In recent years, the global self-storage market has seen continuous growth. More self-storage locations, including small warehouses, containers and garage parks, are emerging. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for additional storage space, particularly in urban areas with limited living space.
A major trend in the industry is increasing digitalization. Modern self-storage facilities now offer climate-controlled units, advanced security systems and digital access methods. Many facilities have introduced mobile apps that allow customers to manage their storage units and access their stored items remotely.
The company Sedisto offers digital access control as a mobile app for self-storage customers and automates and digitizes access of all kinds for providers of storage buildings and spaces.
A digital solution for accessing self-storage facilities via an app brings significant benefits for both users and operators, but also poses some technical challenges.
The app must offer intuitive handling so that users can access their storage unit without a physical key. A secure process is essential: strong authentication and end-to-end encryption of the data ensure that unauthorized persons cannot gain access.
A common problem in warehouses is a limited mobile phone connection. The app should therefore also be offline-capable so that doors and boxes can be opened using alternative methods such as Bluetooth or NFC. In addition, the entire process must be fast and reliable - access must not take longer than manual opening with a key.
Users no longer need a physical key, they can flexibly share access rights with other people and submit support requests directly via the app. Operators benefit from reduced logistical effort after the initial technology investment. In addition, the central administration enables efficient management of access and direct communication with customers, for example through notifications in the event of a problem.
The mobile app offers users quick and easy access to all booked self-storage providers and storage facilities. Thanks to fast and offline-capable technology, storage facilities can be opened at any time, even when there is no internet connection.
The app uses various mobile technologies for this purpose. Doors can be opened via Bluetooth (BLE) or via web API requests, which increases flexibility and offline functionality. Complex building architectures are clearly displayed, and rough localization provides the user with information on whether the door should already be opened. In addition, the app enables the creation of favorite views, provides comprehensive information on opening times and other access details and allows the temporary transfer of access authorizations to other users with the same app.
Security is enhanced by strong user authentication and biometric processes such as fingerprint and Face ID. All connections are end-to-end encrypted to ensure data security.
Thanks to MWAY's mobile app development, Sedisto's pioneering access solutions can be offered to end customers of packing stations, lockers or storage rooms via mobile device. The technology is already being successfully tested at a storage facility in Pforzheim.
