In the face of a new economy and changing demographics, Self Storage operators continue to modernise their systems to improve profit. New technologies like SiteLink have made Web-based management software mainstream.

We all know that facility owners don’t just replace standalone Windows programs with Web-based ones for the sake of technology. Well-designed Web software such as SiteLink costs less to own and will grow revenue. Web systems exchange critical information such as pricing, unit availability and payments with other platforms including self-storage directory websites, kiosks and call centres in real time. Newer, more powerful databases collect and analyse additional marketing data that can result in better advertising. Enhanced reporting, showing when to offer discounts—and when to skip them—to greatly impact revenue.

Web-based software systems like SiteLink can also offer a two-way flow of information to a facility’s website, listing services and call centre to capture every lead and calculate closing ratios. Payments, reservations and even move-ins on a facility’s website are all the rage, and not just with younger clients. Shifting demographics show consumers often bypass phone directories to research and buy products online. One leading operator has over 90% of their business originate online.

Self Storage owners who seek to replace their Windows-based software program should realise not all Web-based management systems work the same way; they differ in design and capabilities. While Web systems allow access any time and anywhere, smart design can lower the cost of ownership significantly because owners spend less on hardware and maintenance.

For example, a program hosted in a data centre eliminates the owner’s cost on servers, networking, backups and program updates. The program’s architecture will determine speed, reliability and up-time. It pays to shop and compare because Web systems vary in look, feel and function.If you are looking to update your current windows based software program, or are in the market I highly suggest taking a look at SiteLink Software to get your FREE DEMO.

If user-friendly design and rock-solid architecture are the foundation of a Web-based program, integration with other services may be its greatest possibility. To connect and exchange data with other vendors such as insurance companies and call centres, programs often use APIs, or application programming interfaces. APIs allow other platforms to share the data entered into the management program.

Let’s look at the most important features of Web-based software that helps self-storage operators come out ahead.