Parking system ensures smooth patient experience

Smooth, quick and stress-free parking will be among the state-of-the-art amenities at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Arthur M. Blank Hospital when it opens in fall 2024. The new 446-bed pediatric hospital includes an automated parking guidance system (APGS), powered by a network of camera-based smart sensors, which will monitor and report on more than 4,700 parking spaces as they are occupied and vacated in real time.

“This not only benefits drivers, but it also provides substantial value for facilities managers,” says Thomas Alexander of TKH Security/Park Assist, specialists in parking guidance technology who are designing and installing the system. “Additionally, it provides a rich stream of data to help them fully understand the goings-on of their garages and forecast activity and staffing.”

Each camera monitors up to six parking spaces simultaneously and streams high-definition video to a central database for immediate observation and decision-making. Parking time is reduced by as much as 63%, vehicle emissions and fuel consumption are lowered, and patients,  visitors and staff make it to appointments, bedsides and work faster.

Security is enhanced as well. CCTV cameras are common in stairwells and elevators, but traditional security systems seldom offer fully unobstructed views of the garage. The APGS cameras installed above driving lanes allow observers to monitor spaces on every side of every vehicle.

“People often feel uncomfortable late at night, even in high-traffic parking garages that function 24/7,” says Alexander. “However, this new system provides an elevated sense of security.”

The data and analytics gathered by the APGS will provide valuable insights into driver preferences, usage trends, cost analysis and more. This will empower the facility to fine-tune business strategies and procedures for greater efficiency and cost saving.