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How SteelBlue and OpenTech Alliance Solved Self-Storage's $10 Million Problem
A few months ago, we announced our strategic partnership with OpenTech Alliance to deliver pre-punched doors for seamless installation of their INSOMNIAC SmartLocks. But we never shared the full story of why this partnership matters and how it's solving real problems for self-storage operators. Here's the inside look at what we built together.
The Problem Every Installer Knows
Installing smart locks after door installation requires precise measurement, careful drilling, and perfect alignment. One mistake costs time, money, and customer satisfaction.
Unlike traditional locks and latches that we typically pre-install at our manufacturing plant, OpenTech's INSOMNIAC SmartLocks require field installation with positioning accurate to fractions of millimeters. This creates opportunities for installation errors that are more prevalent than you’d expect.
The challenge? Field conditions aren't ideal for precision work. Heat, time pressure, and varying skill levels can lead to misaligned holes, rework, and frustrated installation crews.
Factory Precision Meets Field Installation
When in discussions with OpenTech Alliance about pre-punching doors for their INSOMNIAC SmartLock model S, we immediately saw the opportunity to eliminate field guesswork.
Our Georgetown, KY manufacturing facility already produces doors with extremely tight tolerances in controlled conditions. By adapting our processes to accommodate OpenTech's exact specifications, we could bring factory precision to a product that requires field installation.
Now SteelBlue doors can arrive pre-drilled to exact specifications for the aforementioned OpenTech SmartLock model S. Installation crews get perfectly positioned holes every time, eliminating the guesswork and potential for error.
How It Works
The process is simple and seamless:
Step 1: Order SteelBlue 9530 Series doors pre-punched for your OpenTech SmartLock model S when placing your door order.
Step 2: SmartLocks ordered through OpenTech Alliance ship directly to your facility with proper labeling and zero shipping damage.
Step 3: Install with confidence, knowing everything will align perfectly.
Why This Partnership Makes Sense
At SteelBlue, we've always believed in giving operators choice. While some door manufacturers lock customers into single-vendor relationships, we work with all major locking vendors so customers have the freedom to choose what's best for their facilities.
This partnership with OpenTech Alliance represents our commitment to solving real industry problems through collaboration, not vendor lock-in.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Questions about pre-punched doors for your next project? Contact our team via any method listed below.
Planning to attend SSA Fall in Las Vegas? Let us know you're coming! We'd love to show you exactly how this partnership transforms installation.
About SteelBlue Building Components
SteelBlue manufactures premium roll-up doors and hallway systems for the self-storage industry. Founded in 2021 with 100+ years of combined industry expertise, we deliver innovative solutions that accelerate project timelines and solve construction challenges. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with manufacturing in Georgetown, KY.
www.steelbluebc.com | 412.857.3496 | info@steelbluebc.com
About OpenTech Alliance, Inc.
OpenTech Alliance, Inc. is the leading PropTech provider in the self storage industry. The company’s products and services include the INSOMNIAC® line of full-service kiosks, INSOMNIAC Live! call center solutions, INSOMNIAC CIA access control systems, and the StorageTreasures.com online storage auctions website. OpenTech solutions are designed to improve the customer experience, reduce operating costs and increase revenues for self storage facilities. OpenTech Alliance, the OpenTech logo and INSOMNIAC are trademarks of OpenTech Alliance, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
To learn more, contact OpenTech Alliance today.
Jared Gabaldon serves as Marketing Director at SteelBlue Building Components, where he leads strategic marketing initiatives and brand development for the company's innovative roll-up door and hallway system manufacturing business. With a strong background in B2B marketing and content strategy, Jared brings valuable industry insight from his previous role at Trig, where he helped develop SteelBlue's marketing presence and brand visibility.
In his role, Jared oversees comprehensive marketing programs including content strategy, industry events, and multimedia storytelling initiatives that connect SteelBlue's solutions with builders, owners, and architects in the self-storage construction industry. His expertise in developing engaging content and building authentic relationships has proven instrumental in strengthening SteelBlue's position as an industry leader.
A natural storyteller and strategic thinker, Jared has significant experience in podcast production, digital marketing, and brand development. His approach to B2B marketing emphasizes authentic storytelling and relationship building, helping to forge meaningful connections between SteelBlue's manufacturing expertise and the practical needs of storage facility professionals.