Security • Section 11
and monitor it. Leveraging your site activity data to determine when you should have staff on site will help optimize staffing costs (see Chart 11.4). Whether monitoring site activity through cloud-based software from a remote location or conducting lock checks or security inspec- tions, don’t overlook a security strategy’s human element.
While we have focused on leveraging secu-
rity to safeguard against financial loss from theft, damage, and vandalism so far, the economic ben- efit of security also extends to revenue. Security is usually cited amongst the three most important factors of a tenant’s selection criteria when look- ing for a self-storage solution. Tenants see their unit as an extension of their personal space and expect their stored items to be just as safe as they would be if the items were stored in their own homes. Because of the importance placed on security by tenants, it should be viewed as a cru- cial way to protect top-line revenue by attracting new customers and retaining current customers. An effectively communicated security strategy that minimizes incidences will go a long way to reducing churn and keeping units full by creating an exceptional customer experience.
Operational Improvements In addition to driving top-line revenue and re- ducing unnecessary expenditures, security technology can be leveraged to protect bottom- line profitability through more efficient and streamlined operations that impact both op- erators and tenants. By effectively leveraging technology, self-storage employees can complete day-to-day tasks more quickly and effectively, freeing up more time to deliver an exceptional customer experience and drive revenue back to the business. From enabling touch-free site access for tenants to remote management capabilities for storage employees, security technology is ex- panding to become an essential component of successful, efficient operations.
This expansion of technology in the storage
industry has only increased due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. From concerns about tenants’ health and safety to business and fi- nancial considerations, self-storage owners and operators face uncharted territory. They need every tool available to them to maintain a profit- able business and keep customers happy. While the future is uncertain, these concerns will likely continue for the near future, and any discussion
2021 Self-Storage Almanac 109
around security technology would be incomplete without addressing the impact.
Mobile Access – Minimizing Contact And Boosting Efficiency Leading operations have long understood the benefits of mobile ac- cess control technology as a means of differentiation and operational efficiency. For tenants, entering the property, elevators, and even units is as simple as the tap of a button on their mobile phone. Mobile de- vices create a smooth tenant experience on site and off site as they no longer need to memorize access codes and they can monitor unit activ- ity or pay bills right from their phone. Enabling tenants to conveniently complete these actions from their smartphone reduces reliance on site employees.
For operators, a mobile app means that they can monitor their facility
and respond to certain tenant requests while on the go or socially dis- tanced. With an operator-facing access control app, site employees can continue to provide excellent customer service and complete necessary tasks throughout the day from anywhere with an internet connection.
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