Self-Storage Security
deploy, and maintain a layered security strategy.
Get Strategic Whether you’re building your first prop- erty or re-evaluating an existing site, the goal in any security decision should always be to gain the greatest return on your investment. For specific markets, that may be a more simplified approach, while more competitive areas, especially those in higher population regions, will likely involve a layered security footprint. Ask yourself questions like:
• What level of security do your local competitors offer?
• What kind of experience do you want your customers to have as they move through your site?
• What is the demographic of your target customers, and what do their expectations entail?
• Will you have an employee on site?
• How much automation will you require? Working through these questions is a
great start to building out a strategy. Like partnering with a developer or architect specializing in self-storage develop- ments, finding a trusted security vendor and integrator to work with will help you answer these questions and bring value from years of experience. Taking a stra- tegic approach and partnering with an expert will put you in a better position to achieve your overall vision for a property or portfolio.
Partner With The Best Linking multiple systems into a cohesive, tailored security strategy can be chal- lenging even for the most experienced business. That’s where trusted secu- rity vendors and integrators enter the picture. Trained security experts special- ize in connecting subsystems at a facility to create a layered solution that gives operators multiple lines of security to deter criminals and bring greater value
to an operation than individual products taken separately.
Although plenty of providers may
have the technical ability to install, some lack the skills and experience to deliver the added value you should expect. At a minimum, there are several factors to consider during the selection process:
• Cultural fit: Does the integrator listen to your concerns and share your philosophy about site security?
• Self-storage experience: In addition to proven security credentials, does the individual have security experi- ence specific to self-storage?
• Comprehensive systems: Does the company install specific security components or create and maintain a complete security system?
• Training and certifications: Does the integrator possess appropriate credentials? Have they completed training in self-storage security components?
• Long-term relationship: Will the individual install security compo- nents and disappear? Or will they ensure the system runs smoothly and be able to scale up with your facility and portfolio?
Once you have determined a vision
for your facility and have begun to work with trusted experts within the space, it’s time to start selecting the products and solutions that will help you accom- plish that vision.
Components Be sure to evaluate each security compo- nent as individual solutions and as part of an integrated network across a single property and a broader portfolio. These should all work together to perform as an operational benefit instead of a daily headache. Trusted vendors with a track record of success will go a long way in assuring a quality solution set to scale with your portfolio.
Gates, Fencing, And Buildings The first line of protection for properties still includes gates, fencing, and even the buildings themselves. By leveraging the outside wall of a multistory or single-story building, developers can maximize the rentable square footage on a piece of property while ensuring a robust border.
In addition to discussing the different
materials and types of gates and fenc- ing available, you will want to consult an expert to ensure that your gate operator selection is the perfect fit for your layout. The type of gate operator you choose for your facility should be determined by land elevation and how you want tenants to access the property.
Access Control An access control system is essential for granting paying customers access to appropriate areas of a property and deny- ing unwanted visitors. They are one of the most critical security elements in the customer experience and benefit both tenants and operators.
A robust access control system pulls in different components such as:
• Software: Flexible and scalable software allows operators and site managers to automate access based on the tenant’s payment status and moni- tor site activity via dashboards and more detailed reports. Cloud-based access control solutions offer added value, enabling operators to gain real- time visibility across their portfolio from anywhere, on any device. This software is also a treasure trove of valuable data and reporting that we’ll cover in more depth later in this article.
• Keypads: Keypads are usually placed at every entry point, exit point, and eleva- tor in the facility. While most keypads are recognized for their numeric keypad, newer offerings also provide enhanced functionality like hands-free Bluetooth access, expanded inputs for interfacing with entry and exit points, and enhanced weatherproofing.
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