Extra Space Expands SmartEye Monitoring Across Hundreds of Properties

Extra Space Storage has expanded its use of INSOMNIAC SmartEye, a proactive security monitoring service from OpenTech Alliance, across hundreds of self-storage properties after reporting reductions in security incidents and related claims costs.

Extra Space began using the service in 2019. SmartEye combines artificial intelligence with a live virtual security team to identify suspicious activity and intervene in real time. Monitoring personnel can communicate with individuals through facility speakers and contact local authorities when necessary.

“Why does Extra Space use this? Because Extra Space has data to say that it’s successful,” said David Wiehe, senior director of tenant insurance at Extra Space Storage. “That’s it. And if the data didn’t point in that direction, we wouldn’t be expanding the portfolio with SmartEye.”

The system is designed to limit losses by addressing incidents before they escalate. Monitoring teams have identified small fires and alerted authorities, allowing responders to intervene before significant property damage occurred. Similarly, interrupting a break-in early can prevent additional units from being targeted and reduce potential tenant losses.

“If SmartEye’s intervention helps reduce the cost of 10 claims from $10,000 each to $1,000 each, that's very effective, right?” Wiehe said.

The reported claims savings have also influenced Extra Space’s security planning for new properties. The operator may implement SmartEye when a facility enters its portfolio if local conditions or incidents at nearby properties indicate an elevated security risk.

Beyond reducing potential losses, the service can help property teams focus on their primary responsibilities. According to Wiehe, live audio intervention handles most security interactions at monitored Extra Space properties, with relatively few incidents requiring police dispatch. Verbal warnings can help remove unauthorized individuals before they cause damage or create additional security concerns.

Wiehe also said the service can improve the employee experience at higher-risk locations by reducing the security concerns staff face when arriving for their shifts, potentially helping with employee retention.

“Extra Space has the resources to evaluate security services closely, and its continued investment in SmartEye is backed by years of incident and claims data and firsthand experience at its properties,” said Ryan Stewart, vice president of sales at OpenTech Alliance. “For other operators weighing their options, those results provide concrete evidence of the value proactive monitoring can deliver. Claims costs are an important measure, but so is the impact on the people running the property.”

SmartEye works with existing closed-circuit television systems, allowing operators to add proactive monitoring without replacing their current security infrastructure. The expansion at Extra Space highlights how security technology can support both risk management and day-to-day facility operations.