Is Big Tech For Your Self-Storage?

by Josh Parker

At Storage Authority, we talk a lot about the balance of high-tech and high-touch.

Implementing excellent problem-solving technology improves efficiency, allows you to demand premium rates and exceed customer expectations. However, that doesn't mean that all the tech out there is right for you and your facility.

If I tried to implement every cool techy storage solution, I'd nickel and dime myself to death, frustrate my staff with too many things to learn, and throw money down the drain with technology that needs frequent maintenance or will soon be outdated and require expensive updates.

Take, for example, electronic locks. They are impressive, and they can do all sorts of awesome things, including overlocking units remotely without having someone onsite to physically put an overlock on the unit. Believe me, my managers would love that on cold, snowy days when a unit all the way in the back of the facility needs to be overclocked.

However, they are an expense that may or may not make sense for your facility- and keep in mind, the cost is not just for the locks but the software and infrastructure to support them. For a facility with a full-time manager, electronic locks are an added cost that you may make do without.

Understanding your market, your customers, your budget, your competition, and your priorities will help guide you to the "just right" balance.

When I look back at the "5-star" reviews for my facilities, it is the customer service- the "high-touch" that is talked about over and over again- and I know it is the quality technology solutions we have incorporated that allow our managers to deliver over-the-top customer service.

So what big tech is right for your self-storage? I'm happy to talk about my favorite tech solutions anytime- Josh@StorageAuthority.com