Improving Self Storage Installations: 3 Security Tips from ProdataKey
- ProdataKey
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Installing access control in a self storage facility isn’t just about getting doors online—it’s about building a secure, scalable system that works with the property today and adapts for the future. From retrofits to new builds, the right installation approach can save time, money, and headaches down the road.
This article dives into installation advice from a self storage expert: Todd McClure, board member of the Maryland and Pennsylvania Self Storage Associations (SSA), and Director of Business Development at Automated Security.
Develop an Informed Installation Plan
Before technicians arrive on-site to complete an install, it’s important to develop a comprehensive and well-informed installation plan. In particular, Todd urges integrators to pay attention to the wiring that they plan to use. “When you hear ‘low voltage’, a lot of people automatically think of Cat5 wiring. That’s definitely the most well-known low voltage cabling, but it’s not the only one,” Todd explains. “In reality, there is a lot of other low voltage wiring, and it’s so important to make sure you’re using the right gauge and conductors.” If integrators develop an initial plan around the correct hardware and wiring, they can avoid unnecessary time and money spent on fixing mistakes later down the road.
A clear plan is especially important for retrofit installations, where integrators are working with existing infrastructure. In these cases, Todd encourages technicians to verify that the wiring in particular is in good shape: “It’s so important to make sure that your wiring is in good condition, especially for retrofit installs. That's where we see a lot of failure points when swapping out systems and upgrading the hardware.”
By thoughtfully selecting the correct wiring and aligning hardware choices with the realities of the job site, integrators can prevent common failure points before they happen.
Prioritize Integrated Systems
An access control system is strengthened when integrated with additional security and management tools, allowing users to manage life and property from multiple angles. Many self-storage facilities utilize management tools that help them coordinate tenant information, payments, and more. “I’d recommend that integrators look into whether the security system interfaces with the customer’s self storage property management software,” Todd explains. “For example, if the security and management systems are synced, the tenants can be locked out if their credit card payment doesn't go through.”
With an Open API and a large database of available integrations on PDK.io, ProdataKey empowers partners to create the perfect integrated systems for their customers. Additionally, through ProdataKey’s integration with Zapier, the no-code integration builder, integrators can utilize a database of 8,000+ integrations that take security and business management to the next level.
Prepare for Expansion
Flexibility is one of the most valuable aspects of PDK’s access control solution—and it is particularly important in self storage spaces, where facilities often grow to meet increasing storage demands.
“At the end of the day, PDK is a really scalable and affordable option. You can use different sized controllers for those self storage buildings, and then expand as the customers’ property expands."
Todd McClure
This flexible scalability allows self storage facilities to build a security system at their own pace. Whether a facility is adding more doors or opening new locations, PDK offers simple hardware and software scalability that empowers self storage facilities to keep up with long-term changes.
Smarter Security for Self Storage
Successful access control installations in self storage environments require more than just technical expertise—they demand thoughtful planning, smart integrations, and a future-ready mindset. By developing an informed installation plan, prioritizing integrated systems, and preparing for expansion from the start, integrators can use ProdataKey to deliver long-term value to their customers.
