To kick things off…
Tell us a bit about what your role is, your journey inside of the industry and how you got into the self-storage niche.
I am the co-founder and managing director of sedisto, one of the most modern access control systems dedicated to self-storage.
My first contact with self-storage was in 2018 when I was CEO of a company that provided access control to co-working spaces. One night I was driving past a self-storage and saw the doors of the boxes through the big glass windows and was thinking to myself, why shouldn´t we be able to digitise this the same way we have done with co-working spaces?
That’s when the idea was born, and it has proven to be a success ever since!
What is sedisto all about? What do you offer?
We founded sedisto in 2022 after leaving our previous company because we believed self-storage deserved a company fully dedicated to digital access control. At our former company, the focus wasn’t 100% on self-storage, which limited what we could achieve.
sedisto is not only focused on self-storage but also on providing a robust software solution. Our system automates and manages access control for self-storage facilities without requiring proprietary hardware. Instead, we integrate external partners who have been experts in their field for decades.
With this approach, we offer digital access control via app, PIN, NFC, or any other required technology. This allows users to open all entry points, such as gates, doors, and barriers, as well as individual storage units, all digitally.
“We believe that digitisation can elevate the self-storage industry by increasing productivity, enhancing asset value, and, most importantly, improving security.”
What are the main vision and goals for sedisto?
Since launching, we have expanded into six European markets, and our goal is to continue growing across Europe, providing the best digital access solutions to support our customers.
What sets sedisto’s digital access control apart from competitors in the self-storage space?
It’s important to differentiate between older access control systems and modern digital ones.
For older systems that primarily use PIN codes for gate access, our solution offers far more automation and features. For example, overlocking (restricting access due to non-payment) traditionally requires manual intervention from operators. With sedisto, this process is fully automated, eliminating the need for manual handling.
Compared to existing digital access control systems, we believe we offer the most modern software, the largest set of features, and, most importantly, continuous innovation. Our system works both online and offline and includes built-in safeguards to ensure reliability.
Another key differentiator is our commitment to customer service. Our clients have direct access to my personal mobile number, but I still sleep soundly and enjoy my weekends because our system is incredibly reliable. Most issues that arise are related to end users struggling with registration, rather than system malfunctions.
Are there any upcoming innovations or products you’re particularly excited about?
Absolutely! We are always developing new features, and some exciting security enhancements will be unveiled at the Dublin show.😊
One feature we’ve already introduced is an extra security step when remotely opening a door or unit. If an operator attempts to unlock something remotely, they receive a warning that they are not on-site and must confirm the action using their phone’s built-in security features (such as Face ID or fingerprint recognition). This feature is optional and can be enabled or disabled by the operator.
And that’s just the beginning, many more innovations are on the way!
“The next big step is integrating all self-storage systems into one cohesive ecosystem, including intrusion detection, CCTV, HVAC, and more. We are already working on making this a reality!”
How does sedisto balance the user experience for both storage operators and their customers?
User experience is the key to the success of any digital system, and self-storage is no exception.
So far, our focus has been on the end-user app, but we are now enhancing the experience for storage operators as well. Currently, operators have access to a portal where they can view all relevant data at a glance, including whether customers are authorised to enter. If access is denied, the system clearly displays the reason (e.g., overdue payment).
Notifications are also a crucial part of the user experience. Since our system is event-based, we can send alerts via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or push notifications in the app. The scope of these notifications is customisable based on the operator’s preferences.
What does the future hold for you personally and sedisto?
That’s a tough question!
For me personally, sedisto is like our baby, we are committed to growing it. This isn’t a startup we plan to sell; it’s on its way to becoming a major company, and I see myself dedicating my career to it.
One of my greatest joys is interacting with our customers and potential clients. Making them happy is incredibly rewarding. What makes it even better is that we don’t have a typical supplier-client relationship with them; instead, we’ve built true partnerships. Working in this way keeps us all motivated and excited for the future.
A huge thank you to Stefan Scheuerle for sharing his insights on sedisto, his journey in the self-storage industry, and how he is revolutionizing digital access control.
Your dedication to innovation, security, and customer-focused solutions is truly inspiring, we wish you and sedisto continued success in the future!
If you’d like to participate in an interview with us, feel free to get in touch.
