What is Parking-as-a-Service (PaaS) for businesses?
It is a company car park management model that turns parking spaces into a flexible and profitable service, accessible only to selected users.
The idea is this: rather than managing a car park in a traditional way, companies and local authorities can offer their spaces as an on-demand service, accessible via digital applications and booking solutions (such as Sharvy).
This service can benefit both the employees of the company implementing the PaaS, as well as neighbouring companies, partners, occasional visitors, and temporary staff, depending on defined time slots and days.
Ultimately, PaaS relies on digitalisation, online booking and dynamic monetisation of parking spaces, enabling the optimisation of their use while generating revenue. This model fits into a smart mobility approach, where parking becomes both practical, profitable, and flexible.
How does Parking-as-a-Service work?
PaaS brings together several key elements:
→ Booking applications (e.g., Sharvy): users can book a space in real time, pay through the app (if required by the company), and access the company car park via digital access control.
→ Dynamic occupancy management: the system monitors space usage in real time and adjusts availability according to demand.
→ Flexible monetisation: the free spaces can be offered to neighbouring companies in exchange for a fee (monthly or annual), thus maximising the return on the space.
→ Analytics & reporting: collected data helps better understand car park usage and supports optimisation decisions.
→ Smart access control: essential to secure entry and ensure only authorised users can access the spaces. This may include an IoT module connected to the gate/barrier, ANPR cameras (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), etc.
What are the conditions for implementing a Parking-as-a-Service (PaaS)?
First, the company must define an appropriate time model. Depending on internal needs and usual occupancy levels, this can vary:
→ Some companies permanently have a number of free spaces, for example due to high remote-working or a limited number of employees on site. In that case, they can continuously open part of their company car park to neighbouring businesses or other authorised users.
→ Other organisations, with more variable occupation, may choose to open their car park only during certain time slots, on certain days, or during specific periods (holidays, weekends, special events).
Next, it is essential to clearly identify the types of authorised users. PaaS is not an open-to-all service: it is based on controlled access. The company must determine which profiles can benefit from the service (employees, occasional visitors, contractors, neighbouring companies) and under which access conditions (one-off, recurring, paid or free).
Success also depends on a clear parking management policy defining usage rules, space allocation priorities, booking procedures, and any potential pricing.
Finally, a PaaS model necessarily includes secure and controlled access. The company must equip itself with a system ensuring that only authorised people can enter: IoT modules, ANPR cameras, badges, etc. By following these conditions, the company creates the ideal setup to offer an efficient and profitable Parking-as-a-Service.