Smart-parking firm lands airport deal
A Palmerston North technology business is flying high after winning a major parking contract with Wellington International Airport.
Frogparking has created what it says is the world’s first cloudbased parking management system.
The indoor/outdoor guidance technology has been selected by the airport for its new $70 million multi-level transport hub, due to be completed in November next year.
Airport bosses were so impressed they will start implementing the system throughout the airport’s existing parking area next month, installing 650 wireless occupancy sensors.
Frogparking director Shareena Sandbrook said the system would smoothly guide motorists to carpark spaces.
‘‘They are easy and costeffective to install and maintain and provide accurate, real-time data on each parking space.’’
Signs being installed will display real-time information on where parks are available. Drivers will be guided by LED lights to those spaces.
The company has clients all over the world, such as Disney, that use its suite of technologies.
It has created a niche in the airport market with Christchurch and Auckland international airports both using its systems.
Frogparking was started by chief executive Don Sandbrook in 2010 after he sold out of his aircraft tracking business Spidertracks, and seeding and harvesting technology company Seed Spider.
The entrepreneur kept his key development staff and now employs 27 people.
Frogparking’s turnover has tripled since 2014. Shareena Sandbrook said there was so much demand for the technology, the company could not keep up and would recruit more staff.
Wellington International Airport manager of transport and commercial development Pippi Kettle said the airport had considered a range of options – weighing up the benefits of camera-based versus wireless cloud-based technologies.
‘‘Our main goal is customer experience. We’re investing a lot of money in car parking and we want it to be user-friendly.’’
The cloud-based system would provide real-time parking guidance and comprehensive data to the airport.
The data offered opportunities such as dynamic pricing, future add-ons such as an integrated app for motorists and a wealth of enforcement tools, Kettle said.