When operators are faced with the decision of choosing a new parking system, some opt for what seems like the safest middle ground: a hybrid system. In this case, the system is only partly digitalised, for example, through the use of license plate recognition, while barriers and paper tickets remain in place. What may appear to be a pragmatic compromise at first glance, however, often proves to be costly and cumbersome in practice.
Find out here why partial digital solutions fall short of enabling efficient, customer-friendly parking operations — and what advantages a fully digital system can offer.
Content
What exactly is a Hybrid System in the Context of Parking?
Why Do Some Operators Still Choose Hybrid Systems?
The Cost Factor: When Budget Comes First
The Familiarity Factor: Why Familiar Doesn’t Always Mean Better
Cost and Security? The Digital Solution Wins on Both Fronts
The Advantages of a 100% Digital Parking System
What exactly is a Hybrid System in the Context of Parking?
A hybrid system in parking management combines existing analogue technology with digital components. It’s not a fully digital parking solution but rather a compromise, using the existing infrastructure and enhancing it with modern technology.
A typical example of a hybrid system is the use of license plate recognition while payment still relies on paper tickets.
Even though a hybrid system may seem sensible at first glance, it comes with a crucial disadvantage: Operation remains complex – for both operators and users.
- Ongoing costs for tickets: Ticket machines require regular maintenance and need to be refilled with paper.
- High maintenance for mechanical parts: In particular, ticket handling leads to continuous costs.
- Complex administration: Depending on the software used, administrative effort can remain high, especially when several systems are combined.
- Poor user experience: The process is inconsistent and often confusing for parkers. This causes frustration and harms the image of the parking facility.
Why Do Some Operators Still Choose Hybrid Systems?
In reality, the decision to opt for a hybrid system usually comes down to two reasons: to save costs and/or due to security concerns about fully digital systems.
The Cost Factor: When Budget Comes First
At first glance, hybrid systems can appear to be a practical compromise — offering lower upfront costs and the option to retain parts of the existing infrastructure. On the surface, the digital transition seems more manageable this way. For many operators, it initially sounds like a smart solution, especially if barriers, payment machines, or ticketing systems are still in good working order.
However, what appears cheaper in the short term can become costly in the long run. The ongoing expenses for ticket machines and the additional administrative effort quickly outweigh any initial savings.
The Familiarity Factor: Why Familiar Doesn’t Always Mean Better
The second most common reason for choosing a hybrid system is security. Traditional paper tickets give many operators a sense of control and are still seen as the familiar standard in some car parks. A common concern among operators is: What if the system fails to read a license plate — and what revenue losses might result?
Modern systems have largely resolved this issue. High-quality license plate recognition solutions now achieve detection rates above 99%. Exceptions are rare and have little impact on revenue. When you consider the ongoing costs of tickets, maintenance, and staffing, one thing becomes clear: the digital solution is not only more reliable, but also more cost-effective.
Fully digital systems also simplify operations. Processes across the car park are fully transparent, workflows are automated, and integrated enforcement ensures control and security whenever needed.
Cost and Security? The Digital Solution Wins on Both Fronts
A closer look quickly reveals that hybrid systems offer little real added value. Operation remains labour-intensive, as ticket machines need regular maintenance and refilling. In many cases, the equipment comes from different suppliers, making the technology complex and prone to errors. For customers, the process is often unclear and confusing. And above all, the convenience of a fully digital parking system is lost.
While hybrid systems often remain complex, fully digital systems offer the opposite: minimal effort for operators and maximum convenience for parkers — a solution that works for both sides.
Are you looking for a simple and efficient parking system? Get in touch with us. We’ll work together to find a solution that fits the needs of your parking facility. Contact Arivo now
The Advantages of a 100% Digital Parking System
Automated license plate recognition is an essential part of any modern parking system, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. True digitalisation happens when hardware and software work seamlessly together, and as many processes as possible are fully automated.
The Advantages for Operators
- Less maintenance: Mechanical and failure-prone components such as ticket printers are no longer needed, significantly reducing maintenance efforts.
- Predictable operating costs: No ongoing expenses for paper, spare parts or other consumables.
- Reduced administrative workload: Automated processes in management, invoicing, payments and reminders ease the burden on customer service and free up time to focus on the core business.
- High flexibility: Modular software allows for the integration of short-stay parking apps, cashless payment methods or features such as Discount Management.
- Greater customer satisfaction: Users experience simple, fast and stress-free parking. This encourages them to return and recommend the car park to others.
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Future-proof: Regular software updates are rolled out automatically and at no extra cost, ensuring reliable operation.
The Advantages for Parkers
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Fast and effortless parking: The entire parking process runs smoothly and without any manual effort.
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Maximum convenience: No lost tickets or stress at the barrier. Vehicles are recognised automatically, and the barrier opens and closes without any action needed.
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Easy pay-per-use and long-term parking: Payments are handled automatically and flexibly via the stored payment method in the Customer Portal. Users can manage their data themselves, set up long-term parking contracts or use pay-per-use parking at all the operator’s locations.
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Transparency and clarity: Clear signage, real-time feedback on site, and intuitive digital steps make it easy for drivers to understand how the parking process works.
Conclusion
Hybrid systems may seem like a reasonable compromise at first glance: they promise lower investment costs, make use of existing infrastructure and appear to save money. In practice, however, they mainly lead to one thing: confusion and unnecessary operational costs. Combining tickets with license plate recognition doesn’t create a better customer experience, it undermines the key benefits of a truly digital solution.
Anyone aiming to run a parking facility efficiently and with minimal maintenance can’t avoid going fully digital. Digitalisation isn’t just about updating old systems, it’s about simplifying processes at their core. Only then can you build a strong foundation for efficient operations — lowering costs, easing maintenance, and ensuring a smooth, user-friendly parking experience.
You would like to manage your parking facilities digitally and efficiently? Get in touch with us! Together we’ll find the right solution for your use case. Contact Arivo now
