The self-storage industry saw an explosion of new technology in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. While many operators were already embracing innovative tools and practices, implementation has skyrocketed at facilities worldwide. In this interview, recorded at the 2021 Inside Self-Storage World Expo, Jon Loftin from OpenTech Alliance Inc. discusses how world events are impacting the self-storage technological landscape, the products and programs facilities should employ now, and how to handle staff engagement and training. He closes with a look at what we can expect from new tech in the coming years.
Loftin is vice president and IoE (Internet of Everything) product owner for OpenTech, a provider of self-storage kiosks, call-center services and other technology. With more than 25 years of experience in senior-management roles, he spearheaded the development of OpenTech IoE, an intelligent platform of smart-connected solutions designed to streamline self-storage operations.
Read more about the 2021 ISS World Expo in this article recapping the event.