A Guide to Evaluating Self-Storage Software

1. How big do you plan to be?

What are your growth plans? Have you built a new facility with multiple stages that will be staged over a number of years based on growth? Or, do you have plans to build more than one facility? Do you run a small facility that does not have growth potential? Working within your growth pattern is essential before you make any assessment of self-storage software.

2. How many employees will need to use the software?

This might seem like a silly question, but not all self-storage management software is the same. Web-based software gives operators almost unlimited choice in the number of users as opposed to traditional server-based and PC-based software which may have additional user restrictions. It may also cost a lot more to add additional users.

3. What do other operators use?

Since every self-storage operator runs the business differently, researching software other operators use is not always a good barometer of the self-storage management software. Your needs may differ from the facility that you compare yourself to. Their needs and growth may differ to yours which could mean that their recommendation does not suit your business. Other operators can give insight into the service provided by a self-storage software company, and that is a significant criteria for any purchase. Be wary of specific advice that says use "XYZ because it's the best." It might be for them, but it could be outdated!

4. What specific features are essential for me?

Client billing for just about all self-storage software is on a cyclical basis; monthly, bi-weekly or weekly. As previously mentioned, not all self-storage operators run their business in the same manner. Every self-storage facility that uses software undertakes daily software tasks, so it's important that the software you choose allows you to plan your day in accordance with your timetable rather than the software's timetable.

For example, if the software requires you to process your letters, payments and charges prior to the start of each day, this may not be a good business practice. Customers could come to your store upon opening to rent a storage unit or purchase merchandise, and you would have to wait for the software to run through procedures prior to your being able to make a sale. Controlling daily software processing tasks should be your decision.

5. Payment processors make a difference.

Modern day self-storage sites accept Internet payments -- and customers expect this service. Third party payment processors and your bank charge a transaction cost that can range anywhere from 1 to 4% depending on who you use and the deal you struck. An essential element of your choice must be a software vendor that gives and delivers payment processor choice. Key things to look for are statement and deposit consolidation of all payment types, a simplified virtual terminal and portfolio manager to manage all locations, and an easy, low cost way to manage PCI compliance.

6. How do I manage more than one facility?

If your growth plans include adding an additional facility, it will soon become evident you need an overriding software package to help you manage both sites. Pick a self-storage management software package that can provide an external "home office" or a corporate control package.

If you decide to use a corporate control package, verify it can handle promotions, security and rate control across all facilities. Not all corporate packages offer this functionality.

7. Should I pick a Web-based software or client-based software?

When self-storage software was first developed in the late 80s, the only choice was to install a software package onto the computer (also known as "stand-alone"). The creation of the Internet and cloud-based computing opportunities did away with some of the stumbling blocks of PC-based software such as a multi-user platform, facility expansion and most importantly, data backup. With cloud-based software backup is not an issue since the data is stored in the cloud.

8. What support will I get?

Traditional client server software is installed on a PC, and typically software vendor's offer a support contract for that software. If the support contract lapses and you need help, you will most likely be charged for support calls.

Monthly subscription, Web-based software includes customer support. With web-based software you receive the latest updates which means you have the best self-storage software available at any given time to run your business. As the industry changes so quickly, this is a tried and tested model that delivers the best outcome for self-storage operators.

It would be naive to suggest that there is a perfect software company in the self-storage industry. In our view, the only way to manage a self-storage facility is to use self-storage software that delivers a solid product with well supported offerings, and a suite of products with third-party vendors that complete the self-storage management picture.

9. Is the self-storage software vendor a specialist?

Not all self-storage software providers are specialists. Some work in other property vertical markets which use different operational metrics for self-storage. Some are owned by financial institutions that view the industry on a transactional basis and want to participate in each transaction by way of fees. Dealing with a self-storage specialist confirms their interest and commitment to your business as they live and die by your business and not any other business.

10. Price

Yes, we left price for last as it's the least important factor. If price is to be the key factor in your decision-making then you will compromise the ability of your site to make the most profit. Like all things, you get what you pay for. Self-storage is a competitive business, and you will have competitors. To make money you need good tools in your tool kit. Choose wisely as it's easy to pay less and lose more than you save.

SiteLink self-storage software is the value equation for self-storage

SiteLink smart management software is the world leader in providing a specialist suite of self-storage software products combined with third-party vendor integrations that can be used by the smallest facility right up to real estate investment trusts (REITS). It is available in more than 10 languages.

As part of a low, monthly SiteLink software subscription, operators have access to the mailing of notices, various forms of billing, CRM, tenant and new moving rate management, web interfacing for payments and reservations and multi-user access. Combined with the monthly subscription, users have access to the Corporate Control Center, which provides additional control over security inquiries and reservations, promotions and overall set up.

If you have an electric gate there is no additional charge for a gate interface. Third-party integrations which include SMS, online rental and analytical software are all available for SiteLink operators. Tight integration with the Internet is the hallmark of SiteLink as this is the most significant customer source available to any operator.

Sitelink submits its software to serious third-party testing, resulting in full PCI DSS Level I and SOC 1 Type II Certifications. It is one of only two software brands in the world to achieve this certification, providing peace of mind to all operators.

With over 12,000 sites and over 40,000 users worldwide, SiteLink is the software of choice by more self-storage groups around the world, including Australia. Australia's only REIT (National Storage) uses SiteLink ,and hundreds of other sites from the smallest right up to the largest use SiteLink every day to manage their self-storage business.

Flexibility is the key to using self-storage software. Making the right choice is critical for the ongoing success of your business. Self-storage businesses have been successful using SiteLink management software over any other software ask a SiteLink self-storage user to find out for yourself.

SiteLink

The #1 Self-Storage Management Software
for everything you need to manage your self-storage business!

Consolidate your entire self-storage business into one solution with SiteLink.

Discover Our Three Self-Storage Offerings Contact SiteLink