Four Ways the Next-Gen Cloud Controller Improves Self-Storage Security

Blog has been updated to reflect that the next-gen StorLogix Cloud experience became available to all StorLogix Cloud customers, regardless of the controller, effective March 1st, 2023. 

PTI Security Systems^™ has announced its next access control solution – the CloudController. This controller leverages cloud-based technology and the StorLogix Cloud platform to create an enterprise-level access control solution with advanced database management functions. Keep reading to understand the three ways the CloudController improves self-storage security and how it upgrades your facility.

The StorLogix Cloud Experience for the CloudController and the FalconXT

Before we explore the value of the CloudController, it is beneficial to highlight how PTI's two controllers, the CloudController and the FalconXT, are the same. Previously, the controllers supported different versions of PTI's StorLogix Cloud platform. As of March 1st, all StorLogix Cloud users have access to the same premiere analytics dashboard and the same notification capabilities.

Curious about how StorLogix Cloud compares to StorLogix Desktop? Download a complete comparison of our StorLogix platforms. 

Uncomplicated Analytics

PTI’s controllers work with our StorLogix Cloud platform to provide advanced but easy-to-understand analytics reporting. The system will group crucial data into three sections:

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Geographic Maps
• Accessway Control

Key Performance Indicators

The KPI reports provide visual feedback on the functionality of a storage site’s security devices and tenant management. For example, the system can generate reports monitoring door alarm deployment or smart lock engagement. Other critical KPIs include tenants on-site, delinquent tenants, or mobile access usage over a given period.

Geographic Maps

Geographic site pins sync with key performance indicators to visually identify potential security concerns. If a site has KPIs in a yellow or red zone, the pin will turn that color, so operators know a security concern needs to be addressed. If all KPIs are in the green zone, operators know the location is in good condition. A geographic map is a valuable tool for site owners and operators that oversee multiple sites because it allows them to efficiently identify potential problems and improves their ability to monitor storage locations remotely. Additionally, operators can switch to single-site mode and focus on one site quickly by simply clicking the pin.

 Accessway Control

The accessway control feature lets owners and operators quickly control a storage site’s gates and doors. They can open or close individual access points remotely, allowing for easy troubleshooting from remote locations. The feature even allows an operator to "Hold Open" all doors and gates or "Lockdown" every accessway in case of an emergency.

 Aggregated Dashboard showing key performance indicators (top-left), geographic site pins (right), and Accessway control options (bottom-left)

Customizable Notifications

Both controllers further enhance a site’s access control by providing highly customizable notifications. Their communication pathways with StorLogix Cloud allow the technologies to work together so that operators can monitor any security event they want while blocking out events that are not important to their operation. For example, they may wish to be notified whenever delinquent tenants attempt to access their units. They may want to receive more frequent notifications concerning specialty storage units. Multi-site operators may want certain notifications on for some of their locations but not for others.  Both controllers also use an advanced data communication technology called webhooks to monitor these security events.

Webhooks

Webhooks enable the raw data of one access control device to communicate with data from another device in real-time, increasing the speed and efficiency of the notification. In addition to integrating with StorLogix Cloud, the webhooks communicate with other access control products, including smart locks, door alarms, keypads, and mobile apps. Webhooks allow operators to customize where they receive notification data to best monitor security events in real-time. PTI's StorLogix Cloud platform can track 800 different security events! However, operators don’t need to get notifications about everything on their property. Operators can choose which security events they want to monitor and when, providing an enterprise-level access control solution.

How the CloudController is Different from the FalconXT

Although the StorLogix Cloud software provides the same experience to self-storage owners and operators regardless of the site controller, the CloudController's hardware is significantly more advanced than the FalconXT's. Moreover, there are more exciting innovations coming to the CloudController in the near future.

1) A Cloud-Native Controller

Firstly, the CloudController is PTI's first cloud-native controller, meaning it doesn't need a cloud adaptor to communicate with our access control software. However, FalconXT requires an adaptor to communicate via the cloud. Designing the CloudController to be cloud-native eliminates a potential point of failure in your operation's communications.

2) Over-The-Wire Firmware Updates

Secondly, the CloudController updates itself more efficiently than the FalconXT. The CloudController's firmware - the programming that allows the hardware to communicate with access control software—updates over the wire. All this tech-speak simply means that the firmware updates occur automatically. In comparison, updating the Falcon XT's firmware requires inserting a flash drive into the controller.

It is easy to fall behind on updating your controller when you have to download the update on a flash drive! Your time is valuable; you want to automate maintenance functions wherever possible. Over-the-wire firmware updates ensure that your controller will function optimally while you focus on revenue-driving activities for your business.

3) Enhanced Offline Mode

One of the concerns many storage owners and operators have when considering cloud-based access control software is what happens when a site goes offline. The business needs to run smoothly even when technology fails. Thankfully, the CloudController still functions when the system is offline. There are certain actions, such as letting a tenant input their pin code, that the Controller can communicate even when the system is offline. Although losing internet isn't an ideal situation for any business, it won't force a storage facility to close for the day. The enhanced offline mode equips facilities to keep their doors open even when the internet is down.

4) Encrypted Keypads Coming Soon

Another concern of self-storage owners and operators is the security of their keypads. Bad actors should not be able to bypass keypads easily. The CloudController adheres to the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), the most current security protocol recommended by the Security Industry Association. Before adopting OSDP, the industry followed the Weigand protocol. Controllers adhering to the Weigand protocol are very easy to hack because the data is not encrypted. However, OSDP-compliant devices encrypt the data they house. The strong encryption provides storage site owners, operators, and tenants assurance that their property will remain secure.

OSDP-compliant controllers can also communicate with more security devices than Weigand-compliant ones. The CloudController supports wiring devices in a series, per the OSDP protocol. While the Weigand protocol only communicates with devices within 500 feet, the CloudController reaches 4,000 feet. The expanded communication bandwidth allows for easy site expansion.

When paired with the soon-to-come next-gen keypad, the CloudController will support OSDP standards.

Conclusion

The CloudController provides next-level access control for self-storage enterprises with uncomplicated analytics and advanced hardware capabilities. Download our Complete Controller Comparison Chart to determine if the CloudController is right for you.