DSV is relying on its warehousing know-how, as it enters the self-storage market with its innovative Smarter Storage solution. 

DSV will open its first self-storage building on 1 October, as part of the company’s new strategic focus on the B2C self-storage market. 

Aimed at consumers and small businesses, DSV’s self-storage concept, Smarter Storage, will be operated and marketed separately from DSV’s business-to-business services, but the strong DSV organisation is still behind the endeavour. 

“We have extensive warehouse know-how and believe that we can add value to the self-storage market by introducing an innovative, digital solution that makes self-storage easily accessible and convenient for consumers and small businesses,” says Brian Winther Almind, executive vice president of group property at DSV Panalpina. 

The core of the new concept developed by DSV is its 100 percent digital platform, which is enabled by the Smarter Storage app. 

Customers can use the app on their phone or tablet to enter the unmanned facility, whilst booking, payment and signing the contract can be done online via phone or tablet. 

“User convenience has been high on our priority list during the design phase of our Smarter Storage concept. The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art electronic solutions for ease of use,” notes Almind. 

The first Smarter Storage facility was built in Copenhagen and comprises 5,500 sqm of storage space divided into more than 700 rooms and compartments. The building’s garages have direct access by car, and the other rooms are easily accessible via spacious elevators. Platform carts are also available onsite. 

The strategic step into the self-storage market has “big potential,” according to Almind. 

With learnings from the first Smarter Storage facility, DSV wants to build another one, with plans to advance the concept to other countries where it operates.