Another challenge was a lack of information about real-time parking availability. Although the branch used ultrasonic sensors, this system only provided basic information—such as the number of free spaces—without linking license plates to specific slots. Because it was difficult to associate individual vehicles with designated spaces, it was hard for security teams to determine whether a parked car was authorized to occupy a particular spot, or not. This meant that unauthorized parking could go unnoticed, leading to inefficiencies and disputes.
What’s more, the branch used a third-party platform that did not support unified device management or intelligent access authorization list management. This led to further difficulties managing all the devices in the parking lot and made it hard to differentiate between employees' and visitors' vehicles. It was clear that there was a need for a parking management platform that was more comprehensive and intelligent.
Implementing Hikvision’s smart parking system
To address these challenges, Emirates NBD partnered with Hikvision to deploy a comprehensive smart parking solution. The Physical Security Department at Emirates NBD Group played a crucial role in this collaboration, working closely with Hikvision to ensure the system met the bank's specific security and operational requirements. The new system includes 139 Dual-Sensor iBeacon Guidance Cameras (DS-TCP440), equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and real-time parking space detection. These high-definition cameras ensure accurate monitoring, even in low-light conditions such as an underground garage. The cameras feature integrated indicators which enable them to visually guide drivers to available spots. Configurable in different colors, they help drivers quickly recognize parking space status, including availability, reservations, and special designations.