Can I open my facility's gate using my smartphone?

Yes, by adding a cloud-connected smart controller to your gate, you can log into a web app from your phone and trigger the gate to open from anywhere.

Do I need to buy a brand new gate motor to get remote access?

No. A smart edge device can be wired directly into the dry contact relay terminals of your existing legacy gate operator, such as a LiftMaster.

Is there a long delay when I click the button to open the gate remotely?

No. Modern cloud gateways use LTE or Wi-Fi to communicate in real-time, meaning the gate will begin to open mere seconds after you click the button on your dashboard.

How to Remotely Open Your Gate From Anywhere

Never let a locked-out tenant or an unexpected delivery derail your day again. Discover how adding a cloud-connected smart controller to your existing gate allows you to trigger it open from any internet-connected device.

If you manage a self-storage facility, commercial property, or gated community, you know the sinking feeling of getting a phone call about a locked-out tenant or a stranded delivery driver when you are miles away. With traditional LiftMaster or DoorKing (DKS) systems, your options are usually limited: give out a master PIN code you'll have to change later, or physically drive to the property to push the open button.

Fortunately, physical security has evolved. You no longer need to be chained to your facility just to manage access. By retrofitting your existing hardware with a modern edge device, you can trigger your gate from anywhere in the world.

The Pain of Being Tied to the Property

Legacy gate operators are incredibly durable, but their lack of connectivity turns minor inconveniences into major disruptions. Without a remote open feature, facility managers are forced to deal with:

Wasted Fuel and Time: Driving across town in rush hour simply to let a contractor through the front gate.
Frustrated Tenants: Customers stuck outside after hours because they forgot their code or their app isn't syncing properly.
Missed Deliveries: Crucial packages or freight deliveries being returned because no one was on-site to grant access to the driver.

How Remote Gate Triggering Works

Adding a remote open feature to an older gate does not require tearing out your expensive motor. Instead, it relies on a simple, universal mechanism: the dry contact relay.

Inside your existing gate controller, there are terminals specifically designed to open the gate (often labeled "Open" and "Common"). A cloud-connected smart controller wires directly into these terminals. When you click the "Open Gate" button on your OnThru web app, a signal travels securely through the cloud to the on-site edge device. The device closes the relay circuit for a brief second, signaling the motor to open the gate exactly as if you had pressed the physical button in the guard shack.

Everyday Scenarios Made Effortless

Once you connect your heavy iron gates to a cloud gateway, remote management transforms how you run your facility:

After-Hours Emergencies: Let emergency maintenance plumbers or electricians in instantly from your couch.
Vendor Deliveries: Visually verify a delivery driver on your security cameras, then tap a button on your smartphone to grant them immediate entry.
Tenant Support: Provide premium customer service by remotely opening the gate for a verified tenant who lost their fob or forgot their PIN.

True Freedom for Property Managers

Modernizing your perimeter access means you manage the gate, not the other way around. By integrating a cloud-managed smart controller, you can finally enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that comes with complete remote control over your facility's access points.