In today’s fast-paced world, the self-storage industry is not immune to the digital revolution that has transformed so many sectors. With an increasing number of customers seeking convenient and efficient ways to manage their storage needs, mobile apps have emerged as a game-changer in the realm of self-storage management. Our team at Sitelink believe that these innovative tools not only provide customers with unprecedented control over their storage units but also offer storage facility operators a myriad of benefits that enhance operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall business growth. In this article, we delve into the reasons why mobile apps are indispensable for modern self-storage management, highlighting their impact on both consumers and business operators alike.
Tag: SiteLink
The Importance of Customer Centricity In Self Storage
The self storage industry is marked by intensifying competition and changing customer expectations. Therefore, the shift towards creating a customer-centric self storage facility has become not just an option, but a necessity for survival and success. This transformation is pivotal in distinguishing your facility in a crowded market, fostering customer loyalty, and driving sustainable growth.
The Essence of Customer-Centricity in Self Storage
At the heart of a customer-centric approach lies the commitment to understanding and meeting the diverse needs of your clients, ensuring their experiences are seamless, personalised, and positive from start to finish. This strategic orientation focuses on crafting services and interactions that prioritise customer satisfaction above all else, setting a new standard in the self storage industry.The Unparalleled Benefits of a Customer-Centric Approach
Adopting a customer-centric perspective offers a myriad of benefits that extend beyond immediate customer satisfaction. Firstly, it enhances customer loyalty, significantly reducing churn and fostering positive reviews that are instrumental in today’s digital age. This approach also creates a powerful word-of-mouth marketing effect, attracting new customers who are willing to pay premium prices for unparalleled service. By differentiating your facility from traditional self storage options, you not only elevate the customer experience but also establish a strong competitive advantage.Charting the Path to Customer-Centricity
Create an Engaging Online Presence
The journey towards a customer-centric self storage facility begins long before a potential customer steps foot in your facility. It starts online, with a user-friendly website that offers online booking, real-time unit availability, virtual tours, and transparent pricing information. Coupled with responsive customer service via chat or email, this initial interaction sets the tone for a positive customer experience.Simplifying and Securing the Experience
The rental process is your opportunity to solidify the positive impression made during the initial online engagement. Streamlining the process with online rental agreements and secure payment options, complemented by an efficient move-in process, makes renting a unit a hassle-free experience. The importance of a clean, well-maintained facility cannot be overstated, providing a welcoming environment equipped with amenities like dollies and carts that further enhance convenience for customers.Sustaining Engagement and Security
Maintaining a focus on customer-centricity doesn’t stop once the rental agreement is signed. It extends throughout the entire rental term, characterised by excellent customer service, secure access with round-the-clock monitoring, and regular updates about promotions and facility improvements. This ongoing engagement is crucial for retaining customers and ensuring their satisfaction over the long term.Going the Extra Mile
Truly customer-centric self storage facilities recognise the importance of going beyond the basics. Offering value-added services such as packing supplies, moving truck rentals, and partnerships with local businesses for tenant discounts can significantly enhance the customer experience. Hosting community events not only strengthens relationships with tenants but also fosters a sense of community, making your facility more than just a place to store belongings—it becomes a valued part of your customers’ lives.The Road To Customer Centricity
At SiteLink, we believe the shift towards a customer-centric approach in the self storage industry is more than just a trend; it is a strategic imperative for those looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. By focusing on the customer experience at every touchpoint, self storage facilities can differentiate themselves, foster loyalty, and achieve sustainable growth. This commitment to customer-centricity should be reflected not only in the services and amenities offered but also in the culture of the organisation, ensuring that every interaction is aligned with the goal of exceeding customer expectations. As we look to the future, the importance of this approach will only continue to grow. Now is the time for self storage facility owners, managers, and potential investors to embrace these principles and implement strategies that place the customer at the heart of their operations. By doing so, they can ensure their facilities are not only meeting but surpassing the needs of their customers, securing their position as leaders in the self storage industry. To learn more about how SiteLink puts customers first in self storage, view their customer testimonials page.SITELINK FINALIST FOR INNOVATION AWARD
SiteLink was a finalist for the Innovation Award presented by the Self Storage Association of Australasia (SSAA) at the 2017 SSAA Owners Summit gala presentation dinner in Queenstown, New Zealand.
The SSAA is Australia and New Zealand’s peak body representing the Self Storage industry and provides services to more than 850 members. Each year, the SSAA Awards recognise the excellent service providers within the Australasian Self Storage industry across a variety of awards. As the peak industry body, these annual awards are important indicators of success and are highly regarded by customers and other businesses alike.
In 2017, SiteLink was a finalist for the Innovation Award, an award designed to recognise service providers pushing boundaries with innovative technologies. SiteLink is no stranger to recognition on this scale, and has been the recipient of the Best Management Software award at Inside Self Storage’s annual Best of Business Awards for several years.
“Being a finalist for the Innovation Award in 2017 was great. To have SiteLink be recognised for the work we put in is outstanding. I am so proud of our entire team: Therese, Michael, Curt, Jake, Andrew, Brooke, Rachel, Emma, Shane, Harry, Joe, Justin, David and Ben. Staff make a business and we have the best,” said Dallas Dogger, CEO of Centreforce Technology Group, SiteLink’s representative company.
“Our team is made up of admin, programmers, support techs, graphic artists, and marketing and web professionals. No other Self Storage supplier in Australia has so many professional staff, all working to make Self Storage work for our customers,” Dogger said.
SiteLink being a finalist for the Innovation Award wasn’t the only positive from the awards evening, with Centreforce Technology Group also receiving the Service Member of the Year Award, for the third time in four years.
If you’re interested in utilising one of the most awarded storage management softwares for your Self Storage facility, contact the team of SiteLink experts today.
SITELINK CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL – DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS FOR BETTER RESULTS
When we jump on the plane for our next trip, we assume plenty of things. Firstly, the plane is safe. Secondly, the pilot and co-pilot know what they’re doing. It’s a natural assumption. We can argue they’re well-trained. We also make the same assumptions about brain surgeons.
But are these the only professionals competent at their job? Lots of people go to work and do their best everyday, but how many of them know how to do that job the best way they can?
Some might argue running a Self Storage site isn’t rocket science. It may not be, but the task to manage and operate a modern Self Storage facility is somewhat more complex than it used to be. Self Storage is so much more than move ins and move outs and few box sales.
Self Storage staff are often depicted as sitting back all day, waiting to rent a space. Modern business is competitive – sitting around won’t generate business! Arguably, the role of the Self Storage Manager has evolved into a multi-disciplined professional, responsible for the smooth running of a major asset.
Equally, Self Storage management software delivers much more to users. Training staff is a huge cost for Self Storage owners, and the SiteLink Certified Professional (SCP) eLearning programme is designed to help with training new and existing staff on how SiteLink works and how it can benefit the user.
Managers have access to sophisticated rental management tools, revenue management, CRM, and much more, requiring professional skill to take advantage of the built in features of SiteLink Web Edition.
Self-paced, the SCP programme delivers multi-level training, with certification as each level is completed and achieved. Not only is certification good for staff, but owners can also have confidence knowing staff have been professionally educated by the SiteLink team.
Understanding how SiteLink Web Edition works seems like a basic concept; however, our support calls show some don’t have the basics locked down. More intensive and complex tasks are also covered in the SCP programme. The training modules allow staff to learn to suit themselves and their role within the business.
SCP provides all stakeholders with a clear indication of the skill set that each staff member has. If you’d like to enrol your staff in the SiteLink Certified Professional programme, click here. If you have more questions, contact us today.
SITELINK ENDS SUPPORT FOR MICROSOFT VISTA
Microsoft ended support for the Microsoft Vista operating system on April 11, 2017. This operating system is no longer considered secure and is not PCI Compliant for credit card security. The Vista operating system only supports Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.0 and does not support TLS 1.1 or TLS 1.2 which makes all communication between that computer and cloud based services like SiteLink not secure.
On October 31st, 2017, SiteLink will block all TLS 1.0 connections to our infrastructure to maintain the highest levels of security. If you are using the Microsoft Vista operating system, you will no longer be able to connect to SiteLink. You need to update any Vista computers running SiteLink to a newer operating system before that time to ensure continuity of service. SiteLink recommends using the Windows 10 operating system, but at this time we continue to support Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is the security mechanism that allows for secure communication to any HTTPS website or web service. Anytime you use a website browser to access a secured website, your computer is using either TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1, or TLS 1.2. The greater the version number, the better the security. For PCI Compliance (credit card security) it is required that TLS 1.0 be disabled since it is no longer secure. TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2 are still considered secure and are now required.
If you have any questions, please contact the SiteLink support team.
MANAGING YOUR FACILITY WITH STORAGE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
The effective management of a Self Storage facility is absolutely essential for success. Without any storage management software, effectively managing a Self Storage facility would be next to impossible and very impractical. SiteLink is the best storage management software when it comes to managing your facility to maximise your success. Here are a few reasons why.
Reporting for analysing data
When it comes to effectively managing a Self Storage facility, the ability to report on and analyse data is incredibly important. The ability to access real-time reports on any computer or mobile device is a huge advantage as it allows you to analyse your data quickly and easily. This data analysis can help you establish the successes of your facility, which can show you what you need to do more of. It can also help you establish the shortfalls of your facility and help you establish solutions to turn these aspects around.
Automation to save time and money
The essential daily processing tasks associated with effectively managing a Self Storage facility can take up a lot of time and effort. With a storage management software like SiteLink, these daily processes are completely automated. This automation means you’re able to spend more time focused on activities that will bring more value to your Self Storage facility, which can lead to more profit and success in the long run.
Storage management software with excellent support
SiteLink offers customers an incredible amount of support. If there’s an issue with your storage management software, our support services are there to help create a solution. With the excellent customer support SiteLink provides, your problems can be solved quicker and easier. This can lead to a more effective management process and in turn, to more profits.
SiteLink’s excellent customer support, automation processes, and ability to access real-time data makes it the best storage management software available to Self Storage owners. If you’re looking to maximise your profits through an effective management process, make sure you take advantage of the benefits of SiteLink Software. Contact us today to learn more.
CENTREFORCE WINS ‘SERVICE MEMBER OF THE YEAR’ AGAIN
The Self Storage Association of Australasia has awarded the industry’s most prestigious supplier award to the Centreforce Technology Group at their gala presentation dinner in Queenstown, New Zealand last week.
The award is significant recognition by the Self Storage industry of the service provided to its 850 plus members across Australia and New Zealand
Centreforce has been at the forefront of Self Storage Industry technology for 17 years. Representing SiteLink, the industry’s most awarded Self Storage Management software since 2007, Centreforce has built a fine reputation for delivering technology to the fast paced and ever-changing Storage industry.
“Winning this award in 2017 has special significance for us as we have won this award three times in four years, including the inaugural year. I am so proud of our entire team: Therese, Michael, Curt, Jake, Andrew, Brooke, Rachel, Emma, Shane, Harry, Joe, Shane, Justin, David and Ben. Staff make a business and we have the best,” said Dallas Dogger, CEO.
“Our team is made up of admin, programmers, support techs, graphic artists, and web professionals. No other Self Storage supplier in Australia has so many professional staff, all working to make Self Storage work for our customers,” Dogger said.
The Self Storage Association represents most of Self Storage operators in Australasia and the Self Storage industry is a 10 billion industry in Australia.
Centreforce are known as the innovators in the industry and have led technological innovation in Self Storage products. The company has developed ‘RapidStor‘, a fully integrated online marketing tool that Self Storage operators use to market Self Storage spaces that are available in real time, with over 9,000 Self Storage rentals being completed.
The company uses cutting edge, high-tech software to deliver Self Storage websites via their R6 Web Design™ brand and is the largest provider of Self Storage websites in Australia.
“We focus on service to our users. Their experience with our software and products is the most important thing to us.”
In 2017, the company developed an online e-learning programme for SiteLink users delivering education resource to many hundreds of Self Storage staff members, developing their professional skills, lifting service standards in Australia.
Self Storage as an industry is growing: it employs thousands of people and provides a much needed community resource and with downsizing of the average block of land and the inner city trend to develop high rise accommodation, the need for Self Storage space is growing and new developments are on the rise.
Consumer behaviour has changed and many potential storers turn to Self Storage websites for advice on storage.
Centreforce develops software that Self Storage operators can use to attract these customers.
SiteLink Wins 7th Consecutive Best Management Software Honour
SiteLink, the global leader in cloud-based software and payment processing for Self Storage operations of all sizes, announces their 7th consecutive Best of Business award for Best Management Software from Inside Self-Storage (ISS).
ISS produces the Self Storage industry’s leading magazine for owners and hosts regular Self Storage Expos each year, the largest in April in Las Vegas.
SiteLink is proud to receive this renewed recognition and greatly appreciates the acclaim from actual storage operators selecting their favourite company as the “Best of Business”.
ISS lists all 2017 winners on its website
“I am personally humbled by this award. To win once or twice is a big achievement; winning seven times is a row is far beyond anything I dreamed of and whilst this fantastic award is for our company, our staff are the ones to be congratulated. They work every day around the world to make our software the best possible,” said Ross Lampe, President of SiteLink Software.
“We know customers have plenty of choice when it comes to management software and we really appreciate the support shown to us by our users,” said Markus Hecker, Chief Operating Officer. “Thank you so much”.
Dallas Dogger from SiteLink International commented “to win this award for the 7th consecutive time is a major achievement in Self Storage – I know our teams work very hard to deliver new features, usability, and reliability, so important for every day Self Storage operators. Equally, larger operators can rest easy knowing our commitment to their business is consistent with “Best in Business” practice.”
The voters reflect SiteLink’s continued growth and popularity resulting from innovation, prompt service, superior customer support, and expanding choice in technology partners through the SiteLink Marketplace.
SiteLink’s dedication to providing customers with a variety of communication channels and range of options for growing their business was expanded with StorageForum. StorageForum is an online discussion-based site dedicated to the open exchange of information relating to SiteLink software customers and members of the Self Storage industry. Active participants of the forum, as well as casual visitors, benefit from the forum’s free exchange of ideas, expansive knowledge base, and entertainment value.
Allowing free and often frank exchange on StorageForum drives innovation, resulting in better products and ultimately happier users.
The repeated awards reflect customer loyalty resulting from continued innovation. Several exciting new features are in the works, including a SiteLink Certified Professional training and recognition program, first used successfully in our international business. SiteLink continues to appreciate feedback and suggestions to build on and finesse its self-storage solutions.
SiteLink would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote in the 2017 poll.
Learn more about SiteLink’s Self Storage software at www.sitelinksoftware.com.au
SiteLink myHub Adds Day-to-Day Tablet Functions
Go mobile, run your business on tablets, smartphones, PCs and Macs
SiteLink, the global leader in cloud-based software and payment processing for storage operations of all sizes, has released a new version of SiteLink myHub, the browser-based companion to SiteLink Web Edition self-storage management software.
The browser-based SiteLink myHub works in conjunction with SiteLink Web Edition and runs on tablets, smartphones, PCs and Macs. SiteLink myHub and Web Edition share the same back-end server database in real-time. The cloud-based architecture offers access on any number of devices, from any location.
SiteLink myHub adoption is quick and easy because the intuitive, user-friendly interface mimics that of SiteLink Web Edition. Operators run Web Edition and myHub simultaneously because they share the same database, credentials and access levels.
Convenience is key with SiteLink myHub
Browser-based capabilities give managers and owners more flexibility to operate on more systems including mobile devices and Macs:
- Move tenants in/out; take payments; transfer units; execute, manage and audit electronic leases (SiteLink eSign) anytime, anywhere.
- Use the graphical reporting Dashboard to view chart data at a glance (for multiple or single locations), or drill down to detailed reports when needed.
- Managers verify and update unit status in real-time with the Walk Thru audit report.
- Multi-store operators enjoy one-click access to all locations.
SiteLink eSign eliminates printing and storing paper records and boosts rentals in-person, online and by phone. Owners and customers alike enjoy the option of replacing print with email. With eFile Management enjoy one-click access and audit tools for all stores at a glance.
The Corporate Control Center version of SiteLink myHub offers the same report formatting, including PDF and Excel exporting, for any specified date range. Multi-store operators access consolidated or individual store reports in real-time.
SiteLink Web Edition customers can take advantage of this added convenience by logging into myHub.siteLink.com with their existing SiteLink credentials. For those who want to demo SiteLink myHub or download full-version demo software for SiteLink Web Edition, please either visit our demo request form, call sales at (07) 3889 9822 or email support@sitelinksoftware.com.au
Learn more about SiteLink myHub and SiteLink self-storage management software at sitelink.com.
About SiteLink
Founded in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1996, SiteLink leads the industry in cloud-based and Windows self-storage management software and built-in, in-house payment processing. Client base feedback, the industry’s largest, and continued innovation result in the fastest, fewest clicks and most modern interface. Profit tools, integrations, quality service and regular updates make SiteLink the favorite of single and multi-store operators, including most top 100 operators. Stores with fewer than 250 units enjoy special bundle pricing. As the leader in website integration and payment processing, SiteLink offers online marketing, reservations, rentals and payment solutions. Built-in electronic signature and document management, TOTAL CRM, revenue management, TeleTracker phone integration and text messaging boost profits. More than fifty SiteLink Marketplace partners like web designers, call centers, kiosks, insurance, access systems and listing services deliver tighter integrations with SiteLink vs. other software. PCI Level 1 & SOC 1 Type II Certifications and industry-first OneSupport deliver software and payment processing support under one roof.
Sitelink Receives PCI DSS Level 1 Security Certification
After an extensive third party audit, SiteLink is awarded the highest level of software and server security certification, PCI DSS Level 1
SiteLink, the global industry leader in Self Storage management software, announces another security compliance achievement by receiving the PCI DSS Level 1 Service Provider Certificate of Compliance.
The Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) is an information security standard defined by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. These standards cover all aspects of cardholder data in a system and include card data entry, processing and secure payment applications. Large companies such as Amazon.com pass the PCI DSS Level
1 Certification which stands out as the highest level of certification in the payment card industry. Leading brands such as American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa have incorporated PCI-DSS as the technical requirements for their data security compliance programs.
“This level of certification represents a major commitment and investment by SiteLink,” said Markus Hecker, SiteLink’s Chief Operating Officer. “We manage our customers’ data in accordance with the highest security standards.”
Following breaches in 2014 of security at some sites, Self Storage owners should ask their management software provider for their security level certificate and their process of safeguarding data. Owners should consider PCI certified software, not just PCI compliant software. Software companies can claim PCI compliance without undergoing third party audits under the PCI Council jurisdiction. To protect their interest, owners should check their software provider’s actual PCI Certificate validating audit completion and proper network security standards.
SiteLink’s PCI DSS Level 1 Certification is a critical component of its comprehensive and transparent leadership effort to protect businesses. “We have always held security certifications as a priority to demonstrate how we keep customers’ best interests above all else,” said Luke Lenzen, SiteLink’s Chief Technology Officer. “Undergoing this type of certification is not a small feat. Data encryption and quarterly penetration testing are focal points of our security strategy.”
The PCI DSS Level 1 Certification brings peace of mind to owners with the understanding that external auditors have certified the SiteLink suite of software products after the most stringent security audit./p>
Dallas Dogger, Managing director of Centreforce Technology Group, who represent SiteLink software in South East Asia said, “This is another milestone for SiteLink Web Edition, credit card security should be a number 1 priority for all Self Storage operators. Customers that use SiteLink Web Edition have the capability of being PCI compliant along with knowing that their software is PCI DSS certified to level 1 standards. SiteLink is the only software for Self Storage Management sold in our region that is compliant.
