Motion sensors are showing up at more self storage facilities, but few owner operators actually know what they're getting with in-unit motion sensors. The pitch for motion sensors is simple. The devices cost the operator very little to add, they install quickly, and the management company earns a revenue share.
But a low upfront cost isn't the same as low cost. Before you add another device to your units, it's worth asking what it actually does for your facility, your tenants, and your bottom line.
To be fair, motion-sensor-only devices have one real advantage: they're a light lift to install. There's no lock to replace and little disruption to your site.
That's where the advantages end.
The batteries are locked inside the unit. Once a unit is rented, you can't reach the device to replace its batteries. When it dies, it stays dead until move-out.
Tenants can bring their own. A consumer motion sensor is cheap and easy to buy. A device tenants can replicate on their own gives them little reason to pay a premium for yours.
They don't automate rentals. A sensor can't let a new tenant into their unit, so your rental process stays exactly as manual as it is today.
They don't improve security. A sensor may report that something moved. It doesn't keep anyone out, and it doesn't deter anyone from trying.
They don't provide actionable data. Movement alerts aren't the same as knowing who accessed a unit, when, and whether the door is secured.
They don't automate overlocking or delinquency. Your team still walks the property, cuts locks, and applies overlocks by hand.
In short, a motion sensor adds a device to your units without changing how your facility runs.
Nokē is a complete smart entry system, purpose-built for self storage, from the gate to the unit door. Instead of watching just for motion, it controls and records every entry, and that changes how your facility operates.
It secures every unit, vacant or occupied. Nokē protects units whether they're rented or not, and tells you each door's status in real time.
It improves security. Facilities using Nokē see 95%+ fewer claims. A visible smart lock on every door is also a deterrent before anyone tries anything.
It adds security-grade sensors where you want them. Many Nokē models offer optional security-grade sensors. You get the monitoring a motion sensor promises, plus a lock that actually secures the unit.
It automates rentals. With automated onboarding, tenants can rent online and access their unit without waiting on your staff.
It automates overlocking and delinquency. Overlocks and unlocks happen automatically based on payment status. No lock cutting and no site walks.
It delivers actionable data and insights. Shared keys let you see every user tied to a unit and how each unit is used, so you get a clear picture of activity across your property.
Motion sensors are often sold on revenue share. Nokē drives revenue directly. Operators use Nokē to charge premium rates and technology fees, because tenants can see and feel the difference in security and convenience every time they visit.
Add labor savings from automated rentals and delinquency, plus insurance savings from fewer claims, and the return grows well beyond a revenue split.
Sample Value Calculation (500 Unit Facility):
Here's a sample calculation using conservative numbers:
Nokē value calculation
Estimated annual value, 500-unit facility
Revenue: premiums
Average $5.99/mo technology fee or premium
Labor savings
Eliminating the relief manager position
Revenue: usage-based increases
10% higher increases on high-usage customers
Automation: after-hours move-ins
20% online, automated move-ins
Insurance benefits: tenant
Splits as high as 75–80%
Insurance benefits: commercial
20–25% discount available
Sample calculation based on conservative estimates for a 500-unit facility. Actual results vary by facility.
Nokē is the most installed smart security product in self storage. Its tenant app is the highest rated and most installed self storage smart access app in the industry, and Nokē has won five innovation awards.
Behind it is an in-house team of engineers and industry experts committed to self storage, with quality and innovation backed by Janus International. Every Nokē project includes project management and expert installation in the cost of the bid, so there are no surprise install fees.
A motion sensor tells you something moved. Nokē's smart security solution tells you who, when, and whether the door is secure. It also automates the rentals, overlocks, and delinquency work your team handles by hand today.
If you're weighing a low-cost add-on against a system that pays for itself, the choice is clear.
Watch the Video: Learn More About What Nokē Can Do for Your Facility →
