Benefits of access control systems for your storage facility

A good access control system is the backbone of every modern self storage location. It provides not only security, but also convenience for both the operator and the tenant. In this article we explain why modern access control is essential, what types of systems exist, how to choose the right one and what the implementation costs and returns.

Safety first

With electronic access control, you know exactly who has had access to your location and when. Every access attempt is logged in an audit trail, giving you full control over your property. Combined with camera integration, you have a watertight security system that prevents unauthorised access and makes incident reconstruction possible after the fact.

Insurers increasingly grant discounts on contents insurance premiums when you have a certified access control system. Some self storage operators report up to 20% lower insurance costs after switching from physical locks to electronic access control. In addition, theft demonstrably decreases: without physical keys that can be copied, and with live monitoring, intruders have no chance of going unnoticed.

24/7 access without staff

Thanks to smart access systems like MyLock, your customers can reach their storage unit day and night. Via an app, PIN code or magnetic card, they easily gain access without staff needing to be present. This significantly increases service quality: tenants no longer need to take opening hours into account and can flexibly retrieve or store their belongings.

Experience shows that 30-40% of access moments fall outside office hours. With an unmanned access system you clearly differentiate yourself from traditional storage providers and align with the modern consumer expectation of always-on service.

Automatic integration with bookings

When you connect MyYounit to an access control system, everything is handled automatically. With a new booking, the customer immediately gets access. When the contract ends, access is automatically revoked. No more forgotten key returns, no manual closure checks, no risk of fraudulent access codes.

Temporary suspensions — for example in case of payment arrears — are also fully automated. When a tenant fails to respond after three payment reminders, the system independently blocks access until the outstanding invoice is paid. This boosts collection results without adding workload for managers.

Flexible access methods

Not every customer wants to install an app. That's why modern systems offer multiple options: app, PIN code, GSM, RFID tag or keycard. This ensures that everyone can access their unit in a convenient way. For business customers with multiple employees, RFID is often ideal, while consumers usually prefer the convenience of a PIN or app.

Advanced systems also support temporary access codes for visitors or delivery services, without the tenant having to share their own access. Think of a moving company that needs access for one day, or a logistics partner picking up goods.

Cost savings

By automating access control, you structurally save on staffing costs. Your location can run completely unmanned, while you still maintain full control via the MyYounit dashboard. An average self storage location saves 30,000 to 50,000 euros in labour costs per year through this.

In addition, the need for a physical key management system is eliminated, as well as the operational costs of replacing lost keys or cylinders. With MyLock, reissuing access takes just a few clicks in the management portal — a far cry from calling out a locksmith.

What types of access control are there?

The market offers roughly four categories for self storage:

• PIN code systems: cheap to acquire, easy to manage. Drawback: codes can be shared.
• RFID/keycards: fixed tag per tenant, low operational complexity. Suitable for business segments.
• App-based (Bluetooth/cloud): no extra hardware for the tenant, enables remote management. The modern standard.
• Electronic locks per unit (such as MyLock): a dedicated cloud-controlled lock per unit. Highest security level plus per-unit audit logging.

For most modern locations a combination is strongest: app-based access for the gate and entrance, plus electronic locks on individual units. That gives you layered security.

GDPR and privacy

Access logs are personal data under GDPR. Make sure your system meets the necessary requirements: encryption, limited retention periods (typically 90 days) and clear privacy clauses in your rental agreement. MyYounit and MyLock comply with these requirements by default, with adjustable retention periods per location and a built-in processor register.

Read more in our GDPR checklist for self storage for a full overview of privacy obligations regarding access data, camera footage and tenant information.

The ROI: when does it pay off?

An investment in modern access control typically pays for itself within a few years. The largest savings come from staffing costs, insurance premiums and operational incidents. It also improves tenant retention and satisfaction through superior service quality.

Want a concrete calculation for your situation? Try our ROI calculator and see within 2 minutes what MyYounit and MyLock can mean for your location.