Skip to content

Self-storage guides · Moving from Gen1 to Gen2

The next generation of Bearbox for your existing site.

A new Portal and more access choices, with a software upgrade for suitable existing Bearbox hardware.

If you already use Bearbox Gen1, this guide is for you. Gen2 is a new software platform, with a new Portal, live site updates and more ways for customers to access their units. Launch is planned for January 2027.

By Bearbox · Updated

What changes for your team?

Gen2 brings the everyday work of running your site into a responsive Portal. See door and alarm activity as it happens, manage access remotely, and check the site from a phone or desktop.

Real Bearbox Portal unit monitoring with example alarm and door states
Explore the Gen2 Portal

What changes for your customers?

Customers can open doors from the app, use the keypad, or use both. Familiar PINs and QR codes remain options. Dynamic credentials and multi-factor authentication give you additional checks where you want them.

Access from their phone

Customers can open the entrances they have access to. Require nearby GPS, a PIN shown on an installed keypad, or both when those checks suit your site.

Explore access from their phone

Review the hardware you already have

Moving to Gen2 does not mean starting again with your site hardware. Existing Bearbox installations can move through a software update. We review your equipment first and identify any changes needed for your site or the features you want to add.

Bring your data with you

Most Gen1 data can be migrated to Gen2. Agree which customers, units and access permissions will transfer, and how your rental software connection will be handled. Historical records need a separate review, so confirm what will be available after the move before choosing a changeover date.

Plan the move around your site

Your changeover should cover customer access as well as the software. Agree the timing, who checks the result and what customers need to know before anything changes.

  1. Review the site together

    Tell us which sites are moving, the hardware you use and the rental software you connect to. Discuss the improvements you want first.

  2. See your Gen2 setup

    Review the Portal and customer experience with your branding. Agree what your team needs to learn and which access options you want to use.

  3. Agree the changeover

    Confirm the equipment and data scope, the access arrangements during the move, and who is responsible for checks and customer communication.

  4. Check the site and help your team settle in

    Include entrances, customer permissions, units, alarms and connected rental software in the checks agreed for your site. Make sure staff know where to find help.

Start with a conversation about your existing site

You do not need a finished upgrade specification. Send us the sites you want to move, your current equipment and rental software, and anything you would like to work differently. We can use that to discuss the next steps.

A few more answers

Questions about moving from Gen1 to Gen2?

When is Gen2 launching?

Gen2 is planned to launch in January 2027. Talk to our team about the rollout and upgrade arrangements for your sites.

Do we need new hardware?

Existing Bearbox hardware can remain where suitable, with a software update for Gen2. Our team reviews your installation and any new features you want before agreeing the equipment scope.

Will all our data transfer?

Most Gen1 data can be migrated. Agree the records and checks with our team before moving, including how historical information will be handled.

Will our existing PINs still work?

Gen2 supports fixed PINs and QR codes. Confirm how your existing customer credentials will be handled during your site’s migration, and tell customers if they need to do anything differently.

How long does the upgrade take, and what does it cost?

Timing and cost depend on your installation and the agreed upgrade scope. Ask our team for a site-specific plan covering equipment, data, customer access and staff training.

You might also find these useful.

Bearbox PortalApp accessTouchscreen keypad