In shopping malls, theatres, stadiums, and offices, finding a parking space for cars has become tedious for most people today. That is one of the main reasons behind the rise in parking mobile apps and smart parking system development.

The development of smart parking systems and smart parking mobile apps will save time in parking cars and make the experience hassle-free and convenient.

What is a Smart Parking System?

Smart vehicle parking systems are a modern civilization need. The rapid rise in population and car owners has changed the scenario. Roads have heavy traffic while space in even the large parking lots is falling short.

The smart parking systems are powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This technology collects the data from the parking area about free and occupied slots and sends it to users. The users can easily check things through their smartphones or tablets and choose the right parking place.

Another benefit of these systems is that the parking owners don’t have to accept cash payments from drivers. The smart systems can do the job of payments automatically.

Demand for Smart Parking Mobile App

By 2023, the investment in smart parking projects is expected to reach $3.8 billion, witnessing a CAGR of 14% year over year. It’s good news because a smart car parking project can address the challenges related to finding the space for a car while making it convenient for users to access everything right from their mobile devices.

IOT Smart Parking System MArket

Is there a demand for smart parking app development in the market? Let’s answer this with some quick statistics.

ParkWhiz is currently one of the most used parking apps. 1,000,000+ Android users are using it, and it has a rating of 4.4 on Google Play Store. Another parking app used widely in the US is the MKE Park App.

Parkwhiz

The number of users of these apps increased significantly in no time. More than 40 million users are accessing over 4,000 parking locations in the US. Recent reports also reveal that around 30% of cars are looking for a nearby parking location using mobile apps.

These stats show that IoT-based car parking apps are in demand today. Many startups and businesses are investing in this technology to grab the opportunity in this growing market.

However, there are many questions on this topic. How to develop a smart parking system mobile app? What is the cost to develop a smart car parking system using IoT app development? What are the key features of these apps? And more.

In this article, we have answered almost every question of yours.

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Features of Smart Parking System

A smart app for parking must exhibit the following features:

Smart Parking System Development – User Panel Interface Features

Smart Parking System Development - Driver Panel App

Register / Login: Feature to sign up for the app and create an account using an email address or phone number. Another good idea is to allow login using Google Account. This makes the user experience effortless.

Navigation and search: The app should provide suggestions about the nearby parking locations along with the number of vacancies. They can then check the distance to the location and start navigating towards it.

User profile: After signing up, the user should be able to edit his profile. This allows him to add his profile photo, contact number, email address, and other information.

Booking: Integrate a feature that allows users to book a slot whenever required. There should also be options to book a slot on a weekly or monthly basis. This is good for the users who park their cars on a regular basis in that area. While booking a slot, the driver should also be able to add the expected arrival and departure times.

Payment: With this option, they should be able to pay online using debit/credit cards or mobile banking apps. People nowadays like to avoid cash tinkers.

Push notifications: Push notifications are great when it comes to showing the current offers and discounts to the app users. You can also notify them about app updates and the time when their parking time is about to end. This will help them avoid the fine or additional payment.

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Parking history: An option to check the history of bookings should be there so that the user can check things whenever required. This feature will also include the payment history and mode of payment.

Multiple cities: If the user has traveled to any other city, he should also be able to use the app to find a nearby parking place.

Waiting list: If there are no parking vacancies in a certain location, the user should be able to check the waiting time to book a slot.

Pricing: Before booking a slot, the pricing should be shown. You can include a feature to show the full rate card for advance bookings weekly or monthly.

Multilingual support: The app should support multiple languages so that users don’t have to get stuck and use the app in the language of their choice.

Help/Support: It is an important feature to support and help the customers if there are any issues. They should be able to contact customer service via chat or call.

Rating & Review: The user should have the option to rate his experience and write a review. Reviews are good, helping other users to decide which parking system is right for them. Parking owners can also see the review and improve the experience for more users.

Smart Parking System Development – Admin Panel Features

Smart Parking System Software - Admin Panel

User Management: This will allow the admin to manage the users from the backend.

Revenue Control: Only the administrator can access the revenue flow of the app and the charges related to both the user and the parking provider.

Manage Earnings: The admin should be able to manage the earnings of the parking provider, commissions, etc.

Approve/Reject driver profile: When a new user signs up to the app, the admin receives a notification and can check his activities. In case there are any fraudulent activities, the admin can block or ban the user from using the app further.

Bookings Manager: A unified panel or option to manage all the bookings made using the mobile app.

Manage offers: The management of promotions, coupon codes, discounts, etc. should be managed by the admin.

Add new locations: If any new parking provider joins the app, the admin can add the new location in the app. Moreover, if the services are expanded to more cities, this can also be processed from the admin panel.

Reports: Option to see analytics and reports to understand whether the app is growing, what are the performance metrics, things to improve for further growth, etc.

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Parker Panel Features

Register/login: Signing up for new parking providers.

Add ID Proof: Uploading relevant documents for credibility.

Contact customers: Contact number and email address for customers to reach out.

Receive payment from customers: Get payments from customers with their preferred payment options.

Check reviews and ratings: For parking providers to check the reviews and ratings posted by the customers. They should also be able to reply.

Accept or decline parking request: When the customer submits a request, the parker should be able to accept or reject it.

How Smart Parking Management System Works?

How Smart Car Parking system works

The app will connect the driver to the parking location listed in the app. When the driver opens the app, this is how it will work:

Using sensors, networking, and data analytics, a smart parking system built on the Internet of Things is intended to manage and optimize parking spots effectively. This is how it usually goes:
Sensor Positioning: In the parking complex, sensors are put in at strategic locations or in each parking place. These sensors may be cameras, magnetic sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or other sorts.

Parking Data collection – The sensors continually track each parking space’s condition. They gather information about whether a space is filled or empty. This data is sent to a central server or cloud platform through a wireless network, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks.

Processing of data– The central server or cloud platform receives and processes data from every sensor. It analyses the data to decide which parking spaces are vacant and which are filled. Filtering away mistakes or erroneous readings may also be a part of the procedure.

User Interface (Mobile App) – Drivers are given a user interface, generally in the form of a website or a mobile app. With the help of this interface, users can instantly check the availability of parking spots, book a spot, and, if necessary, make payments.

Notification and Alert – Users may get messages from the system regarding bookings, reminders, and parking availability. This can shorten the time spent looking for parking spaces and help people schedule their parking in advance.

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Payment Integration – The ability to pay for parking using an app or website is provided by certain smart parking systems that incorporate payment processing. Utilizing pre-paid accounts or linking to payment gateways may be necessary for this.

Security and surveillance – To increase the safety of the parking facility, many smart parking systems also contain security and surveillance features like cameras and alarms.

Data analytics – The system accumulates a considerable amount of data over time. Analytics may be applied to this data to improve parking garage management. For instance, it may be used to determine peak usage periods, space usage, and money production.

Search: The user can find near by parking facilities in the app by enabling GPS or turning the location tracking on.

Book and pay: Once the choice is made, he can pay online and book the slot.

Drive: The app will show the map navigation towards the parking slot after booking. The driver just needs to follow the route and reach the destination.

Find Your Car – Users can find other parking spaces by just registration numbers, as parking slots are enabled with OCR capabilities.

What Hardware Required for Smart Car Parking Sensors

Smart parking systems use hardware and Sensors to determine if parking spots are occupied. The selection of parking spot sensors may be influenced by elements including price, precision, and the particular needs of the smart parking App Development. Parking space sensors come in the following popular varieties:

Smart Parking System Development - Hardwares

Beacons for IOT smart parking app development:

Smartphones in the area can receive signals that Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons can emit. To aid customers in navigating and locating available parking spaces, these beacons can be installed in parking spaces or across the parking complex. Mobile app users can get proximity-based notifications and directions to the closest open parking.

Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to identify vehicles. The sensor monitors the amount of time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to return after they bounce off objects and are emitted by the device. Based on this time, the sensor detects whether the parking place is occupied or available.

Magnetometer Sensors

Magnetic sensors pick up on modifications in the magnetic field brought on by the presence of a car. These sensors are especially helpful for seeing big metal items like vehicles and may be put in the ground or on the pavement.

Infrared Sensors

Infrared sensors pick up an automobile’s heat emissions. They may cover many parking spaces and are frequently mounted on poles or overhead structures.

Digital cameras:

Images of parked cars are among the visual data that video cameras record. These photographs may be examined, and the occupancy can be determined using sophisticated image processing and computer vision techniques.

Ground- or Surface-Mounted Sensors

These are weight or pressure sensors that have been put on the parking space’s surface or just below the pavement. They determine if a vehicle’s weight occupies a space.

Sensors with lidar

Lidar sensors make a 3D map of the environment using laser technology and may be used to find cars.

Sensor-Based Smart Parking Vs IOT Smart Parking System

Sensor Based Parking SystemSensor-Based Parking System
Sensor Types – To detect parking spot occupancy, sensor-based systems often use a variety of sensors, including ultrasonic, magnetic, infrared, or cameras.

Detection Accuracy – Since these systems were created specifically to identify parking spot occupancy, they can do so with great accuracy.

Limited Connectivity – Sensor-based systems typically don’t have many robust connection features. They may transfer data locally and detect occupancy but frequently lack more advanced IoT features.
Cost-Effective – Because these systems are task-focused, they may be less expensive to deploy and maintain in terms of sensors.

Scalability – When moving to larger facilities, they might need to make additional infrastructure adjustments.

Quick Implementation – Because of their simplicity, sensor-based systems are usually put into place more quickly.
Sensor Types- IoT-based systems can employ a number of sensors, including IoT sensors like beacons as well as sensors used in sensor-based systems.

Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, and other IoT communication protocols are frequently used by IoT-based devices to provide their wide connection features.
Data Integration
– By integrating with other IoT devices and systems, these systems may become a part of a larger ecosystem for smart cities or urban mobility.

Real-Time Data -IoT-based technologies enable remote monitoring and management of parking facilities and give real-time data.

Analytics and Insights – Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are better suited for gathering and analyzing information on parking patterns, user behavior, and facility performance.

Scalability – IoT-based solutions are more flexible and can be adjusted to different types and sizes of facilities.

User Interaction and Navigation – They can help users with their navigation across mobile apps, enhancing their overall user experience.

Cost considerations – Because of their improved connection and data analytics features, IoT systems could be more expensive to deploy. IoT systems could be more expensive to deploy because of their improved connection and data analytics features.

In conclusion, sensor-based smart parking systems tend to be easier to use and more affordable for routine monitoring of parking spot occupancy. IoT-based solutions provide a wider range of functions, such as data analytics, connection, user engagement, and system integration. The decision between the IOT and Sensor-based Smart Parking App Development is based on the parking facility’s individual objectives and budget and the need for a more comprehensive, integrated urban mobility solution.

Process for Smart Parking System Development

Research the smart parking industry and market size

Start with some market research to understand the current state of car parking systems, competitors, the budget required to build the app, marketing strategies, etc. You can then decide whether to make it a local app or a global app, look for investors, and make other important decisions.

Find PArking System Development Company

If you don’t have an in-house team of dedicated developers, then it will be great to choose a reliable web development company that can build a smart parking system project in Java or any other coding language. Share your expectations and requirements with them and get things done.

Finalize the features for smart parking system development

Please include all the features mentioned above in this article. However, if you are unsure about any specific attribute, you can exclude it. Finalize all the elements to understand which technologies will be required further in case some features need third-party integration.

UI/UX Design of Smart Car Parking System

The UI/UX design of the app will play a vital role in the app’s success. The navigation in the app should be simple so that users don’t find it challenging to find the required options. The connection between each screen should be smooth and consistent across the entire app. In short, the users should like the UX and feel at ease while using it.

Smart Car Parking System and Mobile App Testing

Once the app has been developed (both backend and front-end), it is time to test it. There should not be any glitches or issues with any features. The aim of testing is to find flaws in the UX so that these can be avoided before launch.

Releasing of Smart Parking Mobile App and Software

When the mobile app is tested and ready, it can be released on app marketplaces, including Google Play Store and App Store. The app release should be a part of the marketing campaigns to receive initial installations quickly.

Also, specific policies must be followed to list an app on marketplaces. Taking care of these things right from the time of the development phase will save you the time required at the end moment.

Support for Smart Parking Software and Apps

Smart car parking system and mobile app needs maintenance and bug fixes every now and then. You can let a web development company take charge or hire a dedicated developer. If any customer has an issue with the app, he can report it, and the developers will resolve it.

Smart Car Parking App Development Cost

So, how much does it cost to develop a smart car parking system and mobile apps?

The businesses or entrepreneurs looking to enter this market have this question often: How much does it cost to develop an IoT-based smart parking mobile app?

The answer is that it depends on varied factors, such as the features to be integrated within the app, the experience and expertise of the team (developers, designers, testers) working on it, the country of operation, technical specifications, etc.

Moreover, if the app is built for both Android and iOS, then the cost will also increase.

Smart Parking System Development

Regardless of all the factors, here is a breakdown of the cost of developing a smart vehicle parking system using IoT:

  • Development cost: $20,000 – $70,000
  • UI/UX design cost: $5,000 – $15,000
  • Testing cost: $5,000 – $15,000
  • Total cost: $30,000 – $1,00,000

Since the cost of developers and designers varies depending on the country of their residence, on average, the cost of a smart parking system will be between $50,000 and $1,00,000.

Wrapping up

The development of a car parking system using IoT is not a trend but a need of the hour. Not many companies or startups have grabbed the opportunity yet, but those who have invested in the plan are experiencing massive benefits. Apps like ParkMobile, ParkMe, and ParkNow are just a few examples of successful mobile apps for smart parking.

We are all ears if you have any web or smart parking app development questions. Use the comments sections below.

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THE AUTHOR
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Kamal Kishor is a digital marketing enthusiast and a seasoned writer with a passion for exploring the dynamic world of technology. With a background in computer engineering, Kamal brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative storytelling to his tech blog.

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