Airports

Charleston, SC – IP Parking has successfully completed the first phase installation of its Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS) at Charleston International Airport (CHS), South Carolina’s largest and busiest airport. In 2024 alone, CHS welcomed a record-breaking 6,295,439 travelers, underscoring the need for seamless and efficient parking solutions. CHS serves as a key hub for both civilian and military aviation under a long-standing joint-use agreement with Joint Base Charleston and is home to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner assembly facility. CHS serves millions of passengers annually—making efficient parking operations a priority. From contract signing to the first lane going live, the project moved at an impressive pace of just two months. Even more notably, the first parking area was installed within three days of IP Parking arriving on-site, demonstrating the efficiency and expertise behind the deployment. “This has been the best project and the easiest installation job I’ve been involved in during my 38 years in the business,” said John Robison, Director of Landside Operations at CHS. Minimizing Disruptions with a Streamlined Deployment Process A key factor in the project’s success was IP Parking’s strategic approach to installation, designed to minimize disruptions to airport operations. Before arriving on-site, IP Parking set up a fully functional test environment, ensuring that all hardware and software were operational and optimized. The plug-and-play nature of the equipment allowed for a smooth transition, as each component was pre-configured and ready to go. Additionally, careful coordination with CHS ensured that installation was phased and timed strategically to avoid interruptions during peak travel periods. IP Parking, working alongside their trusted installation partner, DMV Parking, executed an efficient and professional deployment, ensuring that CHS could maintain seamless parking operations while transitioning to a future-proof, high-performance PARCS solution. Robison noted the precision of the installation, stating, “When I’ve been out in the field observing operations, customers have consistently commented on how clean and professional the installation looks. Everything was done in a first-class way.” Future-Proof Technology for a Seamless Parking Experience With the new PARCS system in place, Charleston International Airport now benefits from IP Parking’s advanced IP2 Xperience terminals, deployed across 16 lanes, spanning two garages and two surface lots. These cutting-edge terminals feature customizable 15-inch touchscreens, providing an intuitive and user-friendly experience for travelers. CHS has also implemented IP Parking’s IP Payment System (IPS), a mobile, app-free payment solution that enhances driver convenience. Valuable real-time occupancy insights, delivered via API integration, enable CHS to optimize parking management and maximize facility utilization. Beyond providing state-of-the-art technology, IP Parking has delivered a system that gives CHS complete control over how they operate. Whether they choose a free-flow, ticketed, or ticketless parking model, the system allows them to adapt their operations at any time—tomorrow, next month, or years from now—without requiring a major system overhaul. Each facility can also operate independently, meaning garages and surface lots can run on different configurations seamlessly based on their specific needs. With IP Parking’s flexible, future-proof solution, CHS has the ability to adapt its parking operations as needs evolve, ensuring long-term scalability and efficiency. Lester Mascon, CCO of IP Parking, reflected on the collaboration, saying, “Working with CHS has been a fantastic experience, and we’re grateful to contribute to their continued success. Delivering a reliable, future-proof solution within such a short timeframe speaks to the strength of our team and technology. CHS now has a system that not only meets today’s demands but is also ready to grow with them.”  Robison further emphasized the impact of the system, stating, “Our customers love how easy the system is to use. We almost never get calls from customers needing help with the equipment. It’s been a great environment to be in.”  CHS sought a PARCS provider that would make parking easier and more convenient for customers while creating a seamless experience, and IP Parking delivered on that vision—offering a flexible, scalable system designed to meet the airport’s evolving needs. About IP Parking IP Parking, a family-owned business, has grown into the leading parking professional in the Benelux region and a dynamic international player with offices in Deurne (NL), Antwerp (BE), Los Angeles (US), Washington DC (US), Sydney (AUS) and Warsaw (PL), as well as dedicated development centers in Zaandam (NL) and Évora (PT). As pioneers, we continuously optimize our solutions to stay at the forefront of technology. By integrating state-of-the-art hardware with our in-house developed software, we enable efficient, low-maintenance management accessible from anywhere, maximizing flexibility for owners and operators. Dedicated to future-proofing parking solutions, we enhance traffic flow, optimize occupancy rates, and enable seamless integrations with unlimited connectivity to improve user experience and operational efficiency. Focusing on sustainability and advanced mobility, IP Parking offers an open parking platform that consistently delivers high quality, driven by a digital-first approach. Our reliable, flexible, and innovative solutions exceed market expectations, fostering strong, trusted relationships and establishing IP Parking as the preferred partner for complex challenges. Charleston International Airport | IPParking

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We have components of an aging PARCS that are end-of-life, and our backs were up against the wall to get it replaced as soon as possible. Our PARCS was installed in 2008, and for the most part, we’ve been happy with the performance of the equipment and our vendor. The COVID pandemic threw a giant wrench in our PARCS replacement plan, which is how we ended up in this position. I’m sure many of you dread the thought of RFPs, even if you’re not completely satisfied with your PARCS vendor. As a county department, we have strict purchasing rules. However, we were able to utilize a “bid waiver” to procure new PARCS components from our current vendor without going through the RFP process. The bid waiver was approved through our governing processes as we were able to show significant cost savings and limited disruption by proving that the entire system did not need to be scrapped. We excluded non-revenue-related equipment in the specifications (such as barrier gates, fixed LPR cameras, and HID-only devices) and focused on equipment that was critical to revenue generation, like entry ticket kiosks and exit verifiers. Our existing HID-only gates will integrate into the new system. Our justification outlined this vendor’s capability to install new exit devices that could process entry tickets from the legacy system. We’re hoping for a seamless transition with minimal impact on customer service and day-to-day operations. Airport staff have a deep understanding of the current PARCS, which will help minimize training costs. We also perform the vast majority of maintenance in-house. Our Master Electricians maintain the parking equipment, which has allowed hardware failures to be resolved swiftly over the years. Mike Maromaty, CAPP, is an Airport Parking Manager at Dane County Regional Airport. Mike can be reached at Maromaty.Michael@msnairport.com.

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