Comparison Between Traditional Parking Software and Cardless Smart Parking Systems
Posted on: 23/10/2025
Have you ever felt frustrated waiting in line to swipe your parking card or worried about losing your parking ticket?
Those inconveniences are exactly why smart parking software—especially cardless systems—were developed and quickly became a rising trend in modern parking management.
So, between the traditional solution and the cardless system, which one is the smarter, more efficient choice for your business?
Let’s explore with Green Smart below.
1. Overview of the two parking management models
1.1. Traditional parking software
This system uses magnetic or barcode cards to control vehicle entry and exit.
When entering, the driver receives a card; when leaving, staff scan the card to match the data stored in the software.
While this solution improved efficiency compared to manual recording, it still has several limitations:
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Slow processing speed, often causing congestion.
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Additional costs for printing and replacing cards.
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Risks of lost or swapped cards still exist.
1.2. Cardless smart parking software
This system uses AI-based license plate recognition (LPR) or facial recognition (Face ID) integrated with centralized management software.
When vehicles enter or exit, the system automatically identifies them within seconds—fast, accurate, and completely card-free.

2. Detailed comparison between the two software types
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Criteria
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Traditional Parking
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Cardless Smart Parking
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Identification method
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Magnetic or barcode card
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AI camera (plate or face recognition)
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Processing speed
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5–10 seconds/vehicle
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2–3 seconds/vehicle
|
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Risk of loss or fraud
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Possible
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Nearly zero
|
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Operating cost
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Cost for printing/replacing cards
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No physical cards – long-term savings
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Accuracy
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85–90% (depends on staff)
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>98% (AI-based automation)
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Security & transparency
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Depends on personnel
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Secure, image-based data storage
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Remote management
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Limited
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Online monitoring & reporting
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User experience
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Must stop and scan card
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Seamless, no waiting time
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3. Advantages and disadvantages of each system
3.1. Traditional parking system
Advantages:
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Lower initial investment cost.
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Easy to implement, suitable for small parking lots.
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Familiar process for users.
Disadvantages:
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Risk of lost cards, vehicle mismatches, or human errors.
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Requires multiple staff per entry lane.
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Longer processing time, congestion during peak hours.
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Limited integration with other management software.
3.2. Cardless parking system
Advantages:
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Automatic plate recognition with near-perfect accuracy.
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Fast processing, ideal for large-scale or high-rise parking lots.
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Reduced staffing needs and lower long-term operating costs.
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Centralized data storage with easy reporting and retrieval.
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Enhances a modern, professional image for businesses.
Disadvantages:
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Higher initial investment.
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Requires high-quality cameras and reliable software for stability.
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However, considering long-term operational efficiency, the cardless model clearly outperforms with automation, manpower reduction, and minimized loss or fraud.
4. Why switch to smart parking software?
Today, many businesses, schools, hospitals, and residential complexes are moving from traditional systems to cardless smart parking software for several reasons:
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Double the efficiency: Entry and exit speed up to 2–3 times faster.
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Maximum safety: License plate and face recognition eliminate fraud.
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Centralized management: Real-time monitoring of revenue, vehicle flow, and system status.
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Ultimate convenience: No cards, no ticket loss, no waiting lines.
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Flexible integration: Connects with access control, ERP, or building management systems.
In an era of rapid urbanization and automation, investing in smart parking software is not just an upgrade—it’s a strategic step toward efficient and sustainable operation.
If you’re managing medium to large-scale parking areas (residential complexes, schools, factories, hospitals, etc.), adopting a cardless smart parking system is a worthy investment.
Meanwhile, for smaller parking areas with fewer vehicles, the traditional model may still suffice in the short term.
However, consider it only a temporary solution, as digital transformation in parking management is becoming the new standard across modern facilities.

5. Comprehensive smart parking solutions from Green Smart
At Green Smart, we develop and deploy the Navi Parking System — an all-in-one smart parking solution integrating the latest technologies:
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AI-based license plate and facial recognition using LPR cameras and Face ID.
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Automatic barrier gates, safety sensors, and LED display panels for live parking status.
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Centralized management software for revenue tracking, reporting, and remote control.
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Outstanding advantages of Green Smart’s solution:
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Fully automated, cardless parking management.
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Reduced operational costs, improved efficiency.
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Scalable architecture for future expansion.
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Flexible integration with ELV, ERP, or building management systems.
Green Smart is not just a technology provider — we are your trusted digital transformation partner, accompanying your business toward modern, efficient, and intelligent parking operations.
📞 Hotline: 0918 647 248
📧 Email: info@greensmart.vn
🌐 Website: www.greensmart.vn