Technology and vehicle storage are thriving industries, so it is no surprise that tech is changing how we store and access our valuables. Technology makes accessing storage easier and increases security and peace of mind. From digital marketing to smart locks, the technological advances made in the past decade have enabled RV and boat storage owners and operators to get in front of larger audiences and make their facilities more accessible. Below are some examples of how technology has evolved in the industry.Â
Today, having a location and posting signs isn’t nearly enough to be noticed. The company winning business won’t necessarily be the building with the flashiest signs and biggest newspaper spreads; it will be the facility with the highly optimized website. Tight search engine optimization allows tech-savvy companies to lead online advertising. Also, the ability to secure space online makes the decision to seal the deal easy, reducing a formerly stressful task to a few minutes with a search engine.Â
Additionally, some facilities have advanced software that allows customers to manage their storage facilities directly from mobile apps. Apps offer real-time control over a storage unit’s security and access. Security features are often the deciding factor for a customer. For example, some mobile apps give renters access to video surveillance feeds and the ability to lock and unlock doors. Granting easier access and peace of mind is vital to retaining customers.
For vehicle storage sites with self-storage facilities, good locks are essential. Many facilities operate with empty, unlocked units, leading to unauthorized access or customer locks being damaged or broken. Smart locks address many of these concerns. Replacing key-based locks with electronic keypads enables monitored access and securing empty units without managing spare keys and locks. Electronic locks are less susceptible to damage or tampering and deter the average bolt-cutting criminal. Integrating kiosks and management software make daily physical patrols a thing of the past.
Tech trends make facility leasing, management and security much more efficient, and any owner or manager not capitalizing on these advances will soon find themselves left behind. As technology continues to evolve, RV and boat storage owners and operators should make the necessary changes to be successful.Â
Bishesh Shrestha was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. After attending grade school in India, he was accepted to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he earned a degree in Foreign Affairs. Bishesh later completed his master’s degree in business administration from Elon University. He joined Live Oak Bank in 2013. Bishesh started in the Business Advisory Group and was quickly promoted to an underwriter, moving to an underwriter team lead for the healthcare vertical. As a loan officer, he is responsible for evaluating, structuring and packaging SBA loans for the industry. In his free time, Bishesh enjoys going to the beach with his wife and kids and cooking. Connect with a Live Oak Bank loan officer to learn more at www.liveoakbank.com/self-storage. Â
Stake Your Claim in Toy StorageÂ
Learn more about all aspects of developing and operating a successful RV and boat storage facility at the upcoming Toy Storage Nation Executive Workshop, June 16, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Denver/Boulder, Colo. Limited seats are available for this one-day accelerated, intensive workshop, led by the industry’s most experienced professionals. Learn more and REGISTER NOW
