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We can all agree that security is one of the most important aspects of any business. This is especially true when it comes to storage. There is a lot of technology available that can help make your facility more secure. In fact, there is so much of it that it can be overwhelming. Still, self-storage access control security systems are the most flexible options for small to medium-sized businesses. You will undoubtedly be able to make your facility more secure if you use this technology. This is great because it will bring you many more clients who want to use your dependable services. Therefore, we are here to tell you how to choose the right gate access control system for your self-storage facility so that you can make your facility more effective and secure.

The Most Common Self-Storage Gates

Running an efficient self-storage facility begins with security, and security starts with the type of gate that you use. There are many different types of gates that storage facilities use. However, the most common are:

  1. Slide gates: These gates are among the most used types. They are easy to install, and they are reliable. However, they are often made of heavy-duty steel, making them prone to malfunctioning. They also require a lot of space. However, the security that they offer is unprecedented.
  2. Swinging Gates: To enable vehicle traffic into the property, a swing gate usually swings inward and remains open for a defined period. Swinging gates are generally not as heavy as slide gates, but they are just as versatile. They don't require as much space as a slide gate, but that means that they are not as flexible.
  3. Tilt-up and over gates: This type saves the most space and is the most flexible out of the three we have mentioned. However, the drawback of this type of gate is that they are usually made of light material.

The self-storage gate and access control technology you choose are crucial. According to Best Cross Country Movers, these two elements influence your storage facility's security and operational effectiveness. With that said, there are many access control options at your disposal. However, you shouldn't make the mistake of installing a one-way keypad that isn't safe and doesn't allow you to monitor how long a renter is on your property. Installing an app-based gate control system is the best approach. This way, you will have greater control over your self-storage facility.

TIP: Because there are so many options for app-based gate control systems, you should conduct extensive research to find the one that best meets your needs.

What You Need To Consider When Choosing Gate Access Control System for Your Self-Storage Facility

You must do your due diligence before committing to any system for your self-storage facility. If you do this, it will aid you in determining which gate access control system will function best. The two main questions you should consider are:

1. How Will Renters Get In And Out?

Perhaps you want a keypad that assigns an access code to each renter. Alternatively, you may provide renters a card they must scan to unlock the gate. Consider what works best for your facility and its occupants. Consider how your renters will obtain gate information and what personnel must do to provide the right codes. If you own outdoor storage units, this question is fundamental.

TIP: You will save time and money if you can automate the entire process of getting into and out of storage.

2. Is Your Gate Access Control System Compatible With Your Storage Software?

This might be the most important thing you need to ask yourself. Today, storage software is a critical part of any storage facility. It will make your life easier in more ways than one. However, not all hardware is compatible with storage software. That is why you need to pay attention to this. If you don't have self-storage software, we suggest you implement it as soon as possible. This software will enable your system to connect with the gate to detect when a renter should be shut out or when a code has expired.

Determine Your Facility's Security Requirements

Another significant factor should be the amount of security that your facility needs. The best way to do this is to look at your local crime patterns and the crime rate. If you are in a region with a higher crime rate, the best thing to do would be to consider a more robust gate access control system for your self-storage facility. After you've done all the research and learned about local crime patterns, you'll be able to compile a list of must-haves for your security system. Some of the things that are at your disposal are:

  • Digital keypads
  • Electronic locks
  • Gate alarms
  • Monitoring systems

If you have an elevator, you should look into elevator controls that restrict tenants from entering storage without authorization. This way, you can run an efficient and secure facility.

TIP: You can get away with only a few of these methods if you run a smaller facility. If your facility is large, however, you will benefit from using most, if not all of them.

Choose the Right Software

We have discussed the importance of storage software earlier. However, we must also mention the importance of choosing the right software for the job. There is no doubt that self-storage access technology will make using your facility much easier for both you and your tenants. However, all elements must operate well together, or difficulties will arise. For example, the software you use must be able to interpret a variety of codes between the entrance gate and specific storage units. It must then connect with the facility-management software to decide which codes are legitimate and if it should unlock a gate or lock. It's convenient if everything works together smoothly. Otherwise, it's just more work for everyone.

Facility access may seem to be a simple aspect of self-storage operations, but it needs careful design and precise integration of mechanical and digital aspects. When done correctly, it may enhance the entire client experience and make life simpler for facilities personnel. And with all that said, hopefully, you will better understand how to choose the right gate access control system for your self-storage facility.

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