$100 NFC electronic lock for self storage offers flexible investment options, with first customer rollouts planned for mid-December
SAM Systems was founded by a self storage owner, so it’s no shocker that TapLock is affordable, easy to install and has a service fee that only applies when a unit is occupied.”— Robert A. Chiti, CEO of OpenTech Alliance
In a move that signals a notable shift in self-storage technology, OpenTech Alliance has finalized its purchase of SAM Systems B.V., a Netherlands-based smart lock developer. The transaction was completed on November 4, 2026, building on the Letter of Intent announced in August. The acquisition positions the global PropTech leader to bring a more streamlined, cost-effective locking solution to operators worldwide.
With the deal now closed, OpenTech is moving faster than originally planned. The company has pushed the commercial launch of its INSOMNIAC® TapLock™ forward from Q1 2027 to mid-December 2026. Operators around the world can now place orders, and the first installations are expected to go live before the calendar year ends.
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“SAM Systems was founded by a self storage owner, so it’s no shocker that TapLock is affordable, easy to install and has a service fee that only applies when a unit is occupied. We felt everything about the lock was innovative, and we knew we had to have it,” said Robert A. Chiti, CEO of OpenTech Alliance. “People are already used to tapping their phones to pay at the pump, shop and go about their day. It’s only natural that tenants increasingly expect that same convenience when accessing their storage units. We’re excited to help operators meet that demand with NFC technology customers already know how to use.”
Built from the ground up for the self-storage industry, TapLock relies on Near Field Communication (NFC) to replace physical keys and access codes with a simple tap from a smartphone. Tenants use OpenTech’s Storage Genie® mobile app to unlock their units instantly. For operators who run their own mobile apps, integration is possible through OpenTech’s software development kit (SDK), allowing tenants to access TapLock-equipped units without switching platforms. A key differentiator here is the use of active NFC technology, which delivers near-instant unlocking, cutting down on the lag and frustration common with passive NFC solutions.
Another major benefit for operators is the lack of additional sitewide network infrastructure. TapLocks are designed for straightforward installation, meaning managers can mount them on a vacant unit while preparing it for the next renter, without needing specialized technical support. This simplicity is aimed at reducing both upfront costs and deployment time.
Priced at $100 per lock, the TapLock only incurs service fees when a unit is occupied, which makes it especially attractive for new facilities or those still ramping up occupancy. OpenTech is also offering flexible investment structures: operators can choose to bundle recurring service fees into the lock purchase price, or opt for a pay-as-you-go model that eliminates the upfront cost entirely. This flexibility allows storage operators to align spending with their capital budgets and growth plans. TapLocks integrate into the IoE Control Center, becoming part of OpenTech’s broader IoE Ecosystem alongside INSOMNIAC® CIA access control, INSOMNIAC® SmartMotion™, and INSOMNIAC SmartLock®.
Operators interested in INSOMNIAC TapLock can contact their OpenTech Business Development representative to discuss ordering and implementation options. Learn more about INSOMNIAC TapLock and OpenTech’s full suite of electronic locking solutions at opentechalliance.com.
Kimberly Robinson
OpenTech Alliance
+1 602-324-8698
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Why it matters: This acquisition and accelerated rollout mark a practical shift in self-storage access technology, moving from costly, infrastructure-heavy systems to a simple, NFC-based model that mirrors how consumers already interact with their phones. By tying service fees to occupancy and offering flexible payment models, OpenTech is lowering the barrier for operators to modernize, particularly for new or growing facilities. The result could reshape tenant expectations and operational costs across the entire self-storage industry.
