Canadian Parking Equipment Ltd.
American Parking Equipment Inc.

Smart Card Server & Software

Smart Card System (SCS)  Server & Software suite is the integrated control and reporting piece of the SCS Pay On Foot and SCS Centralized Cashier systems.  The Windows  software component has been built upon an SQL Interbase Database and is  preconfigured for each site to represent the specific layout. The standard software components include:

• Real-time Facility Management Equipment Status & Alarms
• Revenue Control
• Card Access Control
• Value Card Control
• Lot Count Control (Differential & Totalizers) 

The hardware component of the SCS Server and Software Suite includes:

• PC & LCD Flat Screen, & Printer
• Smart Card Reader Writer
• On-Line Canbus Communications
• PC Anywhere Remote Software Suite 

Optional upgrades available for the Server include a cash drawer, Fee Display and Receipt printer to allow the server to function as a centralized cashier.  Additional client seat licenses are available to facilitate multiple cashiers or work stations connected with the SCS system.

Management Access Smart Cards  replace less secure system passwords in providing access to secure levels of software access such as revenue reporting and rate structure programming.

Real Time Facility Management

The main screen of the SCS Software Suite is broken down into three main sections.  The upper section includes a visual representation of the lane and revenue collection equipment.  The middle section lists any  equipment or status alarms in real time as they occur.   Some alarms are persistent and may only be cleared by authorized  managers (Paystation break in alarm). 

The lower portion of the screen lists the different counts monitored by the system in an easy to read format.  Counts are broken down into:

• Total Cars In the Lot
• Spaces Free
• Transient Cards in The Lot
• Monthly Card Holders In The Lot
• Value Card Holders In The Lot 

When lot full status is reached the server will close the lot to further transient traffic until space becomes available.  Separate threshold setting for monthly card holders will still permit card holder to enter the lot to access spaces set aside to meet the operators monthly contract. 

The main screen provides one click access to sever action and reporting menus.  By double clicking on an entry or exit terminal, the user is provided with remote control over that lane equipment permitting opening or closing of the barrier,  Shutting down or Opening of the lane, remote collection of expired access cards etc.

Additionally, specific detail about the lane equipment can be generated by drilling down from the main screen. In a single click the user is presented with information such as the quantity of cards remaining in each entry terminal, or how many of each type of parking customer has entered or exited a specific lane.

Important financial information about the status of the Paystation is instantly available for each Paystation.  Data illustrating the status of the bill and coin acceptors/ dispensers, including how many of each denomination are ready to be dispensed or have been accepted.  

Snapshot revenue data is also displayed within the Pay station drilled down including information on  the number of transactions, the amount of cash taken, the amount of change dispensed etc.

Card Access Control

SCS access cards are uniquely formatted smart cards which are presented to the entry and exit terminals integrated proximity reader.  The integrated card access control module is robust and seamlessly integrated to provide advanced card access features such as:

• Nesting
• Geographic and time zoning
• Timed expiration
• Automatic retrieval and sorting of expired cards
• Hard & soft antipass back

The system operator also has the ability to charge a fee for monthly card holders who stay in the lot outside of their contracted time zone.  In such a case the user will be required to use their access card at the Paystation to pay for the time they have used beyond their allowed zone., before they are permitted to use their access card for egress.

Additionally the operator may wish to have the system collect expired access card at the exit lane and allow the entry terminals to mechanically sort them from the transient cards within the terminals.  This is an excellent method to automatically enforce payment by monthly contract parkers while ensuring the access cards are returned for redistribution.

SCS Value Card  (Declinating Balance)

SCS Value Cards are pre issued to users who wish to place value on a card.  This is often done in exchange for a reduced rate and is an excellent way to handle senior discounts or preferred parker groups.  The Value Card is “loaded” with money either at the central server or via the Paystation without any staff assistance.  

Upon entry a Value Card holder presents their value card to the face of the entry terminal.  The LCD will display the time in and the current value on their card prior to allowing entry.  At the time of exit the Value Card holder presents their card to the face of the exit terminal.  The SCS system will then present the fee declinated from the value card and the new balance.  

Reporting Features

The SCS Software provides flexible easy to use reporting tools including graphical statistical reporting  illustrating lot occupation by type of parker, time parked etc.  

• Revenue reporting presenting revenue by type and time.
• Merchant Validation reports providing information on total validations by merchant by dollar value, time or quantity.
• Event reporting showing all administrative system interaction by access code and changes and queries conducted.
• Monthly card user reports showing usage, current status and personal information on card holders.
• Value card information showing card holder details and current value and status of cards.
• Transient card Status illustrating current status of all transient cards (In Lot Unpaid, Paid and blocked.)