Self-Storage Business in Peak Condition
Is it possible to run a self storage warehouse efficiently, even when it’s not the owner’s only business activity? It turns out that with the SavvyLockers system, managing a warehouse is as simple as a well laid out workout plan!
About the project
- Client: Mr. Wincenty Furmaniak, owner of self storage VIP BOX
- Location: Lodz, underground parking (section S) in Port Lodz shopping center
- Industry: Self-storage facilities
- Our role: Consulting and implementation of a comprehensive self storage management system
- Site Partner: SilesiaBOX
Thanks to the cooperation with the SavvyLockers team, Mr. Wincenty Furmaniak successfully launched a fully automated self-storage facility, VIP-BOX. This unique location in Lodz is a 100% self-service operation. The warehouse is situated in the underground parking lot of the Port Lodz shopping center, which is owned by IKEA. The facility offers 48 storage boxes ranging in size from 3 to 6 square meters. The entire operation is managed by the comprehensive self-storage management system SavvyLockers.
Our Client
The owner of VIP-BOX is an experienced manager who, nearly 20 years ago, decided to leave the corporate world and start his own business. With a long-standing interest in sports, he began offering services as a personal trainer, a role he continues to perform successfully to this day.
For such an active person, one business is like a light warm-up, so a few years ago, it was time to spread his wings. It started with investing in garages for rent, primarily standard neighborhood garages of 13-15 square meters. By observing his customers’ needs and habits, Mr. Wincenty noticed that they often didn’t store cars there but rather excess possessions that didn’t fit in their apartments. This observation led to the concept for his third business: self-storage.
It took our client about two years to move from idea to implementation. The biggest challenge was finding a suitable location, but “no pain, no gain.” In the end, Mr. Wincenty had the original idea to start a facility in the popular Port Lodz shopping center in Lodz, in its underground parking lot. The trump card of this location is its excellent accessibility and great connection to the city. The client’s analysis also showed that this would be the first self-storage warehouse in Poland located in a shopping center.
While finalizing the premises, Mr. Wincenty began searching for a construction contractor. He chose SilesiaBOX from Siemianowice Slaskie, a company with years of experience in the self-storage market, specializing in the construction of such facilities. SilesiaBOX had collaborated with the SavvyLockers team multiple times, which is how Mr. Wincenty discovered our system.
Challenges Before Implementation
Running three businesses is like an intense cardio workout—it can challenge even the most experienced entrepreneur. So when Mr. Wincenty approached us, we understood that his self-storage warehouse needed to be a straightforward, efficient operation. The strength of this facility would lie in its automation and a well-designed system.
In Our Opinion
The VIP-BOX self-storage facility required a modern and customized approach. Had the client relied on conventional solutions, they would have faced numerous daily challenges:
- Customer Service: Time-consuming processes related to administration, such as signing contracts, issuing invoices, and tracking payments.
- Access Control: Without an automated access control system, managing access would require manual tasks like placing and removing padlocks in cases of non-payment or after payment.
- Reservation and Rental Management: The need for manual tracking of unit availability.
- Reporting: Difficulty in obtaining accurate information on warehouse occupancy and financial status.
The natural choice was to design processes so that everything at VIP-BOX would be automated, making management simple and intuitive—like a well-structured training plan.
According to the customer
“When I decided to open a self-storage facility, I did not initially plan for it to be fully self-service. I learned about the possibility from Mr. Michał Laszczyk of SilesiaBOX, who recommended the SavvyLockers system to me. I must admit, discovering that such a system exists made me very happy. This software could significantly reduce the burden of managing my new business.” – Wincenty Furmaniak
Implementation Process
We were delighted to help and become part of this remarkable project. After understanding the initial requirements, it was time for concrete action. Our primary task was to configure and implement the entire system. We knew that VIP-BOX required a solution to automate all its processes. The SavvyLockers system consists of an Administrator Panel and a User Panel, along with several functional modules, including the most important one—access control. Therefore, we focused on preparing a full, flagship version for our client.
Our Approach
1. Business Requirements Analysis
- We began by discussing all of the client’s needs with them.
- Even during the design phase of the warehouse, we maintained constant contact with the client to discuss all requirements.
2. Component Selection and Implementation of SavvyLockers
- We installed the full package of our system, consisting of the Administrator Panel and the User Panel. The system was enhanced with an Access Control module.
- Additionally, the system was customized and branded in accordance with the logo and colors of the VIP-BOX brand.
3. Testing and Training on Operation
- After completing the construction and installation of the electric locks, we began testing the SavvyLockers system.
- The most important task was to test the control system for the electronic locks.
- We trained the owner on how to use the SavvyLockers system, focusing on operating the entire process of opening and closing the boxes.
According to the Client
“The representatives of SavvyLockers contacted me frequently, visited the site, and were always available to respond to my inquiries. I was never left to handle any problem on my own.” – Wincenty Furmaniak
Functionality of the Implemented Software
As we pointed out earlier, the key to the success of this project was the implementation of the full suite of the SavvyLockers system. This provided the owner with remote control over the warehouse and offered customers convenient access to their storage units.
Implemented Functionalities:
User Panel – A version of the SavvyLockers system designed for box tenants, which handles customer service and allows for unattended rental of self-storage space while providing tenants with many options:
- Booking, Renting, and Managing Boxes Online: Tenants can easily book and manage their storage units through the online platform.
- Opening Doors: Tenants can open the doors of their rented boxes using the “Open” button or by generating one-time codes for the pin pad.
- Online Invoicing and Payment: Tenants can manage their invoices and payments online.
Administrator Panel – A version of the SavvyLockers system designed for self-storage owners and administrators, which automates several responsibilities and facilitates remote business management with features such as:
- Online Contract Signing: Rental contracts can be signed online with an electronic signature certified by Eurocert.
- Automatic Invoicing and Shipping: Invoices are generated automatically and sent online.
- Availability Monitoring and Space Management: Owners can monitor availability and manage space online.
- Automatic Access Control: Electric locks are controlled by the SavvyLockers system.
- Financial and Operational Reporting: Generation of detailed financial and operational reports.
- Tenant Management: Comprehensive tenant management features.
- Automatic Email Communication: Includes payment reminders, payment links, and instructions for tenants after renting a box.
Results After Implementation
In Our Opinion
The implementation of the SavvyLockers system at VIP-BOX was a success. The client received exactly what they needed—an automated, intuitive system that manages the warehouse operations. The owner of VIP-BOX can continue to focus on personal training and other aspects of his business, while SavvyLockers handles the rest. This makes warehouse management as straightforward as exercising with light dumbbells—easy to do, but highly beneficial.
Outcome: The result is a 100% self-service storage facility, where customers can rent boxes entirely online without needing to contact staff. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first facility of its kind in Poland operating within a shopping center.
According to the client
Summary
The implementation of the modern self-storage management software, SavvyLockers, provides significant benefits to both warehouse operators and their customers. In the case of VIP-BOX, it has enabled the owner to manage multiple businesses without unnecessary burdens or the need to hire additional employees. Tenants have gained access to modern storage units that they can rent with ease and convenience.
American sportsman Jerry Rice once said, “Today I will do what other’s won’t, so tomorrow I will do what others can’t“. This quote embodies the spirit of innovation and proactive management. By streamlining your operations today with the SavvyLockers system, you can gain a competitive edge and become a leader in your field. If you want to enhance the management of your self-storage facility, improve its operations, or are exploring new business opportunities, contact us today. We are eager to answer all your questions.
Along with our customer, we invite you to VIP-BOX. https://vip-box.pl/
