Challenge
Smile Parking offers unique parking services at Václav Havel Airport in Prague, allowing travelers to drop off and pick up their cars directly at the airport for the price of an external carpark; no shuttles, no delays. Originally, their workflow depended on having staff physically present 24/7 to handle key exchanges. While this model ensured service availability, it was costly, inefficient, and difficult to scale.
As the COVID-19 pandemic began, the need for a safer, contactless process became urgent. Smile Parking recognized that their service model had to evolve to meet new customer expectations while preserving the reliability that set them apart.
“Before COVID, we used to hand over or take over the car keys ourselves. Due to the pandemic, we looked for a more convenient and contactless solution — that’s how we found Keycafe.”
Pain Points
- 24/7 Staffing Demands: Required continuous staff presence just to handle key exchanges.
- Limited Flexibility: Manual operations constrained their ability to grow and adapt.
- Pandemic Response: Urgent need for a contactless system to meet safety expectations.
Solution
To meet these challenges head-on, Smile Parking installed Keycafe’s SmartBox system across from their airport office. Using Keycafe’s API to integrate with their own online check-in and check-out platform, they created an automated process that eliminates the need for in-person handoffs.
The solution not only gave customers a secure and convenient way to hand off keys at any time, but also allowed Smile Parking to optimize operations behind the scenes. Their team could now track key activity in real time and adjust workflows as needed, all without being tied to a physical location.
Implementation
- Digital Check-In: Customers complete an online form about their vehicle before drop-off.
- Secure Drop-Off & Pick-Up: SmartBoxes enable 24/7 self-serve access using unique codes.
- Staff Alerts: Team members are notified when keys are deposited and retrieved.
- Backend Integration: Smile Parking’s custom platform syncs with Keycafe for real-time updates.
“The Keycafe integration was very simple. Customer support was always available, and we were able to connect the system with our platform in no time.”
Result
With Keycafe, Smile Parking transitioned from a labor-heavy operation to a smart, tech-enabled process that supports continuous service, even during a global crisis. The system enabled them to stay open when competitors had to pause operations, thanks to contactless interactions and reliable access.
“The biggest benefit is definitely being able to provide our services non-stop, 365 days a year, 24 hours per day, without actually having to have staff on site.”
The benefits extended beyond operational continuity. Smile Parking gained better visibility into key activity, which allowed them to optimize space usage and improve planning. Customers enjoyed a smoother, more secure handoff process - and the brand reputation strengthened as a result.
The Outcome
- Reduced Labor Costs: Staff no longer needed on-site 24/7.
- Pandemic Resilience: Maintained operations with a safe, contactless solution.
- Operational Visibility: Real-time updates improved planning and resource use.
- Improved Customer Experience: Travelers benefit from a fast, secure key handoff.
