There are several important steps you can take as a self storage owner operator to prevent or mitigate a technology crisis before it happens. Here are helpful preventative tips that I’ve learned from my 13 years of facility management experience that can help prevent or mitigate technology crises at your facility.
Technology Maintenance & Updates
- Regularly review your business’ network, software, computer, and phones to make sure operating systems and software are the latest version available. Not doing so can leave your business vulnerable to malicious activities.
- Stay on top of the latest developments in self storage technology and software. Make sure there are no gaps in your operation.
- Your Information Technology (IT) team or vendors should have security firewalls and software in place to prevent ransomware and virus attacks.
- Consider early adoption of new technologies and software – even as a test or trial. This can help you stay ahead of the competition or be ready for an unexpected crisis.
For instance, when the pandemic first hit in 2020, REITs could not process online move-ins because they had not stayed up-to-date with the latest tech options. Everything in person stopped in March 2020. REITs were in extreme crisis mode. They didn’t plan or take advantage of the latest tech developments ahead of time; therefore, REITs scrambled for solutions to rent units when their offices closed.
