Karabo and SKIDATA partner to drive value for clients
DEC. 2023
As an innovative and future-facing company, Karabo prides itself on providing a bespoke, turnkey parking management solution to its clients. Maximising parking revenue and minimising on-site problems for landlords are clear priorities.
“We achieve this through coupling our expert understanding of parking operations with hands-on management, top-quality parking technology and constantly striving for 5-star customer service,” says
Hannes Botha, CEO of Karabo Parking Management.
“If we discover that the equipment and technology which has been purchased by our clients - or which we have purchased on their behalf – is not reliable, and that back-up services and after-sales maintenance and support are not aligned with our service agreement, we act fast.
“We hold our equipment supplier responsible for excellent service delivery that complements Karabo’s efforts as the parking operator, as well as our client’s operation.
"Outstanding service delivery is integral to retaining current contracts, and creates the opportunity to secure future business, which is a win-win for both Karabo and its equipment supplier.”
Hannes Botha
CEO of Karabo Parking Management
Karabo on-boards SKIDATA
In its efforts to ensure that valued clients do not find their brand value compromised by malfunctioning parking equipment and poor call-out response times, Karabo is now working more closely than ever with SKIDATA, the Austrian Access and Management Technology company based in Salzburg. The two companies have been working together for some time at The Firs in Rosebank, Oceans Mall in Umhlanga, Brooklyn Pavilion and Mediclinic Medforum in Pretoria.
Recently, Karabo approached SKIDATA to be its preferred parking technology provider at yet another client’s site – Limpopo Mall in Polokwane.
“When we encounter challenges,” says Botha, “it’s how we handle them that defines us. As an independent parking management company, we’re highly agile and decided to on-board SKIDATA at speed.”
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Limpopo Mall parking entrance
Derek Morris of SKIDATA
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Devising optimal solutions for clients
Derek Morris, External Professional Sales Consultant for SKIDATA in South Africa, says that he and Botha have established a culture of trust over many years and that the two companies share a ‘can do’ attitude. Their joint aim is to create the ‘best design solution for a client, at the best possible price, and offering the best delivery terms’.
“At Limpopo Mall we replaced the existing parking equipment and system network within three days to ensure no loss of revenue for Limpopo Mall. The new SKIDATA solution was commissioned by Karabo on behalf of the client, and we trained the Karabo team fully
on the technology and its new features.”
SKIDATA’s technicians need to meet the Austrian company’s rigorous technical and customer service standards. Morris notes that the company keeps an extensive inventory of necessary spare parts in South Africa to ensure that equipment can be repaired or replaced speedily and with minimum downtime. SKIDATA’S 24-hour help desk is also well-managed and super-responsive, says Morris.
A professional and collaborative relationship
“With parking sites under management across seven provinces, all of which are very busy and many of which offer critical medical services, we must be sure that our suppliers are 100% reliable and responsive,” Botha emphasises. “Quality parking services require exceptionally professional and collaborative relationships between the parking operator and the technology supplier. This is the relationship we have with SKIDATA, and we look forward to building on it in 2024.”