PARCS System Components

Computer and Software

 

A computer and software is needed to set up, administer and supply real time, accurate reports for your PARCS (Parking and Revenue Control) system and for special validation passes. The hardware and WPS’ ParkID™ software must all communicate on the same network to collect and register the pertinent data generated.

We refer to the computer as the ‘Management’ computer. It allows you to set up and administer the equipment and provides the central reporting information. This information is both accurate and real-time. The software can also produce special validation passes which may include daily, weekly or special event passes as well as time discount or value discount passes.

A laser printer, validation scanners and a credit card server to authorize and process payments are also required. Additional software modules typically included are: Access Control, Revenue Control, Validations, Discounts, Reports, Counts, Networking and Alarms.

WPS Parking Lot Entry Terminal

WPS Parking Lot Entry Terminal

 

Entry Terminals | Lanes

 

A vehicle entering the parking facility stops at the barrier gate and next to the entry terminal. A vehicle detection loop buried in the pavement senses the arrival and triggers a relay to alert the entry terminal. The patron pushes the request button and a parking ticket that is date and time stamped is produced.

Once the ticket is removed, the barrier gate opens and allows the car to move on to parking. Another vehicle detection loop senses the car moving past the barrier and relays to close the gate.

Some long term parking customers, employees, students or volunteers might also need to enter at this lane. The terminal may therefore include access control readers. Automatic gate opening can also be controlled by RFID (radio frequency identification devices) vehicle or license plate tags.

 

Pay on Foot Terminals

 

WPS Parking Lot Pay On Foot Terminal

WPS Parking Lot Pay On Foot Terminal

These terminals accept payment if you entered the parking lot without any access credentials and received a ticket. You will need to pay for the parking using cash or credit card if the ticket was not validated, or any remaining balance if partially validated.

First insert a validation received from a tenant or a merchant into the proper slot at the pay on foot terminal. Then insert your ticket. The bar code on the ticket is read to determine the entry date and time. This is compared to the current time the ticket was entered.

The parking fee is determined based on the duration of the stay and the rate in effect less any validation amount. The software determines the remaining fee, if any, and that amount is displayed to you.

A satisfied ticket is issued once any validation is confirmed and any balance is paid by cash or credit card. This ticket is used to gain egress at the exit terminal’s barrier gate.

 

 

 

Exit Terminals

 

WPS Parking Lot Exit Terminal

WPS Parking Lot Exit Terminal

A vehicle detector loop is activated as a vehicle approaches the barrier gate of the exit lane. The exit terminal (pictured to the right) instructs the patron to insert a parking ticket into the slot for verification.

The parking fee may have been paid, the ticket validated by a merchant or the parking time was within a grace period (say first two hours are free). The terminal keeps the ticket, the barrier gate opens and the vehicle is allowed to exit. Another vehicle detector loop is activated once the vehicle leaves the area and the barrier gate closes.

The fee is displayed on a screen if a balance is due. After paying with a valid credit card the terminal issues a receipt and the barrier gate open and the vehicle can exit. The exit terminal does not accept cash. A pay on foot terminal (above) must be used for those using cash.

The exit terminal does accept special passes and validations which should be inserted prior to the parking ticket.

The exit terminal includes an intercom and may even be equipped with a camera for communicating with employees in a central office.

The exit system may also integrate RFID license plate or vehicle tags and access control readers to identify and allow company employees, students, visitors and volunteers to exit. These are generally those who use the parking facility on an extended basis.

Automated Vehicle Readers

 

TransCore Encompass 4 RFID Reader

TransCore Encompass 4 RFID Reader

Authorized users (staff, employees, students, volunteers, regular visitors, etc.) are often issued Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) tags to allow automatic access and egress from a parking facility. These are read by a reader via wireless technology. Therefore no insertion, swipe, entry of a numeric code, or biometric read, etc. is required.

The system easily integrates into an access control system. Generally a vehicle detection loop senses a vehicle entering an access or egress lane. The reader is turned on. It reads the tag and assesses authorization levels to include level of access to the facility, day of week and time of day authorization, etc.

If valid (authorized), the associated barrier gate opens to either allow access or egress. The barrier gate automatically closes after the vehicle passes through a second vehicle detection loop. All relevant information is recorded which includes tag number or ID, name of tag holder, lane, date and time. Reports can be issued for management assessment and evaluation.

A TransCore Encompass 4 RFID Reader is shown to the left . Because of power transmission, these receivers must be licensed under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines.

 

Access Control System Integration

 

Proximity Access Control Reader by DKS

Proximity Access Control Reader by DKS

Access control devices will integrate into the Parking Access and Revenue Control system. These devices include proximity tags, magnetic cards, keypads and biometric readers used to access other facilities throughout the campus. (Pictured here is a proximity tag reader by DKS.) Readers are located at both entry and exit lanes to track user activity such as entry and exit dates and times as well as unauthorized attempts at invalid times.

Each access control identifies a specific user and can be programmed for unlimited access or restricted access. Restricted access is defined by parameters such as days of the week, times of the day, shifts and even holidays. Unlike keys, individual devices may be eliminated from access through programming in case of loss or termination. If an account is past due, entry can be restricted until the account is cleared up.