Digitalization that works: STW Magdeburg as a pioneer with GuestCompass
All-in-one digital platform for administration and students with GuestCompass
Studentenwerk Magdeburg is one of the pioneers in the digitalization of student residences in Germany. It was the first student union in Germany to decide to work with GuestCompass - a decision that has not only revolutionized communication with students, but also significantly eased the burden of day-to-day administrative work.
In combination with the iLOQ digital locking system, STW Magdeburg has succeeded in creating a modern, efficient and intuitive living experience - for students with and without digital locks.
Why Guest Compass?
Using GuestCompass to create an all-in-one digital platform for administration and students
The goal of STW Magdeburg was clear: to better manage the increasing flood of information, reach students faster and in a more targeted manner - and at the same time use administrative capacities more efficiently.
“We are very satisfied with the collaboration and the end product - an intuitive platform that benefits all our students, whether they have a digital lock or not,” says Irina Plaweiko, the project manager responsible for introducing the platform.
GuestCompass impressed us with its ability to bundle several communication channels and applications (e.g. damage reports, event information, digital keys, FAQs, push messages) in one app - CI-compliant and multilingual.
Integration with iLOQ: Access via smartphone
In parallel with the digitalization of communication, access control was also modernized. The Magdeburg Student Union relies on iLOQ S50, the battery-free digital locking system. GuestCompass was integrated as the central interface for issuing and managing keys.
One student, who was one of the first users, commented:
"When I was offered to continue using the physical key, I thankfully declined. The app with the integrated digital key was a much better solution for me."
The key is stored directly in the GuestCompass app - no separate system, no duplicate paths. The automated key issuing system proves its worth, especially during the peak semester changeover period.
More than just keys: a platform for everyday living
The introduction of the app meant much more than just switching to mobile access. GuestCompass enables:
- Direct communication via push message
- Central provision of information such as house rules, washrooms, waste separation
- Independent reporting of damage and concerns
- Event communication, promotion of psychosocial services and community building
- Connection to existing systems such as TL1 and, in future, to ERP/administration solutions such as Aareon or Wohnungshelden
The result is an intelligent platform that not only manages but also connects - everyone, regardless of their place of residence or residence status.
Outlook
STW Magdeburg has made a start - with a strong vision, the courage to change and a clear strategy. The collaboration with GuestCompass was experienced as positive by all sides: transparent, solution-oriented and reliable.
The successful implementation in Magdeburg has created a reference project that shows how digitalization in the student sector is not only possible, but also beneficial for everyone involved - administration, janitor teams and, above all, students.
