Gate Expectations: Why The Storage Mall Relies on PDK for Cloud-Based Access Control
- ProdataKey
- 16 hours ago
- 5 min read
Security is the foundation of the self storage industry. Customers trust storage operators with valuable belongings, expecting that their property will remain safe and accessible whenever they need it. For companies managing multiple storage facilities across different regions, maintaining that trust requires dependable and scalable security systems. That challenge is especially important for The Storage Mall, a collection of more than sixty storage centers across the Northeast and Midwest United States. As the company continues to grow, it needs a security solution that can adapt to different facility layouts while supporting remote management and efficient operations.
To meet those demands, The Storage Mall partnered with ProdataKey (PDK) and Automated Security to implement a cloud-based access control system focused on flexibility, reliability, and ease of management. Through robust gate controls, durable hardware, and centralized oversight, the company has strengthened security while improving operational efficiency across its expanding portfolio.
The Importance of Safety at The Storage Mall
In self storage, security is often the deciding factor for customers choosing between facilities. Customers want more than simple locks and gates — they want confidence that both they and their belongings are protected. Frank Certo, Vice President of Operations at The Storage Mall, explained how imperative security is to the company’s business model.
“As an operator, I’m trying to attract a discerning customer — someone who cares about their stuff and wants to get it back exactly the way that they put it into the storage unit. The only way you’re going to attract that person is if they have peace of mind knowing that their stuff is safe.” For The Storage Mall, safety is not just about protecting stored items. Customers also need to feel comfortable visiting facilities at all hours, including late evenings when staff may not be present.
“I want my sister, my mother, and my wife to be able to come to the property at 9PM when it’s dark out and know that the place is safe,” Frank reflects. “These are all the things that go through customers’ minds, and ultimately it’s why they choose my location versus others.” Ultimately, protecting life and property is critical for the success of a business like The Storage Mall, which means that a reliable access control system is not just a want, but a need.
The Simple and Strong ProdataKey Solution
To support its growing network of facilities, The Storage Mall implemented ProdataKey access control systems across various locations with the help of Automated Security, a Pennsylvania-based PDK partner. The Storage Mall primarily uses PDK’s Rugged Keypad and Push Button Readers to control gate access and manage entry throughout its facilities. The hardware is designed for outdoor use and built to withstand weather exposure and constant daily traffic. “The readers are great, and they really stand up against the weather and lots of other human factors,” remarks Todd McClure, Director of Business Development at Automated Security and board member of the Maryland and Pennsylvania Self Storage Associations (SSA).
In addition to its durable hardware, PDK’s cloud-based system has led to a simplified onboarding and access management experience for both customers and staff. New customers can receive gate codes remotely without needing to visit a leasing office in person. According to Frank, that flexibility has made the customer experience far more convenient.
“Customers can choose to do their onboarding online or over the phone. As part of their onboarding package, they receive a gate code, which they can set on their own, or just use the default code,” he explains. “It’s so easy to give codes to tenants and managers, and even to the police when needed.”
Frank Certo - Vice President of Operations at The Storage Mall
The ability to issue, update, and revoke credentials remotely helps streamline operations while reducing administrative workload. Managers can quickly respond to customer requests or emergency situations without needing to be physically present at the facility.
The Perfect Fit for Any Self Storage Facility
One of the biggest challenges in the storage industry is that no two facilities are exactly alike. Different properties may have varying numbers of gates, entry points, and operational requirements. “Every storage facility is a snowflake — they’re all unique in their set-up,” explains Todd.
“Each storage facility, especially the ones being acquired by The Storage Mall, is unique. There can be anywhere from zero to four gates, and anywhere from one to twelve building entrance doors. So it’s important to have a flexible access control system that allows us to look at each specific job and figure out exactly where we want our hardware. And with PDK, it’s so easy.”
PDK’s flexibility has allowed The Storage Mall to customize installations based on the needs of each property while still maintaining centralized management across its portfolio. That adaptability is especially valuable as the company acquires additional facilities. New properties can be integrated quickly into a consistent access management strategy without requiring major operational changes.
Frank noted that the transition process has been smooth as more locations adopt the platform. “As we’ve been introducing PDK to more properties, the transition has been great. Todd just went through with four or five of our properties, and we’ll have a bunch more in the future. The ability to be able to troubleshoot and quickly get the system online is a big deal.” This ability to deploy and troubleshoot systems across unique locations quickly reduces downtime and helps ensure a seamless experience for both staff and customers.
The Future of Self Storage Management
Remote management is becoming increasingly important throughout the self storage industry as operators look for ways to manage facilities efficiently while reducing the need for constant on-site staffing. And for The Storage Mall, cloud-based access control has become a key part of that strategy.
“There are more remote stores today that are being actively managed than ever before. I believe it’s the future of self storage,” says Frank. “If I don’t have a manager on-site, I need to be able to access that gate remotely if someone needs help. The ability for our managers to be able to manipulate the gate from the software remotely anywhere they are is incredible.”
With remote access capabilities, managers can assist customers, open gates, and resolve issues from virtually anywhere. This not only improves responsiveness but also supports more efficient staffing across multiple facilities. PDK also provides real-time system alerts and monitoring tools that help operators identify issues quickly. “It’s a very robust system that is so easy to manage off-site. And if there are ever any problems, you get health alerts and instant notifications that help you know what’s going on, and if you need to service stuff you can see exactly what needs to be done,” Todd explains. Those alerts allow managers to address maintenance or equipment concerns before they affect customers, helping maintain reliable operation across distinct locations.
Securing The Storage Mall’s Future with PDK
For The Storage Mall, security has become a critical part of delivering a strong customer experience. Through its partnership with ProdataKey and Automated Security, the company has implemented a flexible and scalable access control solution capable of supporting dozens of facilities across multiple states.
Durable hardware, remote management capabilities, simplified onboarding, and centralized oversight have helped The Storage Mall improve both operational efficiency and customer confidence. At the same time, the flexibility of the PDK platform has allowed the company to adapt the system to the unique needs of each property while supporting continued growth.
If you want to learn more about how ProdataKey could benefit your business, schedule a demo today.
ProdataKey is a team of security integrators with decades of hands-on, in-the-field experience.
PDK believes that the best technology is created by professionals who know what it takes to secure a facility properly and provide the end user with a solution that instills confidence and safety.
PDK is passionate about creating technology to enhance the security, safety, and overall experience of both the professionals installing electronic access control and those that live with and use the system. PDK continues to create technology every day to enhance its products and the products of its technology partners.
