AI-powered solutions are now an essential part of self-storage management. To maintain a competitive edge and offer seamless tenant experiences with stunning simplicity, an operator must utilize a lean yet powerful technology stack that’s capable of automating and streamlining interactions with tenants.

• Feeling constrained by manual processes at your self-storage facility? ️
• Struggling to keep up with tenant requests and maintain occupancy rates?
• Wishing you had more time to focus on strategic growth and innovation?

If you answered yes to any of these, you're not alone. But what if there was a solution that could automate tasks, improve efficiency, and free up your valuable time?

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We understand the complexities of running a self-storage facility. Our team is working at the technological forefront of the self-storage industry, directly with facility operators, to integrate AI-powered solutions into technology stacks and take tenant experiences to new heights. swivl’s recent industry report underlined the need for operators to rapidly adopt new technology to stay ahead in today’s self-storage market.

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Whether you manage a single facility or a multi-site empire, this article is for you. As many AI-powered solutions for self-storage facilities offer practically infinite scalability for operators, the same tools and platforms are often leveraged by both small and large operations.

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This article will delve into:

• How self-storage facility operations can embrace artificial intelligence.
• The potential ways to bring AI-powered tools into your technology stack.
• The opportunities for AI-powered tools to support lead generation and conversion.
• The possibilities for AI to enhance self-storage facility operations and security.

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Why listen to me? I have worked in the conversational AI space for close to a decade, with our previous AI company getting acquired. My day-to-day consists of speaking to operators of all sizes to understand their automation needs and wants, and see how to best help them get there. I am currently in charge of swivl's go-to-market strategy and am a co-host of the Self Storage Lab podcast.

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Using AI for Self-Storage Management: 12 Examples

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Lead Generation & Conversion

AI-powered chatbots

Chatbots act as friendly, tireless assistants, answering tenant questions in real-time. If a prospect inquires via your website about unit sizes in the early hours of the morning; your AI assistant can offer detailed information, conduct virtual tours showcasing available options, and even guide them through the initial reservation process – all without human intervention. This not only eliminates wait times but also captures valuable leads who might have bounced due to delayed responses.

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Dynamic pricing algorithms

Forget static pricing and unlock the power of dynamic algorithms. AI-powered tools can consider a range of real-time factors when setting unit rates. If your facility is full to the brim, the algorithm can adjust prices accordingly to maximize revenue and occupancy while remaining competitive.

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Targeted online advertising

Generic ads simply don't cut it anymore. AI can analyze tenant demographics and preferences to craft highly relevant advertising campaigns. For instance, an AI-powered tool could enable you to target college students moving for internships with ads showcasing student discounts and short-term storage options. This laser-focused approach helps you to reach the right audience with the right message.

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Tenant Management & Self-Service

AI-enhanced fault management

Optical Character Recognition (OCR), typically used to recognize text within a digital image, can be used in conjunction with AI to check errors without human intervention, streamlining fault management and creating a seamless experience for your tenants. For instance, if tenants submit maintenance requests with photos through an online portal or app, OCR software can generate a likely diagnosis of the issue and feed this information to facility operators.

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Smart access control

AI-powered systems like facial recognition or mobile app technology offer tenants unparalleled convenience and security. They can walk up to your unit, have their face scanned instantly, and gain access effortlessly. No fumbling for keys or remembering access codes required! This not only enhances the tenant experience but also eliminates the hassle of managing traditional keys and the associated security risks that come with it.

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24/7 issue resolution

AI-powered chatbots become your first line of defense for tenant inquiries and troubleshooting. An effective solution will ensure that tenants have their frequently asked questions answered instantly through a user-friendly chatbot interface. With effective implementation, an AI-powered chatbot can help reduce the burden on your staff and provide tenants with prompt support, fostering satisfaction and trust.

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Operations & Security

Predictive maintenance

Rather than playing whack-a-mole with equipment failures, you can use AI-enabled systems to analyze sensor data, pinpointing potential issues before they cause costly downtime. For example, AI could predict a failing HVAC unit days in advance. This allows you to schedule preventative maintenance and avoid disruption to your operations and tenant comfort.

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Enhanced security monitoring

AI goes beyond passive monitoring. Advanced video analytics powered by AI scour camera footage in real-time, detecting suspicious activity like unauthorized access or loitering. This proactive security approach deters crime, protects your assets, and shows tenants that you care about their property.

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Resource optimization

Go green and save green! AI algorithms can look at historical data on energy consumption and waste disposal at your facility, identifying areas for optimization. These data-driven insights can often translate to significant cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and a more sustainable operation.

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Personalized Marketing & Retention

Tenant sentiment analysis

AI tools can monitor tenant interactions across various channels and identify subtle yet important cues that might indicate potential unhappiness. When you’re ahead of the curve, you can address their concerns, perhaps by improving the value proposition of the service, such as extended access options.

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Targeted promotions and offers

AI empowers you to personalize communication with each tenant, sending them relevant promotions and offers based on their unique needs and preferences. A targeted approach resonates better with tenants, driving engagement, increasing revenue, and boosting loyalty in the long run.

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Upselling and cross-selling opportunities

To prevent you from leaving money on the table, AI tools can identify tenants who might benefit from additional services or larger units based on their rental history and usage patterns. A range of data-driven insights at your fingertips will help you unlock additional revenue streams while providing valuable solutions to your tenants, creating a win-win situation.

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Next Steps for Facility Operators Looking To Embrace AI

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If you are ready to start developing your technology stack and embrace AI-powered tools, swivl has produced a blueprint for building an unmanned facility. This is an all-in-one resource of all the tools accessible to an operator to run their business more efficiently. You can download the PDF today.

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You may also like:

24 Self-Storage Marketing Tips For Operators In 2024

Automated Self-Storage: An Operator’s Journey Through 5 Levels Of Automation‍

12 Best Self-Storage Software Companies For Facility Operators

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