Engrain, a proptech specializing in mapping and data visualizations for property management and leasing, today announced their interactive feature SightMap will now be used by tech-enabled self-storage company OpenTech Alliance, according to a press release.
OpenTech says the platform, INSOMNIAC StoreCore, will now integrate Engrain’s technology into its facility maps to provide virtual tours of its storage units to customers, tenants and its staff before site visits.
It says these visual maps of the facility will make inventory management more accessible for self-storage operators, and allow renters to take control of the services by incorporating views of the facilities and its unit locations. It says this will be done by feeding unit-level data and content into its existing system.
“Maps improve the overall customer experience and help self-storage operators really understand what’s happening in their facilities,” stated Brent Steiner, Engrain founder and CEO, in the press release.
Engrain says the SightMap application is designed to be built within websites and will be utilized by StoreCore to provide more transparency into what customers are paying for and enhance their self-tour experience, according to its website. They also stated plans on adding a way-finding feature once clients are onsite, and noted the application also lists details on entrances and exits, size of units, cost and availability.
“As we see the expansive digital adoption of self-service technology and online rentals in our industry, we know a frictionless experience is key,” said Jon Loftin, Vice President of Product for OpenTech Alliance.
Other storage companies are also using similar tools to navigate properties and help customers find their units easily. Extra Space Storage, another self-storage management company, recently implemented interactive maps at 1,800 facilities in 2021 and stated plans to add this data to 200 more.
“Interactive mapping technology is meaningful for this industry, and we look at the maps as a critical component for how we create customer and employee experiences,” James Hafen, vice president of product development of Extra Space Storage, told Inside Storage Space. “Customers feel more empowered and confident while navigating around these large facilities, and management teams have some valuable insights to do their jobs more effectively.”
In other recent proptech news, Class Valuation yesterday announced their completion of the verification process for Freddie Mac’s new ACE+ PDR solution. Fundrise also launched a $1 billion investment fund with investments starting at $10.