Posted: Jan, 15, 2025 1:52 PM ET • 3 min read

Underground parking facility with equipment.

Parking management and parking operations are two essential systems that help a parking facility run effectively. Together, they ensure a seamless and efficient experience for parking providers and users, addressing everything from strategic oversight to day-to-day functionality. In this article, we will explore the key differences between parking management and parking operations, their unique functions and goals, and how they work together to support the success of modern parking facilities.

What is Parking Management?

Parking management focuses on long-term strategic planning and the implementation of guidelines and technology. Its main goal is to create a parking facility that streamlines driver experiences through technological and innovative strategies.

What is Parking Operations?

Parking operations focus on the short-term, day-to-day monitoring, organizing, and management of a parking facility. The main goals of parking operations are to ensure optimal space use and a seamless experience for those using the facility.

Key Differences Between Parking Management and Parking Operations

A significant difference between parking management and parking operations is the scope of the service. Parking operations are concerned with the individual and are adept at solving any problems that may arise. This can be achieved by having on-site parking staff assist with customer needs, enforcing parking regulations, and ensuring the physical facility is maintained. Parking management is concerned with having all the necessary resources needed to operate the facility effectively. This can be achieved by guaranteeing safety through security, quick customer service, offering convenient payment methods, proper signage, and enhancing accessibility.

Another key difference between parking management and operations is the technology integration for each. Parking operations deploy tools such as gated parking systems, parking meters, and pay-on-foot machines to operate the parking facility. Parking management incorporates hardware and software to improve the driver experience, using solutions such as license plate recognition systems (LPR), mobile apps for reserving parking and payments, and utilizing data to forecast parking demand.

How Parking Management and Operations Work Together

Think of parking management and parking operations as a system where both are necessary for success. Parking management acts as the strategic framework, and parking operations execute the strategy. Parking operations inform any required adjustments in management strategies to ensure the facility is maintained and operated effectively. If the system is working, this will enhance the parking experience for drivers by having to spend less time searching for available parking and eliminating confusion on how to pay for parking, leading to reduced resources and costs for the operator.

Though they differ, parking management and operations must be intertwined when attempting to successfully operate and manage a parking facility. It’s essential to embrace a comprehensive approach to parking that integrates both to achieve smart and efficient parking for our communities and cities.

References

Everything you need to know about Parking Operations in 2023. Flash Parking. (2024, March 8). https://www.flashparking.com/blog/parking-operations/

Tucci, M. (2023, December 21). Three Key Differences Between Parking Operations and Parking Management. Parking Industry. https://www.parkingindustry.ca/parking-management/three-key-differences-between-parking-operations-and-parking-management