At one time, remotely managed facilities were the future of the self-storage industry. But not anymore. That’s right, the future is now for remote management. This model helps maximize both profits and time, keeping you several steps ahead of the competition in the race for customers. And when it comes to races like that, a quote from Will Ferrell’s iconic character from the film Talladega Nights comes to mind: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”
In case you’re unfamiliar with the concept of remote management, it refers to cutting-edge technology that enables a central management team or individual to oversee the facility’s operations from a remote location, offering immediate customer service and support through a direct customer service hub. Remote management allows for real-time monitoring of security systems such as surveillance cameras, alarms, and access control systems. It also enhances the customer experience through the ability to choose the ideal unit and rent it, as well as enter the facility and a unit, with a smart device. This eliminates the need for physical keys and gives the owner-operator much more control over who has access to their facility. In addition, time-consuming manual processes like overlocking and lock checks are fully automated, saving the owner-operator a great deal of time and effort.
That’s one of the big advantages of the remote management model: the above-mentioned time savings frees up the owner-operator to focus on growing their business and not labor-intensive manual processes. However, there are several more advantages to the remotely managed facility, one of the biggest being labor cost savings. Managing properties remotely saves the owner money on the number one operational expense: payroll.
Also, in a remotely managed facility that utilizes high-tech solutions such as smart locks, a safer and more secure environment is created. For instance, the Nokē Smart Entry System is a Bluetooth electronic lock and total access control system that not only allows customers to access the facility and their unit with their smart device but also provides a higher level of security than traditional storage hasps and manual locks. Managers can always see exactly who is coming and going and can grant or deny access as needed. This enhanced security creates a higher level of overall control and awareness.
In addition, when you factor in the advantages of a trusted company such as Access Control Technologies, which can design and manufacture custom gates and also expertly integrate your site’s network to ensure that all of your smart technology works flawlessly, you have created a safe, secure, and easy-to-monitor environment ideal for remote management.
Another way to ensure a safe and secure facility is by utilizing the strongest, most durable unit doors. The Janus NS+ Door and NS Retrokit both incorporate an enhanced design that includes anchored guides on the floor, ensuring both stability and durability. These premium options offer a strong and dependable solution, further securing the safety of your customers’ valuable possessions
Remotely managed facilities are not always unmanned. Some remotely managed sites do have an employee present from time to time, but if not, online live chat, chatbots, and call centers provide customers with the assurance that if they need to reach out to someone for assistance, it’s easy to do so and their issues can be resolved in a timely fashion. Additionally, an onsite rental center equipped with a kiosk or touchscreen, complemented by two-way audio or video functionalities, enables customers to easily seek assistance or ask questions when needed.
Finally, on-site unit guides and videos, along with displayed sample units, are always helpful as well.
Remotely managed facilities are not merely an idea that is off in the distant future. They are here to stay and are increasingly valuable to owner-operators looking to maximize both profits and time. And now is the perfect time to embrace these advances. They will make your facility that much more attractive to today’s consumers and give you a leg up on the competition in the race for customers.
To learn more about the variety of smart solutions available that can add value to your remotely managed self-storage facility, simply click here.
