Cheshire, CT – June 4, 2024 – Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) have selected TKH Security (formerly Park Assist) for implementation of our automated parking guidance system (APGS) in their Golden Glades Multimodal Transportation Facility (GGMTF). This state-of-the-art facility located in North Miami caters specifically to the needs of residents and daily commuters.

The GGMTF serves as an efficient transportation hub for a diverse range of transportation modes. This unique facility encompasses 910,000 square feet, six levels of garage parking, and surrounding surface lot parking. Our APGS, the Park Assist solution, will monitor more than 2,100 spaces.

While Miami is widely known for its booming tourism industry, which earned it the title of “North America’s Leading City Destination” in 2023 from World Travel Awards, the city is so much more than that. Miami, FL is a major commerce center, with a strong international business community, and the second largest metropolis on the East Coast. As such, Miami-Dade County places the utmost importance on taking care of residents just as much as tourists, even down to the parking facilities.

Miami-Dade County and FDOT embarked on this municipal enhancement to create a seamless, secure, and upgraded Park & Ride facility where parkers can feel safe. Installation of the Park Assist solution is just one of seven technology-driven enhancements helping to reach this goal.

“Miami-Dade County has been a client and partner for many years. We were selected for this project thanks to our relationship and the successful implementation of our parking guidance solutions in five of their existing municipal garages,” commented Thomas Alexander, Regional Account Executive, Southeast. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our camera-based smart parking solution to one of their largest and flagship transportation facilities in Miami-Dade County.”

At the core of the Golden Glades Multimodal Transportation Facility’s automated parking guidance system is the camera-based M5 smart sensor. Each M5 sensor is outfitted with two CMOS digital cameras, positioned to monitor up to six parking spaces (three on each side) from above the driving lane. With over 99% accuracy, the M5 sensor includes a customizable full-spectrum RGB LED indicator, offering thousands of color options to signal occupancy, different types of parking spaces, and more. This system optimizes traffic flow and alleviates congestion in and around parking structures, reducing the time it takes to park by up to 63%.

The Golden Glades Multimodal Transportation Facility’s automated parking guidance system (APGS) package also includes:

• VMS-NAV digital signage strategically placed at entrances and key decision points throughout the garage, providing advanced messaging capabilities and assisting parkers with wayfinding,
• The S2 smart sensing solution crafted specifically for monitoring rooftops and surface lots,
• Park Surveillance to boost the safety and security of the facility by providing operators with HD streaming video 24/7 and the ability to store recordings up to 90 days,
• Park Finder to quickly locate a parked vehicle,
• Our proprietary INX platform, designed to collect detailed data, allowing operators to deeply understand both real-time performance and historical trends,
• And an API integration powering a mobile app which allows residents to determine parking garage space availability counts and more.

The installation of the Park Assist solution in the Golden Glades Multimodal Transportation Facility is currently underway and is due to be completed in Q1 2025.

Thanks to Solares Electrical and Miami-Dade County for their collaboration on this project.

Cheshire, CT – May 6, 2024 – TKH Security is proud to announce its partnership with the University of Miami Health System (UHealth) to implement an automated parking guidance system (APGS) at its anticipated new addition to the healthcare system in Doral, FL. With more than 500 parking spaces across seven levels, simplifying the parking experience is a key focus for UHealth. Their new APGS will assist patients, visitors, and employees to park faster and with less anxiety.

UHealth boasts premier hospitals, offering some of the best care available in South Florida with top physicians, patient care, research, and medical education. The UHealth system gained recognition in the 2023-24 rankings from U.S. News & World Report as one of Florida’s top hospitals. The new UHealth Doral location will be no exception, with a six-story facility covering 160,000 square feet and featuring 60+ exam rooms and state-of-the-art operating rooms for radiology. Physicians and staff at UHealth Doral will include those from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is ranked as the top hospital for eye care in the nation. UHealth Doral plans to provide transformative, world-class care covering a wide range of specialty services from primary care to cardiology, dermatology, oncology, and more.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the University of Miami Health System on their exciting new state-of-the-art facility at UHealth Doral,” commented Thomas Alexander, Regional Account Executive, Southeast. “This facility plans to transcend the patient experience to new levels with world-class care and our camera-based technology will be one of the many amenities contributing to the exceptional patient experience that UHealth is always known for.”

The automated parking guidance system at UHealth Doral will include innovative Park Assist Solution technologies that integrate with pay station interfaces, where, if needed, patients and visitors can seek help to find their vehicles easily with Park Finder. The core component of this system is the camera-based M5 smart sensor. Positioned strategically above the driving lanes, each M5 smart-sensor is equipped with two CMOS digital cameras, capable of monitoring up to six parking spaces (three on each side). Boasting an accuracy rate exceeding 99%, the M5 includes a full spectrum RGB (LED) indicator that offers customization options with thousands of colors. These colors can signify occupancy, parking space types, and more. This technology reduces parking time by up to 63%, effectively managing traffic flow and alleviating congestion in and around parking facilities like the campus at UHealth Doral.

UHealth Doral’s automated parking guidance system (APGS) package also includes:

• VMS-NAV signage strategically located at garage entrances to offer advanced messaging features, enabling visitors to check availability prior to entering,
• A customer experience API integration which allows the APGS to connect with pay stations where patients and visitors can easily locate their vehicles using Park Finder,
• And our exclusive INX platform, providing comprehensive data analytics, covering both real-time and historical trends, to enhance understanding of metrics such as dwell time and turnover rate.

“The parking and transportation team selected TKH Security as the right partner for this development for our exceptional track record of projects in the South Florida area as well as our extensive experience partnering with major hospitals and healthcare systems around the country,” said Alexander.

Construction of the UHealth Doral facility is well underway. The installation of the Park Assist Solution will begin in July 2024 and be completed by the fall for the facility’s grand opening.

Cheshire, CT – April 16, 2024 – TKH Security is pleased to announce our partnership with the beautiful City of Naples, Florida. With a population of roughly 20,000 residents and tourists visiting throughout the year, parking can pose a challenge especially in peak travel season. To create the smoothest possible travel experience for tourists and residents alike, the City of Naples is implementing our Automated Parking Guidance System (APGS) in their two existing parking garages to monitor more than 600 combined spaces, as well as a new structure that will open later this year with 400 spaces.

Nestled in southwest Florida between Miami and Fort Myers, the City of Naples is known for luxury, leisure, and unparalleled natural beauty. This coastal gem is widely recognized as both one of the best beach towns to live in and the golf capital of the world. After earning such high praise and accolades, it’s no wonder that the city draws in large numbers of visitors from across the country – all of whom need somewhere to park when they arrive.

“The City of Naples is one the most beautiful cities in the State of Florida. It’s always a pleasure and privilege to bring new technology to thriving cities looking to enhance the experience for its residents and visitors,” said Thomas Alexander, Regional Account Executive. “We are thrilled to add another major city to our long list of Florida projects.”

Installation of the Park Assist Solution in the City of Naples will be completed in two phases – first, replacing the outdated loop system in the existing parking structures with the camera-based C5 Smart Counting Solution and second, installing the C5 in a new garage to open in late 2024. Unlike traditional loop systems, this state-of-the-art solution can be installed with no disruption to parking operations and offers unmatched accuracy, flexibility, and data insights. The C5 cameras are strategically installed at crucial locations, precisely detecting bidirectional traffic at 96%+ accuracy, and transmitting the counts to both VMS signs and INX for comprehensive reporting for operators and unmatched insights for visitors to draw upon when choosing where to park.

The City of Naples’ automated parking guidance system (APGS) package also includes:

• Strategically positioned VMS-NAV signage at garage entrances, providing advanced messaging capabilities and allowing visitors to check availability before entering the structure,
• An API integration providing access to a mobile app for visitors and residents to use to determine parking garage space availability counts and for operators to improve garage efficiency,
• And our proprietary INX platform, offering comprehensive data analytics that encompass both real-time and historical trends to better understand dwell time, turnover rate, and more.

The first phase of installation in the two existing garages is slated to begin in Q2 2024 and be completed by the middle of summer. The second phase will commence once the new garage is completed in late 2024.

“The City of Naples selected us based on our proven track record throughout the state and a recommendation from a trusted general contractor who had previously worked with us,” said Thomas Alexander.

Cheshire, CT – April 16, 2024 – In the busy streets of our modern cities, the sight of red taillights making their way through traffic has become a familiar one. The United States is undoubtedly car oriented, car dependent, and truly car obsessed, reflecting a deeply ingrained cultural attachment to our vehicles. Forecasts by Forbes suggest that the upward trend in car ownership, which rose 3.5% between 2018 and 2022, is set to continue despite the ever-rising costs of ownership, including: maintenance, fuel, insurance, taxes and fees, and parking.

With more vehicles on the roadways than ever before, the need for adequate parking space has never been more critical. Yet, as our cities strive to balance development with sustainability, a paradigm shift is occurring.

A Shift Toward Urban Sustainability

In years past, commercial and residential developments were required to include a minimum number of parking spaces per person or residence when planning and developing new construction. This mandate served as the foundation for parking infrastructure in America, ensuring there were spaces to accommodate the growing number of vehicles on the road. Today, however, county and city governments from Raleigh, NC, to Austin, TX, to Lexington, KY, to San Jose, CA, are removing and these requirements for new businesses, aiming to preserve green space within their communities and encourage travelers to consider alternative methods of getting around like ridesharing or public transportation. While these initiatives are highly commendable, they bring new complexities and challenges that business owners and developers must navigate.

New parking structures are, understandably, not constructed frequently due to the substantial cost of materials, labor, and real estate. As a result, existing parking spaces are invaluable assets that must be managed efficiently in order to balance the need for adequate parking space with the vision for sustainable urban development.

An Opportunity to Rethink Parking As We Know It

Donald Shoup, a professor of urban planning at UCLA and leading authority on the impact of parking and transportation, penned his book The High Cost of Free Parking in 2005 and its message is just as important now as it was then – maybe more so. In his book, Shoup emphasizes the importance of rethinking traditional approaches to parking management and spells out the negative societal and economic impacts that mismanaged parking resources can have.

Efficient management of parking infrastructure is not only prudent from a financial standpoint but also essential for urban sustainability. In the rapidly evolving urban landscape that we see today, cities are grappling with congestion, pollution, and limited space. By embracing practices and technology that improve parking efficiency, businesses and municipalities can both optimize their valuable parking assets and do their part in creating and maintaining greener, more sustainable communities.

The Right Tools for Improved Parking Management

Products from TKH Security, the Park Assist Solution, play a pivotal role in this effort, offering cutting-edge solutions that maximize parking efficiency while supporting environmental stewardship. Through its innovative automated parking guidance system (APGS) technology, the Park Assist Solution streamlines parking operations, reducing the time it takes for vehicles to find parking spots by up to 63%. This not only enhances the overall parking experience for customers but also reduces fuel usage and emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.

Additionally, the APGS extends the lifespan of existing parking structures, minimizing the need for costly renovations or new construction. By optimizing space utilization, these tools and technology help businesses extract the maximum value from their parking assets, thereby delaying or even eliminating the necessity to build additional facilities.

The features and benefits of the Park Assist solution combine to streamline operations and maximize revenue. Employees are no longer needed to count cars or direct drivers to available spaces, giving them more time to spend on more impactful work. And with 10% more space utilized, adding an APGS can improve parking efficiency leading to more revenue from the facility.

“In today’s rapidly evolving urban landscape, efficient parking management isn’t just about convenience—it’s about sustainability. With the Park Assist Solution, companies can optimize their parking assets while embracing a future where efficient transportation is key,” said Pete Messman, North America General Manager.

The Future of Parking Infrastructure

Advances in the country’s transportation infrastructure are not often quick but are inevitable. Consider the evolution of seatbelt usage (arguably one of the largest developments in vehicle legislation), which was not widely adopted for nearly three decades following its mandate. Similarly, improvements in parking efficiency may take time but sowing seeds of efficiency today will create a solid foundation from which you reap benefits for years to come.

As cities assess the efficacy and necessity of parking regulations and embrace alternative methods of transportation, businesses must adapt to ensure the most efficient utilization of their parking assets. By investing in innovative parking management solutions such as the automated parking guidance system (APGS), companies can position themselves for long-term success while contributing to the sustainability of their communities.

The journey had just begun, and the team was prepared to face new challenges as they moved forward with determination and a shared vision for the future.

So how does ATLAS look today?

Our disruptive system has been a catalyst for change, thanks to the valuable feedback from our diverse customer base. They aren’t just users; they’re our stakeholders, actively shaping the evolution of ATLAS.

Key Takeaways:

• User-Driven Development: We’re not just developing; we’re co-creating with our customers. It’s about filling gaps and optimizing based on real-world needs.
• Disruptive Development: We’re continually discovering innovative ways to optimize and enhance the ATLAS experience. This is driven by the fact that ATLAS offers functionalities at different levels than the market, constantly surprising us with new requirements and possibilities.
• Simplicity: We’re committed to keeping ATLAS simple yet powerful. Integration with daily tools, like mobile and Outlook, ensures access is always at your fingertips.
• Openness: We are actively engaging in cross-industry projects, maintaining the simplicity of our functionalities, which presents a significant advantage for users.

Join us on this exciting journey as we push the boundaries of what access solutions can be with ATLAS.

Cheshire, CT – March 15, 2024 – TKH Security (formerly Park Assist) is pleased to announce its camera-based Automated Parking Guidance System (APGS), the Park Assist solution, has been selected as a cornerstone of the parking and transportation experience at Wind Creek Hospitality’s new location outside Chicago, IL. Wind Creek Chicago Southland is anticipated to open later this year, including their new 1,000+ space parking facility.

Wind Creek Hospitality is the principal entertainment and gaming entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and has become one of the most respected and fastest growing brands in the gaming industry. Boasting more than 35 successful years in business, the Wind Creek Hospitality group’s newest addition, Chicago Southland, will have more than 70,000 square feet and feature 1,350 slot machines, 56 table games, and luxury dining and accommodations. Wind Creek Hospitality not only has a reputation for success in business but also for charitable involvement in areas it has locations, making it a top priority to be a good neighbor and invest back into these communities.

“Wind Creek has such a rich history and proven record for providing top-notch guest experiences at each location. Similarly at Chicago Southland, every aspect of the development puts their guests first, including parking,” said Jeff Sparrow, Director of Sales, North America. “Our technology both maximizes occupancy in garages for peak efficiency and quickly directs guests to open spaces, beginning the luxury experience that continues throughout their visit.”

In the casino’s new parking structure, M5 Smart Sensors will monitor up to six parking spaces at once, sending HD video to the central database, INX. By streaming HD footage around the clock, Facilities Management will be able to accurately monitor occupancy and activity in real-time. To make the parking experience frictionless for guests, green and red LED lights on the smart sensors will indicate to parkers at Wind Creek Chicago Southland where available spaces are located. This method reduces their time to park by up to 63% which, by extension, reduces vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.

Chicago Southland’s automated parking guidance system (APGS) package also includes:

• The camera-based C5 Smart Counting Solution, to be installed at key points, accurately detecting bidirectional traffic and reporting those counts to both VMS signs and INX,
• VMS NAV signage, with maximum messaging flexibility, placed strategically at decision points to assist drivers with wayfinding,
• Park Alerts, designed to instantly notify management when certain vehicles enter the facility, such as VIP guests or those who have been banned from the premises,
• Park Finder, a proprietary technology utilizing license plate recognition that will help guests quickly locate their vehicle,
• and INX Integration, providing Chicago Southland with powerful data analytics and reporting tools, which will enable them to make data-driven decisions for ongoing improvements to their parking operations. Available real-time and historical actionable data will include: occupancy, dwell, turnover, heatmaps, frequency, trends, comparative analysis, and environmental conditions.

“Wind Creek Casino chose to work with us because of our leading APGS technology and our experience in camera-based parking guidance installations. It’s an honor to be selected and I look forward to beginning this installation in Q1 2024,” said Sparrow.

TKH Security is proud to partner with locally based businesses, Sonoma Electric, W.E. O’Neil, and Bowa Construction, to bring this project
to life.