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"There is no true competitor that is offering what Solink is offering. From price point to functionality - it’s unmatchable. Compared to the options we were looking at and what we were finding, Solink is at the top. You guys solve problems so we don’t need to replace cameras, contact other vendors or worry about project management. It’s just so simple and easy to implement and use.” ~ Wenxuan Fan, Manager of Data Intelligence & Strategy
The Client:
StorQuest
StorQuest Self Storage is a trusted leader in providing secure and accessible storage solutions for individuals and businesses alike. Specializing in climate-controlled units, advanced security features, and convenient locations, StorQuest ensures that your belongings are safe and easily accessible whenever you need them. With a focus on customer service and innovative storage options, StorQuest supports your storage needs with high-quality facilities and expert guidance, making them a go-to partner for anyone looking to protect and manage their valuable items.
Managing a large portfolio of facilities across the country, StorQuest faced the common challenge of dealing with outdated video security systems. Each facility came with its own native video system, making management costly and time-consuming. To stay ahead of the curve and minimize capital investment, StorQuest adopted Solink’s cloud-based video management platform. This modern, cost-effective solution improved visibility, provided remote access, and streamlined operations, preparing them for future security challenges while boosting efficiency.
Their challenges before Solink
Concerns
- Cost savings plus cost efficiency
- Time savings
- Upgrading an outdated video security system
Cost savings plus cost efficiency - optimizing resources
When StorQuest set out to upgrade their video security system, they needed a solution that balanced cost with comprehensive coverage. Their existing setup at many older facilities was outdated, but budgeting for a thorough replacement for hardware is usually not the best economical decision with most stakeholders/investors. Initially, StorQuest believed they had found the right video security partner. However, the partnership soon ran into challenges when they were required to replace all their existing security cameras, despite many still functioning well. This forced upgrade felt unnecessary and costly, especially at a time when increased crime was already driving up insurance expenses. StorQuest began questioning if this was the best solution. Solink’s offering stood out by unlocking advanced AI and proactive protection protocols without the need for expensive new camera hardware, providing a cost-effective and future-proof alternative.
"It is a tough decision to replace the whole system with new shiny hardware. Solink gives us the option to recycle the old cameras which makes the commitment to upgrade the technology extremely affordable and easy.”
Additionally, StorQuest was concerned about being locked into a long-term contract which limited their flexibility and could potentially lead to further expenses down the line. They were also wary of the high deployment costs associated with hardware-centric services, which added to their financial burden. StorQuest needed a solution that allowed them to optimize their resources, minimize costs, and avoid discarding valuable, working equipment while still addressing the heightened security risks they faced.
Time savings and better project management
StorQuest needed a more efficient security solution to lighten the load on their IT department and improve project management. Their current system was causing a surge in IT tickets, and managing multiple licenses along with coordinating various services was draining both time and resources. The IT team found themselves constantly tied up with security system demands, pulling them away from other critical tasks like data analysis and API integration. On top of that, the existing system was difficult to use, making it even harder to manage.
The need for time savings extended beyond IT. From district managers to store managers, the cumbersome security software created operational headaches, with many tasks still falling back on IT to resolve. This added further strain, slowing down their ability to address these issues effectively.
Battling 'dinosaur' technology
StorQuest was grappling with the challenges of their outdated analog security systems. Some old “dinosaur” technologies had become a burden, frequently breaking down and requiring labor-intensive maintenance. Keeping these systems operational was both costly and time-consuming, pulling resources away from more critical tasks. StorQuest recognized the need to move away from these manual processes and toward automated solutions. Automating their security was essential for reducing upkeep and allowing them to focus on business growth, but the approach needed to be both efficient and cost-effective.
“Some of our storage facilities can be a little bit older and are using systems with a local NVR that only supports monitoring and searching footage manually and locally. Not only is it costly to fix and maintain these, but we are also not getting much value out of it when there are real security threats. We wanted to be far more technologically driven in our security and have much more functionality within our system.”
Learn how Solink can support your business.
Their results after Solink
Solutions
- A significant cost savings by switching over to Solink
- A more streamlined system by switching over to Solink
- A modern cloud-based solution that offered enhanced functionality, reliability, and reduced workload on the IT team
Cost savings and a better plan moving forward
StorQuest set out to find a security solution that better suited their needs and budget. They soon discovered Solink and were impressed by its ability to integrate with their existing infrastructure. This meant they could continue using their current cameras and hardware where it made sense, avoiding expensive replacements and maximizing the value of their previous investments. What also stood out was Solink’s flexibility—unlike their previous provider, Solink didn’t require long-term contracts, giving StorQuest the freedom to adapt as their needs changed.
“Cost efficiency is really, really huge because Solink basically turned our nearly obsolete cameras into what would have been new cameras, so to speak, with the new software installed. They technically put new brains into our old existing cameras without it having to cost us any more money in hardware.”
In addition to these benefits, StorQuest found that Solink’s lower installation costs and flexible retention options made the transition even more appealing. The company appreciated how easy and cost-effective it was to get started with Solink, without compromising on the quality or functionality of their security system. By choosing Solink, StorQuest not only optimized their security operations but also achieved significant cost savings, all while maintaining the high level of protection they required.
Time savings and a more streamlined system
With Solink’s intuitive platform, more locations could handle routine security matters on their own, reducing the dependency on their central IT team. This shift empowered store managers to address and resolve issues quickly, which helped keep operations running smoothly.
“It became easier to manage the information coming from different levels in the company and simple to set up different access levels to district managers and store managers to function better as an operations team with Solink.”
This time savings effect also trickled down into understanding more about what was going on within their own security system when things were not working so smoothly. Normally StorQuest would have outside vendors come in to have to work on cameras or deduce a problem occurring but with Solink, the cameras were now monitored with alerting being a feature that could be relied upon when something was not working correctly for them.
“In regards to time savings and Solink, we no longer need vendors coming out and assessing our cameras. Solink is continually monitoring and managing what is going on with our cameras in-house and alerts us of any issues if they do come up.”
With these improvements, StorQuest experienced a more efficient, self-sufficient operation across all their locations, as well as enhanced security management. Time savings for staff became much easier, and they had constant awareness of what was happening at all times.
“Solink enabled me to better understand what I was looking for from a security system as an IT leader. Things are so much more simple and streamlined after implementing Solink that we don’t need to talk with our vendors, we don’t need to worry about logistics for new cameras or worry about access to the security from store to store with our staff. Solink is testing, installing and setting things up - all those things used to be on us. I’ve been able to unplug myself and pull back and focus more on how to better use the data that Solink provides our company.”
A modern cloud-based video security system solution
StorQuest made the strategic decision to replace their outdated systems with Solink’s cloud-based video security, ultimately unlocking a host of advanced features that transformed their operations. This new system provided far more functionality, including real-time video monitoring, video alarms, enhanced CCTV capabilities, and powerful video analytics—all within a single, integrated platform. By consolidating these features, StorQuest was able to eliminate the need for multiple licenses with other vendors, streamlining their operations, reducing costs, and simplifying their IT management. This shift not only addressed their immediate needs but also positioned them for future growth, with a scalable solution that could easily adapt as their business evolved.
“We wanted a more automatic system in place at 2AM when there’s no managers necessarily on-site at one of our locations. If we were able to use cameras and technology to better protect ourselves and serve our customers it was a win-win.”
The transition to Solink also introduced a low-maintenance, highly efficient system that drastically improved their day-to-day operations. The intuitive interface and centralized management tools meant that StorQuest’s team could quickly adapt, making the most of the platform’s capabilities without requiring extensive training or ongoing support. This upgrade not only enhanced their security posture but also significantly reduced the time and effort required to manage their video security, freeing up their IT department and allowing them to focus on more critical, growth-oriented projects. As another add on, with Solink’s video verified alarms, StorQuest could respond to incidents faster and with greater accuracy, as security teams could quickly assess real threats in real-time. This feature drastically reduced false alarms and improved overall operational efficiency. With Solink, StorQuest was able to operate more efficiently, respond faster to incidents, and ultimately, secure their locations more effectively—all while keeping costs under control.
Learn how Solink can support your business.
In StorQuest’s words:
“We were looking for platforms that could eliminate the use of NVR and DVR and bring everything onto the cloud in order to keep using much of the hardware and equipment we were already using but also get us technologically ahead. A lot of these other companies we kept coming across felt very much like Windows 7 and we were looking for the latest iPhone. When we finally found Solink we were so thrilled to see the capabilities and ease of use to integrate within our company.”
“I’d like to add a point emphasizing Solink's unique positioning. While there are other cloud-based integration platforms available, none compare to what Solink offers in terms of sophisticated technology, user-friendliness, and competitive pricing. Although proprietary security systems may deliver added functionalities and protection, Solink outshines both worlds with its unmatched camera loading speeds, reliability, and broad compatibility with a wide range of camera models, even surpassing some proprietary brands.” ~ Wenxuan Fan, Manager of Data Intelligence & Strategy
Solink in the self storage industry
Solink is revolutionizing security management in the self storage industry by providing a powerful, cloud-based platform tailored to the unique needs of these environments. With its ability to integrate existing equipment, offer remote monitoring, and unify security systems under one pane of glass, Solink is helping companies like StorQuest streamline their operations and improve efficiency. By centralizing security management and enabling real-time oversight, Solink not only enhances the safety and security of these facilities but also drives cost savings and operational flexibility. As more businesses in this sector adopt Solink, they’re finding that it’s not just a security tool, but a vital component in managing their day-to-day operations more effectively.
