Self Storage Facility Management Driven by IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries across the globe, and self storage facilities are no exception. By integrating IoT technologies, self storage businesses are significantly improving their operational safety, security and efficiency. At the rate the digital revolution is going, we can only expect to see more and more technological advances that will continue to reshape self storage and other industries.
“Everything that can be automated will be automated.”- Robert Cannon
What is IoT?
IoT refers to the network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other objects embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity that enable them to collect, exchange, and analyze data. In the context of self-storage, IoT devices are used to monitor and control various aspects of operations, thus enabling streamlined onsite or remote management of facilities. Here are some of the ways modern self-storage businesses harness IoT.
Smart Access and Enhanced Security
Access management and security are top priorities for self storage facilities, and IoT offers several solutions to enhance it:
Access Control: IoT-enabled access control systems use biometric scanners, RFID tags, or mobile apps to ensure only authorized individuals can enter the facility. These systems log all access events, providing a comprehensive record of who entered and when. Business owners or facility managers can remotely grant or revoke access to units, ensuring security and convenience.
Keyless entry: Customers can use their smartphones or other authorized devices to access their storage units, eliminating the need for physical keys.
Smart Surveillance Systems: IoT-enabled cameras provide 24/7 high-definition video feeds, deterring theft and vandalism. With motion sensors, it can be programmed to detect unusual movements or activity. These cameras can send real-time alerts to facility managers' smartphones or computers, allowing for quick responses to potential threats.
Optimized Operations
IoT devices can automate many routine tasks, leading to increased operational efficiency:
Climate control system: Sensors can monitor and regulate temperature and humidity levels within storage units to maintain optimal storage conditions and prevent damage to stored items. Climate control is a feature important to many tenants when entrusting their valued possessions to self-storage.
Energy management: IoT-enabled systems can optimize energy consumption by adjusting heating, cooling, and lighting based on real-time usage and environmental conditions. Monitoring and adjusting these settings is one less task to manage onsite. Energy efficiency does not only reduce cost for the business, it also reduces impact to the environment.
Leak detection: Sensors can detect leaks early on, preventing water damage and costly repairs.
Predictive Maintenance: IoT sensors can monitor the condition of critical equipment such as doors and HVAC systems, and predict when maintenance is needed, reducing downtime and repair costs. As the adage goes, prevention is always better than cure.
The Gist
Smart access, enhanced security, and operational efficiency are just a few of the benefits IoT offers. As technology continues to advance, the potential for further innovations in the self storage industry is vast, making IoT a critical component of modern facility management strategies. While IoT simplifies a lot of things, it needs to be complemented by human competence to truly reap the benefits of saved time and reduced costs. In his ISS article, Storable CEO Chuck Gordon highlights technology as “an enabler, not a replacement, for human interaction and service excellence."
At Nitro Impact, we provide reliable support services for self storage remote management and digital operations.