OpenTech Alliance, the leading developer of innovative smart-connected technology solutions for the self storage industry, helps nationwide storage provider Simply Self Storage deliver on its promise to provide the best service possible. The Florida-based operator offers a high-quality storage experience in 23 states and growing – with a business model built on a commitment to innovation.
Kerry Richard, SVP of Operations for Simply Self Storage, attributes the success of the partnership to a collaborative approach rooted in a shared commitment to continuous improvement. “Good or bad,” stated Richard, “we work through challenges together.”
Simply’s long-standing partnership with OpenTech Alliance has allowed them to confidently test new technologies as they hit the market. In addition to superior service - a key tenet of Simply’s operations – Kerry Richard, SVP of Operations, believes much of their success lies in their willingness to try new things – even if it means they might fail.
It was this philosophy, along with their relationship with OpenTech, that led them to first test the company’s access control system, INSOMNIAC CIA.
“One thing I’ll say about our relationship with all departments at OpenTech,” stated Richard, “they’re not pushy. They’re very communicative, and proactively share what they’re seeing as new products hit the field. When we decide to try something, they’re very hands-on from the beginning to make sure everything goes right from the time we order, to install to getting it up and running – they’re all over it. That level of service isn’t seen as much today. It’s nice to partner with someone who believes in and is investing that kind of service in their product.”
Simply initially installed CIA at four properties and has been pleased with the ease of use for managers and the overall enhancements to the customer experience. Richard visited a location with CIA during a snowstorm and was happily impressed to see the hands-free access via the Storage Genie tenant mobile app worked as advertised (and he didn’t have to open his window to enter a code at the keypad). His managers have reported that it’s an easy sell, being easy to use and offering good benefits to customers, and as such has provided a competitive advantage at those facilities.
These perks, in addition to the reporting capabilities, remote management and improved hardware, have made CIA their system of choice when systems go down – particularly in light of the challenges introduced by COVID-19 restrictions. Simply will also look to replace functional systems at properties where it will bring a big enough benefit to their customers – such as properties with 200+ RV spots or those close to highways that see a lot of semi traffic.
Robert Chiti, Chairman and CEO of OpenTech Alliance, believes it is this willingness to test new things where others may have feared failure – be it cutting-edge technology, different operating procedures or the like – has fortified both operations. “Partnerships like these have long formed the foundation of OpenTech’s success. We find our strength in the trust and collaboration of like-minded partners in the industry.” A sentiment, it seems, that is shared by Simply Self Storage.
“I would say that there are a few partnerships that we have in the industry where we do work like we do with OpenTech,” stated Richard, “but it’s not a common theme to find partners that want to collaborate together as much as we do. Partners who are trying to make their product better, and trying to make our business better at the same time. That’s what makes a partnership so strong. Both benefit, and both looking out for each other.”
Simply Self Storage also utilizes INSOMNIAC Live! call center services, INSOMNIAC SmartEye security monitoring, INSOMNIAC XpressCollect and StorageTreasures online auctions. To read the full interview with Simply, including their experience implementing these products and insights into creating a successful vendor partnership, click here to visit the OpenTech blog today.
To learn more about INSOMNIAC CIA or any of the products mentioned, contact OpenTech Alliance at sales@opentechalliance.com.
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