Entry for Transient Parkers #
Every Parkonect full system includes a barcode-enabled ticket dispenser designed to seamlessly operate in tandem with our barcode readers. When a transient parker arrives in the entrance lane, the equipment invites them to press the ticket dispensing button. Upon pressing this button, the hardware:
- Verifies a vehicle is present.
- After confirming the vehicle is present, the ticket dispenser will dispense a ticket. Upon pulling the ticket, the gate will vend and the screen will say “Thank You, Gate Opening”.
Entry for Monthly and Online Parkers #
Our hardware in the garage is connected to the Internet and stands ready to accept a barcode. When a monthly or online parker arrives in the entrance lane, the equipment displays a welcome message and repeats the words “Please Scan Below.” Once a patron scans their barcode, the hardware:
- Verifies a vehicle is present. When a vehicle is not detected, the screen will say “No Vehicle Present” and return to the start screen.
- After confirming the vehicle is present, the scanned barcode is verified to ensure:
- The reservation is for the correct garage.
- The barcode corresponds to an unrestricted time period.
- There are no open tickets with the same barcode.
- The barcode is not in violation of passback.
- Upon successful verification, the hardware:
- Displays the message “Thank You… Gate Opening,” sends a signal to vend the gate, and records a virtual ticket that includes the barcode number and date and time of entry on our cloud-based software.
- If the patron is early for a reservation, the equipment sounds an alert tone and displays the message “Early Entry Fee of $X is due at Exit” and send a signal to vend the gate
- Upon unsuccessful verification, a warning tone will sound and the screen will display an error message (“Error… Please Press Help Button” or other) and does not vend the gate. Reasons for unsuccessful verification include:
- A barcode number outside valid ranges is defined for your site.
- A barcode number has been disabled.
- A barcode number with an open balance due.
- Scanning during a restricted time period.
Exiting for All Parkers #
Similar to entry, our hardware stands ready to accept a barcode, whether from a transient, monthly, or online parker. When the patron arrives at the exit lane, the hardware displays a site-specific message and repeats the words “Please Scan Pass.” Once a patron scans their barcode, the hardware:
- Verifies the vehicle is present.
- Reads and matches the barcode to the virtual ticket that was opened upon entry, calculates the time elapsed between entry and exit, and checks for any applicable early entry fee.
- At certain facilities, users may scan or have a validation virtually applied before final payment is calculated. Similarly, a barcode can correspond to a pre-programmed validation (i.e. health club user) or pre-paid period within the system (i.e. SpotHero, ParkWhiz, etc.). In any of these instances, the associated validation period is deducted from the duration to calculate the net duration.
- If the net duration is zero or less (or an unrestricted monthly account where no calculation is necessary):
- The virtual ticket is closed in our software.
- The gate is vended.
- If the net duration is greater than zero:
- The overage time will be compared to the rate table in effect for the day, and the amount due will display on the screen.
- If the transaction included an early entry fee, this will be added to the overage fee, and the gross fee will be displayed.
- The patron will be required to swipe their credit card to complete payment. Upon a successful credit card transaction, the screen displays “Thank You… Gate Opening,” the virtual ticket closes, and the gate vends.
- Any unsuccessful verification at the exit will trigger an alert tone. The screen displays the error message and the gate remains closed. Reasons for unsuccessful verification include:
- An unknown barcode.
- A barcode has been disabled.
- An incomplete or invalid credit card transaction.
It is important to note that the Parkonect system does not accept cash.