From remote to app: how Aspervik borettslag modernised garage access

The search for a simpler solution for residents

With main responsibility for the garage, Helge has seen several systems come and go. At first, like many others, they used remote controls to open the garage door, but later chose to switch to a GSM system for calling the gate open. “The remotes were going astray all the time. And in terms of security, GSM was a much better solution back then,” says Helge.

Despite the lower risk of using call-to-open, this wasn’t entirely painless for the experienced operations manager and the residents either. “We have five garages and therefore had five different phone numbers, with accompanying SIM cards — it got a bit cumbersome,” says the operations manager.

In connection with the shutdown of the 2G network, it became necessary to switch systems quickly in the cooperative. Helge was looking for something that was easy to navigate and use for residents, and came across Parqio’s digital garage opener. “The interface and the admin part looked completely ideal.”

Simple installation in under a week

The smoothness of the solution was decisive for the operations manager, so he picked up the phone and ordered a subscription. He was ready to do the installation work himself, even though this is usually done by installers. It would turn out to be a piece of cake for Helge.

Satisfied residents and the community

In a cooperative with 160 apartments, stable and simple solutions are crucial, especially for an operations manager with a lot of responsibility. An app-based garage opener was therefore a natural choice. The biggest gains for Helge are satisfied residents and the time he saves himself.

Aspervik has residents in many different life situations, from new parents to long-standing residents who have been there since the start. That makes flexibility important. With Parqio, residents can choose for themselves how to open the garage: by call, app or automatically.

More time for what matters

For Helge, it isn’t only the garage that takes time. With a smart garage opener in the cooperative, he avoids spending hours helping residents with garage problems, and can instead focus on what really builds community. Like activity days twice a year, where the neighbours first gather for a joint work day, before it’s all rounded off with good food and something nice in the glass once the hard work is done.

“There are of course no obligations for this, but I like to see it in a slightly bigger perspective. Over a period of 5–10 years, you see that most residents from the vast majority of apartments have dropped by,” he says.

Customer service that matches the technology

In a cooperative built in 1980, with both new and established residents, good choices are about more than just the here and now. For the jovial man from Jæren, a good solution isn’t only about technology — but about the people behind it and a solution that stands the test of time. Helge ends with praise for Parqio’s customer advisers: “Everyone I’ve spoken to at your end is really on the ball, very service-minded, and the service in general has been excellent.”