The Munich-based startup Smart Access Solutions dreams of a world in which "every person can easily open all doors, drawers, and transport containers intended for them." And all without keys or codes. One of the founders explains in an interview where this vision comes from and how it will be achieved.
Munich Startup: Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Tobias Stötter: We are Smart Access Solutions, founded by Toni Epple (48), Martin Schmidt (46), and me, Tobias Stötter (46). We're not a typical startup, as we all have many years of professional experience. Toni is a full-stack developer, IT consultant, and trainer. Martin was a manager in logistics, purchasing, and IT for many years. And I'm an experienced product and business developer, strategist, and manager.
Martin and I met in the summer of 2018 in Plant1 We met for coffee and some networking. We had worked together as colleagues in the past and both felt uncomfortable in the corporate hamster wheel. During the conversation, we explored various business ideas and developed them in more detail over the following weeks.
“We started to solve this problem ourselves”
We encountered a technical and procedural problem for which there seemed to be no ready-made solution available on the market. So we started solving the problem ourselves. We received a lot of positive feedback and encouragement. Many people approached us with their ideas for further possible applications.
This is how the idea for Smart Access Solutions was born. Toni, an old school friend of Tobias's, helped us develop the first prototype, and we quickly won him over to Smart Access Solutions.
Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?
Tobias Stötter: Our original idea was focused on the handover of medical specimens. We wanted to develop a system where the samples could be stored securely and collected only by the right person. We quickly realized that this could also be useful in many other areas, such as food delivery or managing access restrictions in secure areas.
This is how we came to work with Smart Access Solutions Solutions for the management and operation of electronic locking systems with a focus on storage and logistics for the professional sector. Door lock systems are now also part of our portfolio. We combine cutting-edge technologies from the fields of serverless computing, sensor technology, and artificial intelligence to develop simple and secure access and monitoring solutions.
The result of our efforts is our Secure Cloud Core. With it, we implement mass-market solutions for controlling and monitoring all types of doors and locks. With our predictive maintenance technology, we offer optimal service at all times.
An alternative to proprietary isolated solutions
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Tobias Stötter: Not at all. There are, of course, a whole host of more or less expensive digital locks. However, these are usually proprietary stand-alone solutions and difficult to connect to other applications, such as room booking systems or locks from other manufacturers. Furthermore, the available locks are mostly classic cylinder locks—i.e., designed for doors. These are completely unsuitable for mobile applications, such as in transport boxes. Furthermore, these solutions usually only offer the option of centralized management if the locks are integrated into a local network or have a permanent internet connection.
Our solutions were designed from the ground up to allow our locks to be centrally managed and monitored, even without an internet connection. This makes our solution ideal for battery-operated locks with long battery life.
In addition to controlling locks, we also optionally collect sensor data such as humidity, temperature, and movement from our devices and send it back to our cloud solution. This allows us to centrally determine whether the environmental conditions are right for the stored goods, whether the food cold chain hasn't been interrupted, or whether a shipment has been severely shaken.
And because none of this existed yet, we not only developed it, but also filed a patent application for our solution.
Munich Startup: What have been your three biggest challenges so far?
Tobias Stötter: The first hurdle was overcoming the startup itself. It was a big step for us, as we were all used to a steady income, whether employed or working freelance on projects. Then came the path to developing a minimum viable product and securing our first client. Now we're looking for new employees for client projects. And since we're entirely self-financed, it's important for us to find the right level of growth.
The keyless world of Smart Access Solutions
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Tobias Stötter: In one year, we will have successfully completed all projects together with our first customers. To achieve this, we will use our existing solutions as well as develop new, sometimes very complex, complete solutions with our customers. In five years, we aim to have developed Smart Access Solutions into a stable, innovative, medium-sized company.
Our vision is a world in which every door, drawer, and transport container intended for every person can be opened easily. Without mechanical keys, without code entry, or control panels. As if all locks recognized the person in front of them and knew whether they were authorized to open it. #UnlockYourWorld
Munich Startup: How do you rate Munich as a startup location?
Tobias Stötter: Munich is a great startup location. Both the state of Bavaria and the city of Munich provide excellent support for startups. There are also many incubators. We were fortunate to find a fantastic location at Werk1. The support there, through the networking, coaching, and many other things, helped us a lot in the beginning and still helps us every day.
We're increasingly seeing large corporations and medium-sized companies alike tackling digitalization in Bavaria. Ranging from simple workshops to founding or participating in an incubator. This naturally offers numerous opportunities for startups like us to get involved.
Munich Startup: Tea or coffee?
Tobias Stötter: Why "or"? Both at the right time.
