WPS parking bars the barcode

First published in Intertraffic Innovation News - April 30, 2020

For decades, the barcode has been the most dominant and commonly-used identifier in parking. Now, WPS Parking has announced it is saying goodbye to the barcode, the first total parking solution provider to do so.

There are several reasons why WPS is moving away from barcodes, says Jesse Heitlager, director technology. “The 1D barcode generates a poor customer journey to parkers against high running costs. Add to that the possible litter caused by thrown away tickets, and the fact that users actually need to touch the parking equipment.”

WPS will move to three different techniques that offer significant benefits to car park operators and users. The first is automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) which offers fast entry and exit. Clear visual instructions and smart failsafe in the event of obscured, damaged or difficult to read number plates ensure a good customer journey. ANPR also provides opportunities to extend self-service options; the ability to alter products, or sell alternative products via large touchscreens with PCAP technology. Additional modules, like the business parking portal, enables operators to provide users with VIP treatment.

WPS will also offer contactless identification methods with payment card or phone. As Heitlager points out, fully contactless means no moving parts or consumables so that the total cost of operation is lowered, even for smaller lots making them more profitable.

QR-codes are the third technique WPS will offer to replace barcodes. “They create additional touchpoints with parkers and are great to use in shopping environments,” says Heitlager. “With a payment app like WPS-Pay, consumers have a pay station in their pocket! This app offers customers pay-as-you go and provides operators with an upsell possibility to existing season ticket options. The app also forms the front end of the WPS web shop, which enables reservations during special events or against a special tariff.”