Old infrastructure, new possibilities: retrofitting for parking space and access

The digitalization of processes and infrastructures is part of everyday work for companies, cities and municipalities. While work processes or documents have long since been digitized, parking spaces and entrances (such as doors, gates or barriers) are still operated with keys, chips or tickets; and this despite the fact that in an increasingly connected world, people also convenient and efficient solutions for parking and access .

Why is this area neglected in most cases? Often there is simply not enough budget to modernize the infrastructure . The focus is therefore initially on things that can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively. The digitalization of parking space and access management does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. It is often not practical or economical to redesign the entire parking and access infrastructure from scratch. retrofitting comes into play: an intelligent method of adapting existing solutions to the needs of the digital era without having to overhaul the entire infrastructure.

What is retrofitting?

Retrofitting describes the retrofitting or modernization of existing solutions, systems or infrastructure. These are brought up to date with the latest technology or expanded to include new functionalities without affecting the existing structures. In this way , the existing infrastructure is maintained while at the same time adaptability to future requirements .

A practical example: retrofitting barriers

To illustrate advantages of retrofitting in parking space management Many parking garages, companies or facilities still use traditional mechanisms such as tickets with ticket terminals, tokens or keys to open barriers. These systems are often not compatible with modern requirements for digital parking management .
During retrofitting, the barrier is equipped with a communication module that integrates it into the digital world. This allows users to conveniently operate the barrier using their smartphone or computer, . The other existing access options remain unaffected and can continue to be used if necessary. This concept applies not only to barriers, but also to other access infrastructure such as doors and gates or lockers and bicycle boxes .

Advantages of retrofitting for the management of parking space and access systems

1. Cost efficiency: Instead of installing expensive new infrastructure, existing solutions can simply be modernized cost-effectively and brought up to date with the latest technology.
2. No defensive attitude from users: Retrofitting makes it possible to renew existing processes and solutions without confronting users with major changes. This minimizes possible resistance to change.
3. Small projects instead of one big one: Instead of carrying out a comprehensive redesign, retrofitting allows components to be successively modernized. In this way, the digitization of parking space and access can be divided into smaller, manageable projects.

4. Tests for new procedures can be easily mapped out: New technologies and processes can be tested and introduced more easily using retrofitting without having to rebuild the entire infrastructure.
5. Sustainability: Upgrading existing systems and components extends their service life. As a result, companies, cities and municipalities save resources, reduce waste and thus contribute to sustainability.

Retrofitting parking spaces and entrances serves as an intelligent and economical way to adapt the existing infrastructure to the requirements of the digital world . New technologies and processes can be seamlessly integrated without having to completely renew existing processes and solutions. This flexibility is the key to efficient management of parking spaces and access systems - even without a high budget and major renovation work.