INSOMNIAC® SmartLock™ Sets New Benchmarks for Electronic Locks for Self Storage:  6+ Year Battery Life, IP56 Rating and Lowest Total Cost to Own

Image of Electronic Locks for Self Storage with callouts highlighting their 6+ years of battery life and new IP56 rating.

OpenTech’s electronic locks for self storage have achieved an unprecedented IP56 rating for resistance to dust and water with projections to save operators costs over the lifetime of the system. Storage King shares its thoughts on a pilot of the automated locking solution, including how it has improved unit access control and security at a local self storage facility.

OpenTech Alliance Introduces Two New Cost-Effective Storage Kiosk Models 

Image of OpenTech's new cost-effective storage kiosks, the 80 and 200 kiosk.

OpenTech Alliance announced the release of two new full-service self storage kiosk models — the INSOMNIAC® 80 and 200. Among the lowest-priced INSOMNIAC kiosks available, these new models help operators meet every tenant face-to-face while managing their facilities remotely. These cost-effective storage kiosks offer unparalleled value, security and flexibility and are available now.

5 Operational Benefits of Self Storage Kiosks

Graphics kiosk 5OpBenefits Feb2024 Blog Image

Self-service kiosks have been an integral part of self storage for 20+ years, with dozens of features and software fine-tuned to specifically serve the self storage industry. Learn five ways they help operators streamline, simplify and support vital customer service tasks.

OpenTech Alliance Launches Online Storage Auction App for StorageTreasures Bidders

Graphics PR StorageTreasuresAppLaunch JAN2024 1 Blog Image copy

The new StorageTreasures online storage auction app for bidders promises to engage and streamline the online auction experience for storage auction buyers and drive higher lien recovery for operators. The app includes new features for the platform to engage bidders and increase auction participation, such as real-time notifications and enhanced mobile searching.

From Keyholes to Keycodes: The History of Electronic Locks for Self Storage Facilities 

Read the blog to hear the history of electronic locks for self storage.

Locking solutions have had different implications for both self storage operators and tenants over the years, including convenience, security, and potential operational impact. Follow along as this article uncovers the history of electronic locks for self storage, including their evolution, current strengths and pitfalls, and potential applications for your portfolio to consider.

Safe Store Upgrades Access Control: OpenTech Alliance Makes Historic Debut in Australasia Self Storage with INSOMNIAC® CIA

INSOMNIAC CIA access control installed at first Australasia facility at Safe Store in Pakuranga, New Zealand.

OpenTech is pleased to announce the success of the first INSOMNIAC® CIA access control system in Australasia. The implementation of the cloud-based access control system, in partnership with Safe Store, marks a critical moment in the industry’s local technological evolution. “CIA has become a set it and forget it part of our operation — we just don’t think about it. I don’t think we’ve spoken to support now in over a month or more for anything,” said Aaron Alsweiler, CEO of Safe Store.

OpenTech Alliance Introduces New Call Center Service: INSOMNIAC® Live! Rent Now

Graphics PR Blog Graphics RentNow 2023 Blog Image

OpenTech Alliance launches its latest call center solution, INSOMNIAC Live! Rent Now. This service allows self storage customers to complete full rentals over the phone with Live! Storage Counselors, providing a seamless and efficient rental experience for new tenants and improving conversion rates for storage operators.

OpenTech Alliance Celebrates 20 Years of Self Storage Technology Innovation

OpenTech celebrates 20 years in self storage technology

OpenTech Alliance announced its 20th anniversary celebrating continuous growth, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the self storage industry. At the end of July, the company celebrated two decades of effort to transform the landscape of self storage technology, and the countless industry partnerships that made it all possible.

OpenTech Alliance Integrates with storEDGE Software by Storable to Enhance Self Storage Kiosk Software

Graphics StorEdge Kiosk K3 NewIntegration July2023 Blog

OpenTech Alliance announced a new integration with storEDGE software by Storable, a leading technology partner in the industry. See how OpenTech’s new self storage kiosk software works with storEDGE facility management software (FMS) to introduce enhancements such as seamless lease management with esign, an advanced driver’s license scanner to improve data entry accuracy, and the addition of wayfinding maps to ensure a successful customer journey.

Stor365 Implements Remote Monitoring Solution to Enhance Self Storage Security and Improve the Tenant Experience

Stor365 enhances security monitoring with self storage AI service

OpenTech Alliance has helped growing operator Stor365 stop break-ins at its rural facility in Lima, OH after they faced a string of 75 incidents in three short months. INSOMNIAC® SmartEye now protects the 15-acre remote property with proactive security monitoring to prevent theft, property damage and loitering after-hours. Victor Diaz, Co-Owner and Co-Founder and Founder, says the solution has saved their operation valuable costs from ongoing repairs, lost rent and a damaged reputation, and raised their profile to the most secure storage facility in the area.

Self Storage Kiosks vs. The Mobile Myth

Can a mobile phone beat a self storage kiosk?

Can the mobile device in your pocket really compare to a self storage kiosk? As mobile technology has become a go-to resource for consumers and businesses alike, self storage operators have asked: “Why should I have a kiosk when a person can do everything from their phone?” Jon Loftin, SVP of Product at OpenTech Alliance, breaks down some of the most common myths about mobile customer service at your self storage facility.

3 Mile Storage Management Saves $4K Per Month in Payroll with Remote Manager

3 Mile Storage Management Saves with Remote Managers

OpenTech Alliance expanded its partnership with 3 Mile Storage Management to help the company save an average of $4,000 per month in payroll costs with Remote Manager. In July 2022, after trying for over a year to manage customer calls internally, 3 Mile transitioned all managed sites to Remote Manager to save on customer service costs, improve the tenant experience and free internal staff to focus on other revenue-driving activities.

A Case for Convenience: Customer Service Innovation in Self Storage

Kiosks, remote customer service and more to support your self storage operation

The Digital Era has afforded us many modern luxuries. Now, most of us don’t think twice about scanning a QR code at a restaurant, chatting with a bot for customer service, or ordering our groceries online. This technology has changed our lives for the better, introducing a new level of convenience that simply wasn’t there before. Now, it’s also changing the way we work. If you manage a self storage facility, it’s time to consider how digital tech could optimize your workplace, improve employee morale, and completely transform the customer experience.

Red, Yellow and Green Lights: Good for Stoplights, Bad for Self Storage Keypads

Blog RedYellowGreen CIA Feb2022 Blog

Red means stop, yellow means caution, and green means go (or hit the accelerator and hurry up!). The traffic light or stoplight was patented in 1910 by Earnest Sirrine, but we all understand what the colors mean when approaching a stoplight. That is an example of an ideal user experience. Similarly, self storage keypads play a big role in providing an ideal CX for your tenants.

Self Storage Legislation Update Part 3: New Changes to Lien Laws

Self Storage Legislation Update Part 3 | OpenTech Alliance

See new changes to self storage legislation in Texas and Louisiana that impact lien laws. Don’t add the liability of a wrongful lien sale to your storage operation. Read the article today to learn what changes have been passed into law and how they will impact your self storage business in 2021 and beyond.

Self Storage Legislation Update Part 2: More Changes to Your Self Storage Lien Laws

Legislative Update 2 Self Storage Lien Law

Legislative efforts are currently in motion in more than half the nation’s states that may impact self storage lien laws. Stay up-to-date on critical changes that impact your self storage business to avoid the risks associated with a wrongful lien sale. Read more for upcoming changes that will impact operations in Alabama, Kansas and Virgina.

OpenTech Alliance Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Adigma, LLC

PR AdigmaLOI CAS Apr2021 Blog

OpenTech Alliance has entered into an agreement to acquire Adigma, LLC, a leading digital marketing and technology company in the Silicon Slopes tech hub of Utah. The transaction is projected to close in the next 45 days. The principals at Adigma have notably contributed to the success of industry leaders like Extra Space Storage (EXR), National Storage Affiliates (NSA), SmartStop and more.

Self Storage Legislation Update: Changes to Your Self Storage Lien Laws

How will storage auctions online change with these new storage lien laws in select states? Read more below | OpenTech Alliance

Legislative efforts are currently in motion in 27 states that may impact self storage lien laws. With the risks associated with a wrongful lien sale, it is critical to understand what efforts are in place and how they will impact your self storage business. Read more for upcoming changes that might apply to your state.

Self Storage Security Systems: Extra Space Invests in INSOMNIAC® SmartEye

Explore INSOMNIAC SmartEye features to see how our self storage security system can work for you! | OpenTech

OpenTech Alliance announced a strategic partnership with Extra Space Storage to reduce security threats at high-risk facilities. INSOMNIAC SmartEye, OpenTech’s highly effective security solution that leverages artificial intelligence and professional monitoring services to detect, intercept and prevent crime, has played an integral role in reducing incidents at these locations.

How Metro Self Storage Uses Online Storage Auctions & Review Services

See how you can use online storage auctions to help recuperate costs | OpenTech

StorageTreasures, LLC expanded their relationship with Metro Storage LLC (dba Metro Self Storage) to refine and reduce risk at every stage of the lien sale process. The veteran company has conducted auctions online since 2015 and leveraged an auction review service to minimize lien sale liability for nearly 10 years.

B&C Storage Upgrades Access Control to Support Remote Rentals

B&C Storage Store Front

OpenTech Alliance helped growing operator B&C Storage upgrade access control across their portfolio with INSOMNIAC CIA. With a varied portfolio that offers every type of storage and a changing business model that favors remote management from a central location, they needed an access control solution that could help them deliver a seamless customer experience.

OpenTech Makes Security Monitoring Affordable for Storage Operators of All Sizes

SmartEye PR

OpenTech Alliance announced expanded INSOMNIACTM SmartEye security services with a new highly-affordable self-monitoring package.With monthly monitoring costs starting at just $25 per monitored camera, storage operators are now able to protect their employees, tenants and assets with the help of remote video access and active incident alerts.

OpenTech Adds Water Sensor Integration to IoE Platform

Water Sensor PR

OpenTech Alliance announced a new water sensor integration for their intelligent platform of smart-connected self storage solutions, the OpenTech IoE (Internet of Everything). The new integration helps operators find water leaks on their storage property to prevent significant damage to their facility and loss of customer goodwill from the destruction of tenant belongings.

Storage Operator Invests in Kiosks to Safeguard Operation Long-Term

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OpenTech Alliance has partnered with Maryland-based Self Storage Services, Inc. over the past 10 years to ensure they’re always open for business. The product that has proven vital to their operations during the current pandemic, and one they anticipate will be key to future success, are OpenTech’s INSOMNIACTM self-service kiosks.

OpenTech Releases PTI Keypad Integration

PTIIntegration IoE Apr2020 Blog

OpenTech Alliance announced the launch a new PTI keypad integration that allows operators to connect existing PTI® Apex or VP keypads to INSOMNIAC CIA. The integration to INSOMNIAC CIA grants operators access to the IoE Control Center and eliminates the computer problems and never-ending software updates that they experience with older PC-based solutions.

OpenTech Offers Online Rental Tool at No Cost

Graphics OnlineRentalsCVOffer SaaS Mar2020 Blog

OpenTech Alliance announced it will provide its online rental software to self storage operators to rent units when their office is closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The software can be quickly embedded in a storage operators’ website and be available to rent units immediately. The e-commerce platform, INSOMNIAC Online, is available to storage operators free for 6 months.*