In commercial real estate, every square foot counts. And when it comes to structured parking, CRE owners are under more pressure than ever to turn what was once a sunk cost into a revenue-generating, experience-enhancing asset. That’s where automated parking systems come in.

At Vend, we’ve seen firsthand how these systems can dramatically impact a property’s net operating income (NOI) while also improving the tenant experience and streamlining operations. Here's how.

What Is an Automated Parking System?

An automated parking system (APS) is a technology-driven approach to managing parking access, payments, and enforcement, removing the need for onsite staffing, outdated gates, or complex equipment. Instead, drivers use their phones to enter, pay, and exit, while license plate recognition (LPR) and cloud-based software do the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

These systems are particularly well-suited for mixed-use developments, where flexible access, user convenience, and efficient turnover are key.

3 Ways APS Drives NOI for Mixed-Use Properties

1. Converts Underperforming Lots into Revenue Assets

Traditional parking operations often leave money on the table due to inconsistent enforcement, underutilized hours, or lack of payment capture. With automated systems, every visitor becomes a potential revenue source, whether grabbing lunch at a ground-floor café or attending a weekend event.

Example: At a recent Vend-managed site, a Class A property saw a 4x increase in transient revenue within the first 90 days of implementing an automated solution.

2. Reduces Operating Costs Without Sacrificing Service

Labor is one of the largest line items in any parking operation. Automated systems significantly reduce overhead by replacing booths, kiosks, and onsite staff with smart software, LPR, and centralized support staff. And with real-time dashboards, property teams stay informed without needing to be on-site.

Even enforcement can be automated—no need to send someone down with a clipboard.

3. Enhances the Tenant Experience

In mixed-use environments, a seamless parking experience is part of the tenant brand. Automated systems allow tenants and their guests to enter and exit without friction, pre-register visitors, and resolve issues digitally. This reflects well on property management and helps attract and retain premium tenants.

Bonus: Data That Actually Drives Decisions

An often-overlooked advantage of automated parking systems is access to real-time data. CRE teams can analyze demand patterns, tenant utilization, dwell times, and revenue trends—then use that data to optimize pricing, validate usage, or even support leasing conversations.

Is It Time to Modernize Your Parking?

If you're managing a mixed-use asset and your parking operation still depends on paper tickets, cash payments, or legacy equipment, you’re not just behind the times—you may be leaving NOI on the table.

At Vend, we help CRE owners deploy automated parking systems tailored to their portfolio needs—whether you’re looking to boost revenue, reduce ops headaches, or modernize the tenant experience.

👉 Talk to us about automating your parking today

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