It may seem that the self-storage industry is slow in adopting technology. Self-storage units and warehouses seem non-tech-savvy businesses without any need for technology. However, the self-storage industry has been incorporating technology in various ways to improve the quality of its service. A successful storage business is more than just an empty building or unit. It requires management, adequate maintenance, marketing, financial management, and self-storage technology.
Self-storage businesses in the USA have started adopting technology to streamline operations to reduce costs and save time. The self-storage industry can use technology for customer relationship management, better security, and improved functionality to serve a broad range of customers and their needs.
Technological advancement has allowed self-storage businesses to find potential customers and cater to their needs. If you’re looking for storage options, but doubting the effectiveness of self-storage units, consider how the self-storage industry is leveraging technology.
Remote Access of Storage Units
A self-storage company’s unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its provision of remote monitoring and control of storage units. With remote access to storage units, customers can check up on their belongings whenever they want. Remote control goes beyond simply providing access to the customer. It requires the installation of control software and other features for remote access. In addition, self storage technology allows storage businesses to use cloud computing to monitor visitors to the storage facility and detect technical errors. Services like OpenTech Alliance have made it easier for self-storage businesses to access control of their units, detect security threats and automate payments. It also allows facility managers to become more productive by automating business operations.
Use of robots
With new technological advancements every year, many industries have integrated robots into their production or service lines. While using robots is common in manufacturing industries, the self-storage industry isn’t lagging. Robots help facility managers manage storage units and interact with customers to ensure the storage facility runs smoothly. Some French storage companies have used robots to interact with storage unit tenants. Such inventions speed up the workflow as it becomes easier for clients to interact with operators and advisors in case of help. Some innovations have also enabled self-storage companies to sign lease agreements and provide better security.
Enhanced security
Regarding security, the self-storage industry has gained immense benefits from technology. The newest security methods in the market are Bluetooth locks and biometric identification systems. Bluetooth technology can be integrated into any storage unit and makes the monitoring and access to the storage unit feasible without a cellular network. The Bluetooth locks are designed to detect the owner’s device if nearby, and some enable lock/unlocking features only if the owner is within a specific radius of the storage unit. The biometric system is also helpful in enhancing security measures. It allows the storage business to store thousands of customer profiles and enables a computer-driven security system.
Self-Service Kiosks
Modern businesses thrive on making their customers’ lives better. Self-storage technology allows facility owners and managers to enhance customer service through kiosks. Software that operates kiosks is integrated within the self-storage facility management. Kiosks allow facilities to accept and process payments and rent storage units without the active involvement of staff. Some kiosks may also enable customers to access storage units remotely. Kiosks store much customer data and allow facility managers to track management operations. Moreover, customers can check out kiosks at any time of the day. For signing a lease, filing insurance, or locking the facility, kiosks help self-storage businesses better serve their customers.
Cloud Services
With cloud computing, customers can monitor storage units from any location. The cloud system also stores large volumes of customer data for quick retrieval and is safe and reliable. Cloud-based service for self-storage is a unique way of cutting costs as it reduces the need for hiring staff to troubleshoot customers’ problems. The best part about cloud service is the built-in database crash management system that makes it even more cost-effective.
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Online Leasing
Technology has enabled the self-storage industry to leverage customer relationship management. Effective customer relationship management also improves the management of the storage facility. The facility needs less staff on-site with services like online leasing, which are more streamlined and productive. For example, leasing a storage unit can take up to a month, with the customer going back and forth between storage options. However, with an online leasing system, choosing a facility, updating information, signing the lease and contract, and paying bills become easier.
Mobile Applications
Mobile applications have made their way into the self-storage industry as well. There is an application for almost everything. Self-storage businesses also leverage mobile applications to expand customer reach and enhance services. Through apps, customers get real-time information and remote access to their storage unit, clearing their doubts regarding security. Some mobile apps also allow customers to obtain video surveillance of the facility and lock or unlock the doors. Mobile applications have also made checking storage units easier for customers.
A website takes more time than an app to load, forcing some visitors to leave the site. Not that apps don’t slow down; minor bug fixes can improve their performance. Premium features like remote access through a mobile app are selling points for most self-storage businesses. Since every self-storage business will provide its customer with a storage unit, the security and price point are different.
Better Market Reach
Through leveraging technology for marketing efforts, self-storage businesses have captured more significant audiences for their business. Traditional marketing efforts like billboards and post signs are not enough. The world spends more time online so that self-storage businesses can market their services online. In addition, digital marketing strategies like search engine optimization and online advertisement have enabled businesses to close more deals and expand their customer reach.
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Conclusion
Tech trends have made self-storage businesses easier to manage. Initially, time-consuming tasks like signing a lease, managing the storage facility, and providing security were labor-intensive tasks. Now with mobile applications, kiosks, and cloud computing, customers can check their storage facilities, pay online, and feel more at peace. Therefore, self-storage businesses must use technology to expand their customer reach and provide better services.