Although technology has revamped almost every aspect of modern-day business, the self-storage industry has been relatively slow in jumping on the bandwagon. Big data, artificial intelligence, robotics, and mobile apps play a huge role in making business more efficient and profitable. Recent events, however, are finally forcing the self-storage industry to get onboard with trends to operate efficiently.
The pandemic makes integrating technology paramount to a business’s success. If companies cannot function remotely or with minimal contact, they are slated to doom in a world of physical distancing. More and more self-storage businesses are starting to incorporate technology to offer customers increased security. While many technological tools improve the self-storage industry, you’ll find the top five below.
Advanced security systems
One of the most significant improvements in the self-storage industry comes in the form of advanced security systems. Above all, what tenants prioritize when picking a storage facility is whether it can safely store their belongings for an extended time. Biometric verification can help safeguard your client’s belongings. It can store unique customer information, such as the tone of their voice, fingerprints, or retinas, and use it to limit access and devise unbreakable locks. Biometric technology is easy to implement, and customers will be thankful for the security it provides.
Artificial intelligence also plays a vital role in upgrading security systems and providing clients with unparalleled safety. In particular, artificial intelligence can make interior and exterior entrances much safer. Security gates have integrated video and audio footage, which now allows them to discern people from objects. Furthermore, they can identify any shady activity, allowing you to speedily respond to any threats. Smart gates can intercept, detect and alert you of any danger. Security gates also go a long way in securing not just your client’s units but your facility as a whole. Installing self storage security gatesis a sure-shot way to bolster the industry and make it much more trustworthy.
Cloud software for better management
Incorporating technology into your self-storage business isn’t just about catering to clients. Instead, it can make operating the business incredibly straightforward for you, too, especially if you operate various facilities. Cloud software allows you to monitor all of your facilities simultaneously and compare progress.
However, that’s not all there is to cloud management. You can now implement better management or marketing plans right from your phone and ensure that you convey the message clearly to all teams.
Furthermore, you can oversee revenue management plans and see which sites need improvement in any aspect. Managers and owners can stay connected around the clock and monitor progress. Cloud software can also help automate many routine tasks so that you can save time and money.
Mobile rentals
Whether we’re craving a meal or looking to shop, we can conduct much of our everyday business through our phones. This number has only increased in the pandemic, with e-commerce reigning supreme.
Although it may seem unlikely, the self-storage industry is also benefiting immensely via integrated mobile apps. These apps allow customers to manage, view, and update their self-storage and inventory from the comfort of their homes. Customers who need to rent a unit, check the logs, update their lease or pay their bills comfortably without making a trip every time. The increased ease allows customers to feel like they can use your service the way they want, instead of the way you want.
Integrating mobile apps into your business is also an excellent marketing tactic. With a helpful mobile app that clients can check at least once a day, you’re guaranteed to make a lasting impression.
Climate control technology
Climate control technology can revamp self-storage units entirely. Many people store fragile items and don’t re-check often. However, they still expect to find these items perfect when they pay a visit to the storage unit. Traditional storage units are not exempt from the drawbacks of climate fluctuations and extreme weather conditions. It means that if left unchecked, objects can develop mold or frost, grow damp, or suffer discoloration.
Luckily, climate-controlled units can keep even the most fragile items safe in extreme conditions. HVAC systems and dehumidifiers can help maintain a constant temperature, and they can also help keep pests at bay. This can help bolster the self-storage industry by allowing it to provide a better customer experience.
Kiosks
With social distancing being paramount in these challenging times, it isn’t advisable to have customers interact with staff every time they need to access their units. Instead, you can opt for kiosks, which bring the ‘self’ to self-storage. With self-service kiosks, you don’t need to keep your facility staffed 24/7. Instead, you can use that workforce elsewhere, on something more productive. Kiosks allow clients to sign up for a unit, renew a lease, or access their unit without any human interaction. Kiosks can also accept payments and allow clients to access their units at any time quickly.
When adding kiosks to your self-storage unit, robotics can go a long way. Several robots now exist on the market, giving clients a tour of the place, giving them their lock and key, and accepting payments. Incorporating these technologies can help you better prepare for the future.
Conclusion
Implementing technology in the workspace can help you make greater profits in your self-storage business than ever before. Technology allows you to work smarter instead of harder and save resources to use elsewhere. You can automate many processes and have a much safer facility. It can allow you to differentiate yourself from others and set yourself on the path to growth.
