‍AI in Self-Storage: 3 Distinct Opportunities For Facility Operators

AI in self-storage presents an opportunity to give tenants a more streamlined and satisfying experience while helping operators increase efficiency and revenue.

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As a facility operator, are you:

• Struggling to keep up with tenant inquiries and requests?
• Looking for innovative ways to maximize occupancy rates?
• Facing challenges in maintaining a competitive edge?

At swivl, we see three distinct opportunities for AI in self-storage facilities:

• Automating tenant interactions with conversational AI.
• Enhancing occupancy forecasting and revenue management.
• Optimizing security and access control systems.

This article is aimed at facility operators who understand the value of adopting artificial intelligence to enhance operations and tenant satisfaction, but are unsure what this looks like in practice.

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How Are Operators Thinking About AI In Self-Storage?

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Based on data from a recent European survey, nearly 70% of respondents actively plan to use AI in their self-storage businesses. 

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From our conversations on the ground with American self-storage facility operators, many are eager to explore how AI can reshape their day-to-day work.

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For example, many facility operators are already implementing AI-driven chatbots to enhance communication with tenants while freeing up human staff for more complex tasks.

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Have You Missed The Boat On AI?

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If you feel like you've already missed the boat on artificial intelligence, don't worry. This isn't a passing trend; it's a paradigm shift that will continue to shape the industry for years to come.

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Facility operators still have time to adopt and implement AI-driven strategies that can redefine their business models and elevate tenant satisfaction.

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It's worth remembering that as AI adoption increases, those who choose not to adopt may find themselves at a strategic disadvantage.

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This creates a classic prisoner's dilemma, where operators who delay adoption risk being outperformed by competitors who capitalize on AI's capabilities.

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Hesitating facility teams not only miss immediate benefits but also allow rivals to set new industry standards, making it harder to catch up in the future.

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3 Opportunities For Facility Teams To Use AI In Self-Storage

Automating Tenant Interactions with Conversational AI

Interactions with tenants at all stages of the customer journey can make or break their experiences. It’s foundational to effective self-storage management.

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While you may set out to offer super-fast response times to all inquiries from existing and prospective tenants, this is difficult to achieve when you receive sudden influxes of inquiries during peak times and high-demand periods. Instead of falling behind or relying solely on human resources, conversational AI can step in to offer superhuman levels of support.

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swivl's conversational AI is one example of a tool that enables you to provide seamless, real-time interaction with tenants. These systems handle tasks ranging from answering common questions to guiding tenants through reservations and payment processes.

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This approach not only provides tenants with instant, accurate responses but also reduces operational strain. This enables human staff to dedicate their time to nuanced or strategic responsibilities.

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When a tenant navigates your website to secure a unit, they can use a chatbot to explore unit sizes, compare pricing, and finalize their booking in minutes. This is all without needing direct assistance.

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Conversational AI guarantees 24/7 availability, addressing inquiries at any hour. Whether it is a tenant locked out late at night or a prospective customer exploring options on a Sunday afternoon, these tools ensure uninterrupted service.

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This is about bridging operational gaps and exceeding tenant expectations - and swivl's solutions give facility teams the tools they need to operate with unparalleled efficiency and customer focus.

Enhancing Occupancy Forecasting & Revenue Management

Are you maximizing occupancy rates? If you have empty units, AI-driven tools may hold the answer to getting these units booked up.

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These tools can analyze historical data, market trends, and tenant behavior to provide valuable insights that support smarter decision-making from facility teams.

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For example, AI-powered forecasting systems can predict periods of high demand and suggest dynamic pricing strategies to capitalize on these opportunities. Adjusting rates based on real-time demand, operators can increase revenue without alienating price-sensitive tenants.

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AI can also identify patterns in tenant behavior that may indicate an increased likelihood of vacating their unit, allowing operators to proactively address retention strategies.

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Revenue management systems powered by AI also help operators identify underutilized spaces and propose creative solutions to maximize their use. Whether it is offering short-term discounts or repurposing units for different types of storage, the technology ensures every square foot is working to its full potential.

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These AI capabilities enable facility operators to make data-driven decisions that boost both occupancy and profitability.

Optimizing Security & Access Control Systems

Security is naturally a top priority for tenants choosing a self-storage facility. AI technology can significantly enhance the effectiveness of security systems, providing both operators and tenants with peace of mind.

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AI-powered security systems can analyze video feeds in real-time, detecting unusual activity or potential threats more effectively than traditional methods. For instance, these systems can identify unauthorized access attempts or suspicious behavior and immediately notify operators or security personnel. This level of automation reduces response times and helps prevent security breaches before they escalate.

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In addition to surveillance, AI can improve access control systems by using advanced technology like facial recognition or biometric authentication. These features provide tenants with secure and convenient access to their units while ensuring only authorized individuals are granted entry.

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Another key advantage of AI-enhanced security is its ability to generate detailed reports and analytics. Facility operators can review these insights to identify trends, assess vulnerabilities, and implement proactive measures to further improve safety.

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Using AI in security and access control, operators can deliver a superior tenant experience while minimizing risks and operational inefficiencies.

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How Much Revenue Is Your Facility Leaving On The Table?

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The integration of AI in self-storage facilities is no longer a futuristic concept. It is a practical solution to the challenges facility operators wrestle with daily.

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To summarize, we’ve outlined three key areas for you to explore:

• Streamlining tenant interactions with conversational AI.
• Enhancing occupancy forecasting and revenue management.
• Optimizing security and access control systems.

Out-of-the-box AI solutions are now accessible for all these areas.

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AI adoption in local self-storage facilities not only carves out a competitive advantage but also marks you as a forward-thinking leader, enhancing efficiency, tenant happiness, and future-proofing your business.

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Find out more about swivl and book a demo today.

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