Case Study: Automated Truck Parking Solutions for the European Transportation Industry with OTRA, Belgium
In this case study, we analyze requirements with our partner OTRA to integrate vehicle entrance control and digital parking management tools that result in real-time and accurate bookings, leading to increased income opportunities for truck parking stations operating across European highways. This project is part of a broader integration project that begun in 2022 in Poland. Currently, ZKTeco Europe and OTRA are collaborating in projects in Spain and Germany.
The challenge
The trucking industry is an essential aspect of modern logistics, with truck drivers hauling goods across Europe. One of the major challenges that truck drivers face is finding safe and convenient parking spots for their trucks.
Our Partner
OTRA Solutions was founded in 2020, and they are a Belgian company supported by the Flemish Government (VLAIO) committed to the establishment of a safe and secure parking network. OTRA's mission is to help all truck drivers hauling across Europe to meet that challenge, by providing access and guaranteeing parking spots on safe and secure parking when they need to stop and rest. Their in-depth expertise in transportation, technology, marketing, and business development focuses purely on bringing safety and convenience to the entire industry.
The project
The project consists of the integration of ZKTeco vehicle entrance control solutions, SPB Pro Parking, with the OTRA Park Manager™ app, to provide a seamless and secure parking experience for truck drivers, allowing them to book and pay for a parking spot in advance using their smartphones. The app also aims to reduce the number of trucks parking illegally on public roads and highways, which can lead to traffic congestion and safety hazards. The initial project requirements are:
- An entrance control system to manage vehicle access and identification to parking premises, supporting license plates from all EU countries.
- An easy-to-use system that helps maximize security and avoid queues at checkpoints.
- An LPR solution that can easily integrate with our partner's OTRA Park Manager™ App, payment and security system.
- The implementation of GDPR-compliant technology guarantees the protection of user privacy.
System elements
Currently, the system features:
- OTRA Park Manager™ App
- ZKTeco SPB Pro Parking (detailed below)
Installation details
The current solution consists of the OTRA Park Manager™ App, a solution by OTRA designed to make it easier for truck drivers to book and pay for a parking spot at any time service stations, petrol stations, car parks or rest areas. The OTRA Park Manager™ App has a user-friendly design that makes it easy for truck drivers to use. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms and can be downloaded for free from the app stores. To use the app, truck drivers need to create an account, which requires their name, email address, phone number, and truck license plate number.
The app allows truck drivers to search for parking spots near their location or their destination. They can choose a specific parking lot, select a parking spot, and book it for a specified time period. The app also allows truck drivers to pay for their parking spot using a credit card or a prepaid account.
The app is designed to work with our SPB Pro Parking LPR system, integrated with the app, which allows it to check license plates and authorize access to parking. When a truck driver arrives at the parking lot, the ZKTeco LPR system scans the license plate, and the app confirms the booking and authorizes access to the parking spot.
SPB Pro Parking is a powerful all-in-one integrated LPR solution based on a high-performance parking barrier, a vehicle detection radar, and a license plate recognition camera with embedded software, to fulfill all the requirements of advanced vehicle access control for parking systems and installation projects.
SPB Pro Parking consists of:
- BG1000 Series Barrier Gate: A boom barrier with robust steel casing, superior reliability with 3 million cycles (MCBF), and interactive led design. Compatible with third-party items such as traffic lights or keypads.
- VR10-Pro Vehicle Detection Radar: A vehicle detection radar designed to provide safety during the passage of vehicles or people. It offers a more flexible installation in comparison to inductive loops.
- DL-852Q28B LPR Camera: A versatile license plate recognition camera with embedded software that ensures superior performance. Suitable for outdoor installation.
Customer benefits
OTRA and ZKTeco have been successful in helping truck drivers find safe and convenient parking spots. The OTRA Park Manager™ app integration with ZKTeco's SPB Pro Parking LPR system allows it to check license plates and authorize access to parking, making it a safer and more convenient option for truck drivers.
- The solution has partnered with several parking lot operators across Europe, and it currently offers thousands of parking spots for truck drivers.
- The solution has also helped to reduce the number of trucks parking illegally on public roads and highways, improving traffic flow and safety.
- The solution is providing truckers a useful tool to find and reserve safe parking spaces along routes across Europe.
- Helps service stations and car parks monitor and monetise their facilities, at all times.
ZKTeco offers a full distribution and installation network, with agreements in place throughout Europe and a network of quality partners. An overall valuable security system for the trucking industry.
Subscribe to our latest news & updates
Do you want to receive our latest Time Management, Access Control, and Software Solutions in your inbox? Subscribe now to ZKTeco Europe's Newsletter:
You might also be interested in the following news: