How Parqio Hacks Parking Space Management in Norway

Our team is proud to be part of transforming the way parking spaces work across the whole of Norway and soon the rest of the world, thanks to Parqio and the sharing economy. As the founder of the software development company Voypost, I'm always drawn to projects that challenge industries. Parqio, a mobile app revolutionizing parking space sharing, is one such project. Taking inspiration from the likes of Airbnb and Uber, Parqio's innovative mobile app is changing the way people rent out parking spaces and garages.

Today, I invite you behind-the-scenes as I share insights into our collaboration with an environmentally friendly, cheap, and very convenient solution Parqio.

Parqio Background

When Parqio started on their mission to revolutionize parking space management, they faced a few challenges: launch their app fast to validate the idea on the market, implement third-party integrations, test and enhance UX/UI design. It was a daunting task that required a strategic development partner with relevant expertise to help them navigate the mentioned complexities of API, web & mobile app development. Here’s where Parqio started searching for a reliable development team and came across a Berlin-based company, Voypost.

Voypost enters the game

In November 2020 our team entered the game. There was literally only the idea Parqio C-level had. Ketil Hoigaard (Co-Founder, CEO), Henrik Printz Aamlid (Co-Founder, COO) and Nicholas Kristoffersen, Parqio's ex-CTO shared the vision of how to simplify access to parking spaces, as well as provide an opportunity to rent or lend them. But to make it most convenient for users, automation was needed.

For us, the main goal was to turn the vision into reality. We committed to launch an MVP within less than 6 months and deliver high-quality, scalable, easily supported, standardized codebase. With the collaboration initially beginning with just 1 dedicated developer, the Parqio team quickly expanded to include 4 developers from Voypost after a successful MVP launch and a great product demand in the Norwegian market. Currently, we continue working closely with CTO Benjamin Ochoa and Henrik Printz Aamlidto to drive quality-of-life improvements such as voice interfaces and mobile-friendly guest access tools with 3 developers and 1 project manager engaged with the product.

Tech Magic: The Nuts and Bolts of Functionality

The product ecosystem consists of 4 main technical aspects.

1. Parqio API is bridging all parts of the Parqio ecosystem. It’s written in Node.js and PostgreSQL which is shared for all apps & devices listed below.

   
   

2. Web app called Parqio Admin App to configure the functionality of gates and control access (add/remove residents, grant different access levels to a garage), add gates. This admin panel is built using React.js.

   
   

3. Cross-platform Parqio App is used for residents and visitors to open gates, share spaces, find services in the neighborhood, and add automatic gate opening. It uses React Native to be accessible both for iOS/Android users.

   
   

4. ParqioBox is a customized IoT device that connects to the garage door controller, somewhat like a router, which connects physical garage door management with Parqio Admin and the Parqio App. It is based on Linux/Bash, its firmware uses С/С++. The device logic is written using Node.js and Python integrated into the final firmware version.

   
   

The journey began with the creation of an MVP, offering a simple design and essential features. Later on, we helped Parqio implement advanced functionality such as:

• Siri Intent Integration to open doors with voice commands
• Geofences and mobile push notifications for location-aware prompts to open gates
• Mapbox integration and live location display Integrating with several 3rd party services such as
• Twilio and Intercom
• Custom firmware for Raspberry Pi-based hardware with 4G LTE compatibility
• Further developing Parqio API for internal and external use, including custom integrations with several Parqio partners
• iBeacon and Ultra Wide-Band POCs

Currently, Parqio cooperates with several partners and allows even more potential suppliers to integrate easily into their system.

Results in Numbers

Henrik Printz Aamlid says: "I’m glad to share my feedback on the partnership with Voypost to make their team shine in this article. The app developed by Voypost has reached around 30.000 users since its launch. The team is very communicative, and they work hard to deliver quality products on time. We are very happy with our collaboration and how they continuously find new ways to add value.”

Parqio's performance speaks for itself. Within a year after launch, they acquired more than 60 locations and garnered over 5,000 users. Their partnership with OBOS, Norway's largest property developer, and the investment from OBOS and Construct Venture among others, totaling over $3.5 million investment, further validate their success. The company now has its sights set on expanding within the Nordic region and beyond.

Anna, Parqio’s dedicated Project Manager, shared her thoughts on the collaboration:

“It's an incredible experience to work on Parqio and witness a huge transformation: from the early days when it was just an idea, to nowadays, with over 200 locations launched. Our teamwork and agile methodologies of Parqio management, based on product and people-first values, help us achieve all the expected goals and milestones. I'm excited to continue our cooperation and observe the next level of product development because there are a lot of plans for the future.”

Sum up

Parqio's journey is a story of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering belief that great things can be achieved. With Voypost's support, they have achieved remarkable results and are poised for further growth. As Parqio expands its footprint across Europe, it remains a shining example of how technology can revolutionize traditional industries and create new opportunities in the sharing economy.