Self-storage technology firms SiteLink and OpenTech Alliance Inc. have arranged an integration between two of their products to facilitate automated gate access. Sitelink’s cloud-based facility-management software now integrates with the API (application program interface) for OpenTech’s INSOMNIAC CIA (centralized intelligent access solution). The goal is to eliminate any issues that might occur at the entrance gate when a facility’s computer is offline, according to a press release.

“The cloud-based integration between SiteLink and CIA ensures tenants will never be locked out at the gate because of an issue with a PC in the office,” said Markus Hecker, chief client advocate for SiteLink. “This integration also addresses issues with PC-based systems to ensure all data is encrypted.”

The encryption adds a layer of security to protect data stored as plain text in PC-based systems. “By utilizing our secure, cloud-based infrastructure to transfer personally identifiable information between systems, we protect self-storage operators from risk,” said Jon Loftin, vice president and IoE (Internet of Everything) product owner at OpenTech. “Tenants absolutely hate getting stuck behind the gate, so by removing the office PC from the equation, we make the process much more reliable, which results in happy tenants.”

INSOMNICA CIA was the first module released on the OpenTech IoE platform, which now includes Alexa, call-center and HVAC integrations.

Phoenix-based OpenTech provides self-storage kiosks, call-center services and other technology. The company offers several models of INSOMNIAC self-serve kiosks as well as a range of self-storage rental solutions including the INSOMNIAC Live! Call Center, INSOMNIAC Online Web and mobile applications, LiveAgent! software products, and the INSOMNIAC ILock Security System, all available through the company's self-storage cloud.

Founded in Raleigh, N.C., in 1996, SiteLink offers cloud- and Windows-based self-storage management software as well as built-in, in-house payment processing. Its software integrates with dozens of technology partners’ services including call centers, insurance, kiosks, mobile devices, websites and other platforms. Sitelink was acquired in March by online self-storage marketplace SpareFoot.