Kennards July eKourier

FEATURE

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SMART OR NOT SO SMART

FOR KSS, WE WILL WATCH CLOSELY HOW THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY IS EMBRACED BY CUSTOMERS AND OPERATORS

‘ ence, no keys to manage, no gate codes to forget. The customer has total control over who can access the space, they also have visibility into who has accessed their space. This is particu- larly good for businesses who have multiple people accessing the space. All controlled from the Customer Smart Phone. Use of Keyless Entry Smart Locks has grown in demand across many industries, most apparent across the hotel industry, resorts, Airbnb, student accommodation, backpackers, offices and shared workspaces to name a few. Is it a Good idea for storage? For KSS, we will watch closely how this new technology is embraced by customers and operators. Introducing Smart Keyless Entry Systems comes at an additional cost and infrastructure that requires support and management. Will a customer pay more for the convenience of a Smart Unit to help recover the additional cost? It also comes with a legal consideration, does the operator have access to the space and therefore take care control and custody. What happens when the power goes down or the internet or the customer forgets their phone, or the battery runs out. We understand these challenges have been considered, with Smart Locks having a back up battery for power and an alternative to unlocking when you do not have your phone. It is early days and we will watch closely, but for now it is the old fashion lock and key for KSS customers. Darren Marshall Chief Operating Officer

The biggest advancement in the self storage industry is generally technology related. I imagine this is true for most industries. The latest advancement making its way into self storage in Australia is the introduction of Smart Units. Keyless entry to your storage space. As far as we know there are four, possibly five, new self storage developments fitted with Smart Units. They include Storage King Minchinbury NSW, National Storage Robina QLD, FortKnox Self Storage Braybrook Victoria, and Storelocal Cranebrook NSW. Keyless Entry Storage has been around in the US for some time and has now made its way to Australia.

What is it? Smart Units use a keyless management system, using wireless, cloud-based technology to access a facility and a storage space using your Smart Phone or Key Fob. No physical key required. In the US Keyless Entry has been appealing for self storage properties that run with no people. Offering the ability to control access from anywhere removing the need to have people onsite. These days smart access is being promoted further suggesting benefits to both the self storage operator and the customer. For operators, they receive total visibility into who is onsite right down to the unit level, enhancing security and property management capabilities. This function- ality can be aggregated across multiple

locations at a portfolio level.

Smart Units allow for a fully automated contactless access and move in experi- ence for new customers. Eliminates time consuming tasks for manage- ment such as overlocking and overdue customers, cutting locks, removing vacant locks and time conducting manual lock checks and audits. Open and close facility access gates from anywhere. Some Smart Locks are fitted with sensors that detect heat for fire, motion for attempted break in’s, or someone living onsite. Events such as this will trigger an alert to the Property Manager to help better manage security and safety concerns.

For Customers, enhancing the customer experience and conveni-

11 Kennards Kourier July 2021