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IoT-Based Smart Parking App

Efficient parking management mobile solution

Startup, US.

Request
To develop a mobile solution that helps drivers find and book paid public parking spaces.
Result
An IoT-powered app for iOS and Android that lets users reserve parking spots easily and remotely.
Technologies
  • Flutter
  • Node.js
  • PostgreSQL
  • MQTT Protocol
  • MapQuest
  • AWS IoT
  • Stripe & PayPal SDKs
Result
An IoT-powered app for iOS and Android that lets users reserve parking spots easily and remotely.

Results

  • 25% increase in parking occupancy

    With the introduction of the smart parking management system, operators optimized space allocation, minimizing empty spots during peak hours. For example, a downtown parking lot that previously had an average occupancy of 60% during business hours now maintains an 85% fill rate.

  • Automated billing and cost allocation

    The integrated billing module streamlines payment processing, allowing parking fees to be automatically assigned to departments or cost centers. This ensures transparent cost tracking and simplifies invoicing for corporate and public parking operators.

  • Seamless access control

    Only authorized users with a valid reservation can enter the parking area, reducing unauthorized parking and improving security. The app automatically verifies bookings and grants access, eliminating the need for manual checks.

  • Data-driven space management

    Real-time sensor data replaces manual tracking, giving parking operators and owners precise insights into parking space utilization. This data helps optimize capacity, predict peak demand, and improve overall space efficiency.

Challenge

A US-based startup operating in the property maintenance and optimization domain offered a digital map of parking lots. Still, its existing app was outdated and failed to meet user expectations. Among the most pressing challenges were the following:

  • Drivers found the app inconvenient, citing issues with usability, outdated information, and a lack of real-time availability updates. Many preferred competitor solutions with better functionality.
  • Parking lot owners faced growing pressure as more operators began offering digital booking apps with advanced features, making it harder to stand out.
  • Parking operators struggled with inefficient space utilization, often facing empty spots even in high-traffic areas due to a lack of data-driven management tools.
  • Many property owners still relied on manual or legacy payment solutions, frustrating users who expected seamless digital transactions.

As parking density continued to grow, the limitations of the existing app became more apparent. The startup had to decide whether to modernize its current app or develop an entirely new solution from scratch to increase property value, tenant satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

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Solution

The Cogniteq team analyzed the existing app and, after conducting a thorough business analysis, decided to develop new versions for iOS and Android instead of modernizing the outdated platform. The Discovery Phase revealed that building a new application from scratch would be more cost-effective and efficient for the client than investing time and resources into upgrading the legacy system. This approach ensured better performance, scalability, and long-term maintainability while meeting the client’s business goals.

With the new app, drivers searching for a parking spot can instantly find available public parking areas nearby or in a specific location. The app provides real-time availability updates, allowing users to check free slots and view an allocation map to estimate overall parking occupancy.

Once a suitable parking spot is found, the user can place an order for a specific date and time, ensuring a reserved space upon arrival. Secure digital payment options make the process seamless, eliminating the need for physical tickets or cash.

For short-term parking needs, users can quickly book and pay for a temporary spot with just a few taps. Upon arrival, they can remotely enable or disable a parking barrier through the app, ensuring their reserved space remains accessible. If plans change, the app allows users to easily cancel reservations, providing a flexible and convenient parking experience.

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Find and book parking

Users can search for available parking spots in their preferred location, check real-time availability, and make reservations in advance.

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Secure digital payments

Users can make hassle-free payments with PayPal, Stripe, or credit/debit cards, with detailed session breakdowns on duration, cost per hour, and total paid.

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Live parking updates

Real-time notifications inform users about booking confirmations, parking slot availability, and reservation expirations.

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IoT-Enabled Smart Parking Barriers

Smart barriers installed in parking lots communicate with the app via IoT sensors and a cloud server. They receive real-time commands, allowing users to remotely lock and unlock their reserved spots, ensuring a seamless parking experience.

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Navigation assistance

Built-in GPS guides drivers to their reserved parking spots for a hassle-free experience. Users can lock or unlock parking barriers remotely via the app for a smooth parking process.

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Information system with real-time data

Sensor data tracks parking space usage, and push notifications can be sent when occupancy exceeds a set threshold, e.g., when the parking lot is already 90% full.

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