110 parking spaces, zero keys: why Sæter Torg chose digital garage access

From remote-control trouble to a fully digital solution

Previously the cooperative used remote controls to open the garage door, but over time the system began to cause problems. It gradually created several practical challenges for residents. The board wanted a system that offered better security and was simpler for both residents and the board. “It was quite troublesome. The fobs malfunctioned, the batteries had to be replaced, and when something went wrong it was expensive to replace,” says Ingun.

When the cooperative started looking at alternatives, they found Parqio. They got in touch, received an offer and decided quickly. Today it isn’t only the garage that is digital. Sæter Torg has switched to digital fobs on all the entrance doors, and is also considering the same solution for the lifts. The two systems work side by side and give the cooperative one coherent, key-free everyday life.

A simple start, even for “older” residents

Ingun was involved from day one when Parqio was set up. She made a list of users that was sent to Parqio, which connected each user to their parking space. She describes the rollout itself as very smooth, especially given that many different residents had to be added to the system. “It was a very smooth process. Since then I’m the one who has updated things when there have been changes, and I think it has been very easy to use,” she says.

One thing the board was anxious about beforehand was whether all the residents would manage the transition, but it was no problem, and the experience after rollout was wholly positive. “We wondered a little how it would go. But once everyone had got into the app, it has worked very well,” says Ingun.

Safe and clear — nobody gets in without access

Sæter Torg is conscious of who has access to the garage at any given time. Residents cannot pass on access on their own, and the board keeps good control over who is registered in the system. It is precisely this control that is an important point for the board.

In practice this means that unauthorised people don’t get into the garage. “Nobody gets in who shouldn’t. There’s never anyone who suddenly takes the liberty of parking there who you don’t know who is. And that’s very important to us,” she emphasises.

Little time, good control

Despite 110 parking spaces and several types of users — including businesses that rent spaces through the parking cooperative — little time goes into administration. Day-to-day operation is described as simple and efficient. “It hardly takes any time at all,” says Ingun.

When someone moves out or in, changes are made quickly in the system, and all parties are inside the same digital solution.

The feedback speaks for itself

Even though Sæter Torg has used Parqio for several years, positive feedback still comes from residents. It is above all the ease of use that is highlighted.