OpenTech & SteelBlue Form Strategic Partnership

OpenTech Alliance, a leader in self storage proptech, has announced a new strategic partnership with SteelBlue, premier manufacturer of roll-up doors for self-storage facilities. The collaboration is designed to streamline the installation of OpenTech’s INSOMNIAC SmartLock^® electronic locks, saving operators time and money while enhancing consistency and performance.

As part of the partnership, self storage operators can now order SteelBlue doors pre-punched in the manufacturing process to support any of OpenTech’s three patented SmartLock models. This reduces labor costs, eliminates installation errors, and accelerates the deployment of self storage electronic locks.

“This collaboration with SteelBlue simplifies everything! Our mutual customers save time and money on installation and ensure a smooth experience for tenants,” said Robert A. Chiti, CEO of OpenTech Alliance. “We applaud SteelBlue for being open and willing to work with all locking vendors so their customers have the freedom of choice. Door companies that only support one locking vendor are not doing what is in the best interest of their customer.”

Key Benefits for Self Storage Operators:

• Pre-punched doors = seamless SmartLock install. SteelBlue doors will arrive pre-drilled to spec, eliminating guesswork in the field.
• SmartLocks ship direct to the facility, ensuring proper labeling, quick application, and zero shipping damage.
• Install time and labor costs drop significantly—saving an average of three minutes per door, while also improving quality and consistency.
• Improved customer experience: Precise placement ensures SmartLocks function flawlessly, boosting security and first impressions for tenants.

The move represents a shared commitment by OpenTech and SteelBlue to deliver best-in-class self storage solutions with a personal touch. Both companies pride themselves on their reputation for service, integrity, and responsiveness.

“This is more than a partnership; it’s a commitment to improving how self storage electronic locks are delivered and deployed,” said Rich Saginaw, President and CEO of SteelBlue. “Whether operators choose SmartLocks from OpenTech or other lock solutions, we’re focused on making the process faster and easier and the quality more reliable for all our customers.”

See It First at ISS World Expo

This integrated solution will debut at the Inside Self Storage (ISS) World Expo in Las Vegas on April 23–24. Attendees can visit the SteelBlue booth (#1113) to see pre-punched doors fitted with OpenTech’s SmartLocks and experience firsthand how the new process improves efficiency and installation quality. To see how the SmartLocks work, operators should visit

OpenTech at booth #814.

To learn more:

OpenTech

steelBlue