The evolution of parking automation and why tenant-led systems are the future

Parking should be simple.

But in most commercial buildings, car parks are still run on outdated access cards, manual updates, and systems that don't talk to each other. Even as technology improves, the actual experience for tenants hasn't kept up.

The next wave of automation, led by LPR, real-time occupancy, and integrated booking, is changing this. Here's how the industry is evolving, the challenges buildings face, and how solutions like ParkEase are reshaping parking for tenants and operators.

Why parking automation matters

Parking touches security, access control, operations, and user experience. When even one part fails, the effects are immediate: queues, frustration, incorrect access, and high admin workload.

Buildings now need automation that:

• reduces wait times
• removes manual processes
• improves visibility
• enhances security
• creates a predictable tenant experience

Modern tenants expect this level of simplicity.

The challenges still holding car parks back

1. Manual access and outdated systems

Most car parks still rely on:

• physical access cards
• manual licence plate updates
• spreadsheets for user approval

This creates delays, errors, and unnecessary admin work.

2. No real-time availability

Without live occupancy:

• tenants drive in without knowing if space is available
• operators struggle to manage demand
• space allocation becomes guesswork

3. Systems that don't integrate

LPR, access control, and booking tools often operate in isolation, leading to:

• mismatched permissions
• poor enforcement
• inconsistent user experience

4. Frustrated tenants

Full car parks, slow gates, and unclear rules directly affect satisfaction and increase complaints.

How parking automation has evolved

The industry has made rapid progress in a few key areas:

Smarter LPR

Accuracy rates above 98% allow gates to open automatically for authorised vehicles, reducing queues and removing the need for access cards.

Live occupancy data

Real-time availability helps users make decisions before leaving home and helps operators manage congestion and capacity.

Mobile-first management

Booking, modifying, or cancelling a space is now expected to be app-based, not email or spreadsheets.

Integrated access control

Rules, permissions, and user updates now sync automatically, reducing manual admin and improving security.

Better reporting

Modern analytics show usage patterns, peak times, and tenant demand, giving operators better planning insights.

ParkEase: automation built with tenants, for tenants

DDI Labs co-developed ParkEase directly with tenant groups to solve the problems they experience every day. The result is a platform that automates access, booking, occupancy, and reporting in one integrated system.

Key ParkEase features

Automated access with optional LPR

ParkEase uses advanced LPR to automate gate entry and exit, with over 90% of bookings processed automatically.

Real-time occupancy

Users can see how full the car park is before driving in, reducing congestion and wasted trips.

Simple booking experience

The ParkEase app lets users book, manage, and review reservations in seconds, dramatically reducing admin queries.

Integrated access control

ParkEase connects directly to existing systems (e.g., Gallagher Access Control and others) to automatically add or remove users, enforce rules, and maintain accurate permissions.

Custom rules, alerts, and reporting

Buildings can set booking limits, grace periods, group access rules, and automated email alerts, with full reporting on usage and compliance.

Implementation designed to be easy

ParkEase has a straightforward onboarding process:

• Consultation: confirm needs, user groups, access data, and rules
• Training: onboard tenant admins
• Go live: invite users, sync access control, and monitor via dashboard

Once launched, tenants self-manage — reducing operational workload significantly.

Why buildings choose ParkEase

1. Better tenant experience

Fast, automated access reduces frustration and improves day-to-day convenience.

2. Reduced admin workload

No more manual user changes, card management, or parking availability emails.

3. Smarter planning

Usage data helps operators allocate spaces, plan future needs, and improve efficiency.

4. Sustainability benefits

Real-time occupancy reduces unnecessary driving and idling, supporting ESG goals.

The future of parking is automated

Parking automation is no longer a "nice-to-have", it's becoming essential infrastructure.

By integrating LPR, real-time occupancy, booking, and reporting, buildings can deliver a simpler, more efficient experience for tenants and operators.

ParkEase is built for this future: tenant-led, data-driven, automated, and designed to remove the friction that has held parking back for years.