I must be completely honest here – a couple years ago, I would have likely guessed that the business operations of a storage company were relatively simple. How much could there really be to it?
Then I started working for Mercantile Systems, Inc (MSI). My introduction to storage companies was on the customer service side. The selling process alone was eye-opening! I was completely impressed by the step-by-step service that storage companies have a unique lock on. Unlike most industries, the storage industry selling technique has been in place for years and is perfected to a T. It truly is amazing to see it in action during mystery shops – when utilized correctly. However, all too often, employees deviate from the regimented process, resulting in a potential loss of sales, which is why mystery shopping is an imperative accountability tool for these companies.
A few months later, I received a crash course in the behind the scenes operations of storage companies. WOW! I was honestly blown away by how much internal procedures and policies must be in place. I fully admit my ignorance and apologize for simplifying the industry. You have so much to keep an eye on and I applaud you all for managing to make it look so easy.
I recently reviewed a customized Internal Audit (IA), AKA Site Audit or Back-of-Office Audit, that MSI carefully put together for one of our storage clients. Over 60 site-specific questions, many of which required detailed answers for different leases, units, and actionable items. From security to locking past due units to cleanliness to merchandise to maintenance. For managing one location, the amount that goes into it is amazing. For managing multiple locations, it must get overwhelming at times.
With a huge number of locations to maintain, the client whose Back-of-House Audit I was reviewing wisely talked to an MSI consultant about simplifying their IA processes. Working with us, they were able to create an audit designed by and for their specific industry. We took their specific concerns into consideration and used our Cloud-Based Internal Audit System to cut their costs and minimize the time and effort previously spent on the processes.
MSI has the ability to take your needs and simplify them. Complete the audits offline on a mobile device and upload it into the system when you are connected online. Take photos and videos for visual documentation. Then, sit back and let our system do the calculations and analysis for you. MSI’s IA System can track and trend the data from hundreds of locations over any period of time you desire. See how certain locations decreased or increased productivity over several years. Monitor how specific employees are performing at different times.
Make managing a storage company almost as easy as I originally thought it was! Let our Cloud-Based System do the work and provide improved reports. Contact an MSI consultant today and find out how we can simplify your IA (or Back-of-Office) audits for you.
