3. Expression of Interest with Automatic Matching (5 min)

• The system matches expressions of interest with available vacancies.
• The system automatically sends a notification when a match is found.
• An administrator reviews the match and sends the contract proposal digitally with a few clicks.
• The customer receives the agreement via email and signs digitally.
• The customer downloads your branded mobile app and gains access immediately.

4. Manual Handling (approx. 60–100 min + several days of lead time) (not via Park46)

• Administrator manually matches expressions of interest with vacancies.
• Administrator prepares a contract proposal and sends it to the customer.
• The customer signs and returns the contract.
• Administrator registers the contract, hands out keys, prepares invoicing, etc.

Automated Allocation Reduces Administration

Without a digital parking system it typically takes 60–100 minutes of active work for an administrator to manually allocate a single parking spot — not counting waiting time, such as contracts being sent back and forth by post.

With a digital parking management system, this time can be reduced by 85–100 percent.

This opens up entirely new opportunities for property owners. A process that was previously difficult and resource-intensive can now be made simple and efficient — because the system handles the administration for you.

Automation Improves Customer Satisfaction

Customers often find it difficult and time-consuming to apply for parking.
Where do they go? How do they know their queue position? When will the contract arrive? How long will they wait for their garage key?

This uncertainty — and the delays that often come with manual parking management — leads to frustration. When you automate the allocation process, your customers gain full transparency over their queue position and instant access to a parking spot as soon as one becomes available.

In other words: if your main challenge is increasing customer satisfaction, a digital system is a fantastic opportunity. When customers can obtain parking quickly and easily — with no waiting time — satisfaction naturally increases.

How Much Should You Automate?

A common question we get is whether it’s safe to automate 100% of the allocation process. The short answer is: yes, if it suits your business. Here are three examples of how to think about it:

1. Full automation for large volumes
   If you manage large numbers of parking permits available to the public, full automation can be highly effective. The system handles everything, minimizing administration and speeding up access for customers. This approach maximizes both occupancy and customer satisfaction — a win-win.
2. Automation with eligibility checks
   If you have smaller lots or specific eligibility criteria, you can still automate fully by setting up rule-based checks in the system. For example, require a specific access code for a purchase to go through, or activate an integration with the SPAR registry to automatically verify the person’s registered address before approval. This ensures profitability and full control over who can park.
3. Semi-automation for complex cases
   If your parking operations are complex with many exceptions, you can offer digital expressions of interest and manage allocations semi-manually. Many steps are still automated — the system maintains queue order, matches applications with vacancies, and sends notifications when matches are found. All you need to do is click approve.

Summary – What Are the Benefits of Automating Parking Allocation?

In short, here are the four main advantages:

• Saved time for administrators
• Faster purchase experience for customers
• Reduced allocation costs
• Increased occupancy rates

By digitalizing your parking management, you reduce administrative costs while improving the overall customer experience. The faster allocation process also contributes to higher occupancy — making automation a win for both operations and profitability.