Automated parking management | Power outages & failures

An automated parking management system can help control vehicle entry and exit, identify vehicles, manage parking spaces, and significantly reduce manual work for operating staff. However, what many project owners and management teams are more concerned about is a very practical situation: What happens if the parking facility experiences a power outage or the system encounters a failure? This is also an issue that needs to be considered from the outset when selecting and designing a smart parking management system, rather than focusing only on how the system operates under normal operating conditions.

Does the parking facility stop operating completely during a power outage?

The answer is no. XIZI automated parking management systems are designed with a backup power supply to maintain operation when the main power supply is interrupted. For parking spaces where vehicles are being parked or retrieved, the backup system will be activated so that users can complete the vehicle parking or retrieval process. The parking facility will then switch to standby mode, and users should not operate or use the system until further instructions are provided by the management team or operating staff.

The objective is not to ensure that every function continues operating normally as it would under normal power conditions, but rather to maintain safety, control vehicles, and return the system to a stable operating state as quickly as possible.

Depending on the configuration, the system can be integrated with backup power sources such as a UPS or generator to keep critical equipment operating. Devices such as servers, controllers, cameras, card readers, and access control equipment can be prioritized for backup power supply.

See more: Smart parking site survey checklist | 8 key items

What happens if a smart parking system encounters a failure?

A failure in a smart parking system does not necessarily mean that the entire parking facility will stop operating. For example, in a puzzle parking system, a fault may occur in only certain blocks rather than across the entire system. Failures can result from various causes, such as electromagnetic relays, network connections, cameras, card readers, barrier gates, or parking management software. Therefore, XIZI automated parking management systems are designed to identify and isolate faults whenever possible.

For example, if the connection between a device and the server is interrupted, an appropriate data-handling mechanism should be in place to prevent situations where a vehicle has entered the parking facility but the system fails to record it, or where a user has completed payment but cannot exit the facility.

Parking facility failures | safety comes first

In any abnormal situation, safety must always be the top priority.

If the system detects a fault involving a barrier gate, lifting equipment, safety sensors, or a vehicle located in an area with potential safety risks, operators should not attempt to restore the system to operation at all costs.

Operating staff should have a clear procedure for identifying the type of failure, determining which areas are affected, and deciding whether part or all of the system needs to be temporarily shut down. If operating staff cannot identify the cause of the failure, they should immediately contact the smart parking system contractor for assistance and strictly prevent other vehicle owners from attempting to intervene.

See more: Parking facility fire safety regulations 2026 | Standards & solutions

How can disruptions be minimized when a parking facility encounters a failure?

Any technical system can potentially experience faults. However, a high-quality parking system should be distinguished by its low failure rate, durability, and long service life. XIZI smart parking systems are also recognized as one of the leading brands worldwide for durability and long-term service life. For example, the puzzle parking system at BIDV Tower (197 Tran Quang Khai Street) has been in operation for nearly 20 years and has required the replacement of only one electromagnetic relay component.

For example, when a problem occurs, the XIZI system is capable of providing early warnings to help prevent harm to users and damage to vehicles. Before handing over the project to the management team, Viet Chao also provides user manuals and operating instructions, particularly for handling common situations such as power outages, network interruptions, flooding, and other incidents.

Manufacturer’s user guide for operating the XIZI smart parking system

Staff also receive periodic training so that they know exactly when an issue can be handled on-site and when the technical department must be contacted.

How can you evaluate whether a smart parking system is good?

A good automated parking management system should not be evaluated solely based on the number of devices or how advanced its software is. For project owners and operators, what matters more is whether the system operates reliably, provides accurate control, and can effectively handle abnormal situations.

In addition, the system should be evaluated based on actual operational data. A good system should enable the management team to monitor how many vehicles are currently in the parking facility, utilization capacity at different times, vehicle dwell times, and any abnormalities during vehicle entry and exit. Visiting projects where the contractor has previously installed systems and gaining first-hand experience with their operation can provide the most practical basis for evaluation.

Scalability and technical support

The parking facility may need to change in scale, add vehicle lanes, introduce additional payment methods, or connect with other systems in the future. Therefore, before making a selection, project owners should consider how far the system can be expanded and how the provider handles technical issues after handover.

See more :An overview on different types of car parking systems

Looking for an automated parking management solution?

If your business is looking for an automated parking management solution for an apartment building, office building, shopping center, luxury development, or other project, contact Viet Chao, with nearly 20 years of experience, more than 6,000 parking spaces, and 55 major projects across Vietnam. Our team can advise on a solution tailored to your project scale and actual operational requirements.

Contact us today for a site survey, solution consultation, and cost estimate for your parking system via Hotline 0898 55 28 88.