How to Start Automating Your Self Storage Facility

Published on December 16, 2023

In today's expanding self-storage market, managing facilities efficiently has become increasingly complex. The increasing demands of urbanization and economic growth can complicate matters.

As online transactions become more common, self-storage businesses are also expected to automate their processes.



It's time to let tenants handle renting, access, and move-outs with just a few clicks on their phones.

Elevate your self-storage business through automation for more efficiency, security, and an enhanced experience for you and your valued customers.

Embracing this advancement goes beyond modern convenience—it's a strategic imperative.

Recognizing the profound benefits of automation adapted to businesses ensures higher productivity, reliability, and significantly reduced operating costs for every business.

Here's how an automated self-storage business keeps your company ahead in innovation.

What is Self-Storage Automation?

Automation in the self-storage business simplifies operations using technologies.

This involves using tools to automate various storage tasks, from automatic gates, self-service kiosks, and online reservations to bill payments.

Common indicators that a self-storage facility is automated include smart control systems using keypads, RFID cards, or biometrics instead of traditional locks.

There are also degrees to this embrace of technology, which range from partial to full automation.

This can range from facilities having kiosk machines onsite, without online tools or other techs, to having a fully automated kiosk or two onsite.

Essentially, it's letting technology take care of rent, security, customer service tasks, and potentially more within a self-storage facility.

How Does Self-Storage Automation Work?

Self-storage automation simplifies tasks using advanced techs like smart devices, kiosks, or sensors.

It manages access, security, and customer interactions, creating a seamless experience for operators and customers.

Here are 5 ways to automate your self-storage business.

1. Do everything online
   Besides a kiosk machine or keypad locks, create a user-friendly website, allow online transactions, set up autopay, and use digital rental agreements to make move-ins and outs hassle-free with online tools.
   It's not just convenient for customers; it also makes your operations smoother and can reduce the number of on-site employees.
2. Set up self-storage kiosks
   A self-service kiosk is an interactive touchscreen device that allows customers to rent units, make lease payments, and manage their accounts without having to speak directly with self-storage operators.
   Self-service kiosks are especially useful for primarily unmanned facilities that are open 24/7.
3. Switch to automated access control
   Switch from regular locks to an automated system using keypads, RFID cards, or biometrics to give tenants entry.
   This not only boosts security but also reduces the need for self-storage managers.
4. Use a software-based control system
   Unlike a storage kiosk that requires tenants to visit the facility, this digital tool can automate various tasks remotely.
   It also differs from websites, primarily used for marketing, since it's designed specifically for a chief operating officer and tenants to manage the storage facility from anywhere.
5. IoT remote monitoring
   Sensors connected to the Internet of Things, or IoT-enabled sensors, help remotely monitor your tenants' stored furniture, household goods, valuables, and keepsakes.
   These sensors can detect security threats and environmental problems like water leaks or temperature changes, either based on occupancy triggers or unintentional cases.

Benefits of Self-Storage Automation

Self-storage automation makes managing places easier and improves things for managers and customers.

Adopting kiosk machines and online tools brings numerous benefits to businesses in the self-storage industry.

Now, let's explore the 5 key benefits of having an automated self-storage facility.

1. Reduce costs: Automate tasks like booking and payments, cut administrative expenses, and free up resources for better customer service. You can even run a storage facility without staff.
2. User-friendly: Cloud-based applications are easy to use and manage from anywhere. Integrating it with other tools, like your CRM, can make it even more intuitive.
3. Enhances security: Automated security systems, including access control and surveillance, provide more protection for belongings and the facility as a whole.
4. Offers 24/7 access: This ensures tenants can enter their units anytime. Also, operators no longer need to be on-site for late payments; integrated PC tools and electronic locks can auto-revoke entry.
5. Increased revenue: Automated services like computer applications, websites, or self-service kiosks make storage facilities more modern, efficient, and competitive, which increases revenue.

Make optimizing your storage facility operations easier by embracing this new technology and maximizing its benefits and features.

Here's how to automate rental processes, enhance security, and manage billing efficiently.

Automating the Rental Process

Simplify renting at your facility by installing self-storage kiosks and using online systems for reservations and payments, either through a website or a computer program.

Instead of trying to get your staff's attention, potential customers can use an online portal or kiosk to rent a unit or gain insights into what your storage facility offers.

Tenant-management solutions help complete tasks easier and allow customers to rent self-storage units without direct interaction.

A variable rate management tool also helps you generate pricing adjustments based on occupancy triggers and unit types.

Automating Security and Access Control

Automated access control systems, including electronic keypads, biometric authentication, and surveillance video cameras, are crucial for enhancing self-storage security and keeping your customer's belongings safe.

It grants tenants entry to their units and monitors the storage facility for security threats.

If renters need a facility-access code, it can be delivered automatically via mobile app, email, or text message to prevent any frustrating wait times.

This simplifies and lessens the workload on staff who would otherwise need to handle these tasks manually.

Automating Billing and Payment Processing

Automating billing and payment processing in self-storage facilities involves implementing autopay enrollment, online payment portals, and automated late fee charges.

With automated billing, tenants can easily set up autopay for timely payments through secure portals, and late fees are calculated and charged automatically.

Businesses can also schedule digital documentation of a tenant's monthly payment dues by setting up a recurring bill.

The future of self-storage automation is bright.

Technological advancements, from interactive kiosks to different online automation tools, are making it possible to develop increasingly sophisticated and effective self-storage solutions.

Technological Advancements

Having a self-service kiosk at your facility is already a form of automation. However, storage facility owners can go further and add smart access control and intelligent security systems.

In simpler terms, what used to be done physically through kiosks can now be managed online.

The future of self-storage facilities looks promising with emerging technologies like the following examples.

• Smart Facility Management integrates IoT devices to monitor storage unit conditions like temperature and humidity.
• Intelligent Security Systems use advanced surveillance and alarms to enhance overall facility security.
• Self-service Kiosks empower customers with tasks like renting units and making payments, reducing staff workload for improved convenience.

Potential Impact on the Industry

As automation becomes more prevalent in the self-storage industry, the competitive landscape will likely shift.

Businesses that embrace and effectively implement automation stand to gain a significant edge in efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.

Here's what a semi or fully-automated self-storage facility impacts.

• Convenience and Time-saving: Customers can rent units, make payments, and access their belongings without staff interaction, saving significant time, especially during peak hours.
• Lower Labor Costs: Automation reduces labor expenses by automating tasks and freeing up staff for customer service and facility maintenance.
• Empowered Customers: Self-service options provide autonomy, allowing customers to independently manage transactions and high-value tasks.
• Valuable Customer Data: Self-service tech aids in collecting essential customer data and tracking popular facilities, usage patterns, and amenities.
• Reduced Human Error: Kiosk machines and online applications can minimize the risk of human errors, like miscalculating payments. It also ensures accurate charges and precise financial records.
• Paper Waste Reduction: Digital self-service solutions, like an on-site kiosk or online portals for rentals, payments, and contracts, can contribute to a decrease in paper usage.



Check out this section to learn more about self-storage automation.

What Is the Role of Automation in Self-Storage?

Adopting user-friendly technologies can improve the customer's experience and potentially boost your occupancy rates. It can also reduce costs by reducing the facility's manpower requirements.

Self-storage uses tech like automatic gates, kiosks, and online tools for rent, security, or chatbots that answer questions from both existing and new tenants.

Simplifying the rental process through technology not only enhances self-storage customers' satisfaction but also boosts revenue and overall business efficiency.

How Can Self-Storage Automation Software Benefit My Business?

Self-storage automation can benefit your business in many ways, including:

• Organize your business: Keep track of unit availability, customers' information, and billing details in one central location.
• Be more efficient: To innovate many tasks associated with running a self-storage facility, you free yourself and your staff to focus on other high-value tasks.
• Provide better customer service: Quickly and easily access tenant information for exceptional customer experience.
• Improve security: Monitor your facilities and track who is coming and going with automatic ID checks and unit controls.
• Raise prices when needed: With a variable rate management tool, you can quickly and efficiently increase costs for more in-demand services.
• Generate more revenue: Make it easier for customers to reserve and pay for storage services with a modern, mobile-friendly website and fine-tuned online bookings and payments flow.
• Make better decisions: Create decisions based on trends and data reports instead of hunches.

What Are the Challenges of Implementing Self-Storage Automation?

Implementing self-storage automation comes with challenges, such as:

1. Security Concerns: Self-storage kiosks and online tools are vulnerable to physical attacks, cyber threats, and human errors.
2. Integration Issues: Integrating new technologies with existing systems may lead to data inconsistencies, workflow disruptions, and compatibility problems.
3. Training and Adoption Challenges: Many operators need training to adopt these new tech systems smoothly. Troubleshooting assistance may be common for some time after implementing tech-based storage solutions.
4. Potential Costs: Although self-storage automation services can reduce costs in the long term, the upfront cost of buying these technologies can also be a significant hurdle, especially for startups.

How Can I Choose the Right Self-Storage Automation Software?

Choosing the appropriate self-storage automation software requires carefully evaluating your needs and business processes.

Begin by determining if you need fundamental tools for tenant tracking or a more extensive solution for tasks such as printing notices, charging rent, and generating auto-generated data reports.

Look for programs that prioritize scalability, analytics, usability, security features, and technical support.

To further reduce costs, thoroughly compare prices and confirm that the quotes include everything you require, whether for software or kiosk solutions.

What Does the Future Hold for Self-Storage Automation?

The future of self-storage innovation looks promising with evolving technologies.

The self-storage industry is moving towards seamless integration. It's like the difference between a traditional self-service kiosk and advanced solutions like smart access control and intelligent security systems.

This shift allows tasks, once handled physically, to transition online, promising efficient and secure operations.

Incorporating IoT-connected devices in facility management leads to more advanced self-storage facilities.

The move to self-service kiosks and digital apps means the future of the self-storage industry will become smoother, safer, and more satisfying for customers.

Self-storage automation not only saves costs and boosts security but also brings in more money.

Empowering tenants to manage tasks like renting and entry through their phones enhances overall efficiency.

Just imagine the possibilities when you start integrating AI assistants into your self-storage business!

Looking ahead, the industry is indeed gearing up for even more advanced tech, like smart facility management and super-smart security systems.