Magdeburg

How iLOQ and GuestCompass are digitally revolutionizing student housing

Reference

About the customer

The Studentenwerk Magdeburg, founded in 1990, is a public law institution that offers comprehensive services for around 25,000 students. With 17 halls of residence and 1,663 places to live, two daycare centers and a wide range of social counseling services at three locations, the Studentenwerk is a central player in the student infrastructure. It also focuses on providing advice on BAföG and student financing.

About the project

Studentenwerk Magdeburg is pursuing a digitalization strategy in the area of access and communication. After the iLOQ S5 system was already in use in the administration, the next step was taken towards a smart, mobile access solution under the keyword “Access 2.0”. The aim was to manage digital keys worldwide via smartphones and at the same time improve communication and the wellbeing of students.

By integrating GuestCompass in collaboration with iLOQ, a combined solution of access and communication platform was created all in one app. The decision to use GuestCompass was made in May 2024, with the planning phase in Q4 2024 and the rollout in March 2025. The launch took place in the institution’s hall of residence 9.

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The solution

The solution developed combines the battery-free mobile key (iLOQ S50) with the modular, customizable WhiteLabel app from GuestCompass. The app combines access control, communication and services in one platform. The key features include:

– Maintenance-free operation thanks to the battery-free access system

– Automated key management through connection to the ERP system (TL1): Digital keys are automatically issued and deleted at the start/end of the semester

– Multilingual onboarding with AI-based user guide in the students’ native language

– Bi-directional communication for information and feedback

– Damage reports and departure planning directly via the app

– Push notifications for important messages such as maintenance or supply interruptions

– Service functions such as information on waste separation, timetables, campus map (e.g. location of canteen, administration)

– Neighbour module for the social integration of international students (e.g. display of languages spoken in the neighborhood)

– REST API for maximum scalability

– Modular app design, customizable by the STW without external help

– Cloud-based management platform for decentralized administration

– External partner integration, e.g. for trade businesses, with independent key access

– Key friends function, with which students can pass on temporary keys to friends or family (can be optionally activated by the STW)

Get in touch

How everyday life in Magdeburg student halls of residence has become safer and more efficient

Secure access

Madgeburg Student Residence knows exactly who has access where and at what times. Audit trails help to prevent unauthorized access or clarify cases of misuse.

No risk of lost or stolen keys

With the solution based on digital keys, access rights are programmed onto the key. They can be updated and deleted remotely and in real time if needs change. If the key is lost or stolen, it can be blocked immediately. With the smartphone-based solution, access rights are sent to the iLOQ app on the user’s phone. They can also be updated and deleted remotely and in real time.

Mailbox function

For important push messages to students (for example, the elevator will be serviced tomorrow or the water will be turned off from 10-11 a.m.).

Connection to TL1

To automatically send and delete digital keys at the beginning and end of the semester. Other ERP systems, both current and future, must be able to be integrated. This eliminates the need to manually issue or collect physical keys, tags, or fobs, which saves STW (the local student services organization) a significant amount of time and resources.