April 1, 2004

16 Min Read
Software & Technology Vendor Showcase

Inside Self-Storage is pleased to express its gratitude to the software and technology vendors that support this annual edition through the purchase of advertising. Look for ads from all of the following suppliers in the body of this issue.

Centershift Inc.

2005 East 2700 South, Suite 140
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Phone: 801.303.1300; 877.927.4438
Fax: 801.303.1350
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.centershift.com
Contact: Terry Bagley
Product(s): STORE
Price Range: Subscription license (rental) based on number of facilities or units
Demo: Can be requested via website or phone

Centershift Inc. provides innovative technology solutions that increase the profitability and value of real estate assets. The companys STORE product provides a web-based rental management and point-of-sale software solution for self-storage. STORE provides owners/managers better control of business assets, improved efficiency at the facility and corporate office, opportunities for increased profitability, and information security. Centershift introduced these industry firsts: real-time, consolidated, multi site reporting; Internet credit-card processing; call-center integration; tenant-insurance integration; web-based business-to-consumer ecommerce (online credit-card payments, account management, unit availability, rent rates and reservations); centralized mail processing for tenant correspondence; online support and documentation; web-based training; centralized yield management and forecasting; fully integrated company and facility websites and web hosting; and self-service kiosk integration.

Dilloware LP

2825 FM 2722
New Braunfels, TX 78132
Phone: 800.880.0887
Fax: 830.899.2124
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.dilloware.com
Contact: Paula Kirmse
Price Range: $669.95

Dilloware has been providing storage facilities with easy-to-use, affordable billing software since 1981. The Billing Clerk automatically bills and tracks monthly rents, insurance, etc., and generates invoices, statements, late charges, past-due notices, receipts, multiple reports and much more. Unit availability is easily accessed. History is maintained for as long as needed for an unlimited number of units and customers. There is a large notepad for information on each tenant (comments, credit-card numbers, access codes, contact information, etc.). Technical support is provided by the people who actually developed the program, offering no long hold times or waiting for call-backs. The first year of support (up to 60 minutes) is included in the initial price of $669.95.

DHS Worldwide Software Solutions

563 Blanding Blvd., Suite 3
Orange Park, FL 32073
Phone: 904.213.0448; 800.377.8406
Fax: 904.213.1490
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.dhsworldwide.com
Contact: Diane Hyman
Product(s): Total Recall
Price Range: $2,000+ Demo: Available

DHS Worldwide offers software solutions for the self-storage and commercial records management industries. Its products have intuitive interfaces and are very easy to use. The company offers comprehensive operations-management software that uses MS-SQL databases. This program is specifically designed for managing multiple facilities in a single database. It includes a client-web module for reserving, renting and paying for units online. It also has specific functionality designed for managing mobile units. This product is specifically designed for large operators with multiple locations. DHS also offers comprehensive software solutions for commercial records management. It is completely barcode enabled, features client-web interfaces, and has comprehensive billing functionality and digital-imaging components.

Empower Software Technologies LLC

27851 Bradley Road, Suite 120
Sun City, CA 92586-2202
Phone: 909.672.6257; 877.672.6257
Fax: 909.672.6258
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.storagecommander.com
Contact: Tom Smith
Product(s): Storage Commander, Net Commander

Storage Commander is a self-storage management program designed to satisfy the operational requirements of independent operators, management companies and multi-facility owners. It is easily configured to meet any management style and supports more than a hundred reports that give accurate, detailed visibility into all aspects of a business. It supports the most advanced technology solutions, such as electronic-funds transfer, automatic credit-card processing, drivers license scanning/verification, digital-camera support, and an advanced graphical site map.

Net Commander is a full-featured, Internet-based program that enables multi-facility operators to fully manage all stores through a single server from anywhere in the world. From a central location, they can accept rental payments, reserve units, implement rate changes, make adjustments to customer accounts and run reports. The program uses 128-bit data encryption, making it one of the most secure programs available. Because it is a companion to Storage Commander, if the communication link is lost, the facility is not affected and continues to operate without interruption.

HI-TECH Smart Systems Inc.

407 Uluniu Street, Suite 312
Kailua, HI 96734
Phone: 808.263.7775; 800.551.8324
Fax: 808.261.4447
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.hitechsoftware.com
Contact: Linda Black
Product(s): RentPlus
Price Range: $699-$1,999
Demo: CD or download from website

HI-TECH has been producing self-storage software since 1986. Its self-storage software for Windows, RentPlus, first shipped in 1998. It was designed to provide operators the tools and information to make the most of a self-storage business. Highlights include an on-screen interactive map of the facility; daily, weekly and monthly rentals; multiple collection and discount plans; automatic charges and printing of notices; inventory management; customizable letters; e-mail letters and reports; and much more. Digital photos may be attached and viewed with a customers record. Corporate-office software, data and demographic mapping, interfaces with popular security systems, and automatic credit-card payment options are available. RentPlus includes technical support, updates and a risk-free, money-back guarantee. HI-TECH provides support from offices in Florida, Hawaii and Missouri. Additional offices are in Brisbane, Australia, and The Netherlands.

E-SoftSys

139 Bayhill Drive
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Phone: 610.277.7457
Fax: 610.278.4117
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.selfstoragemanager.com
Contact: Kat Shenoy (U.S.), Sathish Shenoy (Canada), Nigel Lothian (U.K.)
Product(s): Self Storage Manager
Price Range: $2,600 to $5,000 per site, based on the number of units and add-on modules
Demo: A demo CD can be requested through the website, or call to schedule an online demonstration.

E-SoftSys, a Microsoft Certified Partner, provides technology solutions for the self-storage industry. The company offers a complete suite of products and services:

  • Self Storage Manager (a Microsoft Certified Product), is a comprehensive management software designed to automate business processes with the convenience of a color-coded site map and optional interfaces to QuickBooks and gate-access equipment.

  • Multi-facility ManagerA management tool used to connect to and manage multiple facilities from a corporate office.

  • Mobil RentalA wireless rental module that allows an operator to carry his rental office in the palm of his hand.

  • Web RentalA web interface that allows tenants to rent or renew spaces via the Internet.

  • Touch Screen KioskA self-help information center for tenants.

Other services offered include website design and development, search-engine optimization, and an interface between a facilitys site map and website.

Integrity Software Systems

3211 Continental Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: 231.941.2322; 800.843.9566
Fax: 231.941.9544
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.integritysoftware.com
Contact: Ron Plamondon
Products(s): Mini Storage Personal Accountant

Integrity Software Systems Mini Storage Personal Accountant has been designed to offer self-storage facilities an accounting system that is easy to use. It provides strong financial controls that prevent locking out customers who have paid and help prevent manager theft. Chris Ray, a certified public accountant, and Ron Plamondon, a professional system developer, are well-qualified to design, develop and support installation.

Mystic Systems Technology Corp. (MSTC)

8260 E. Raintree Drive, Suite 110
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480.556.6244; 800.289.6782
Fax: 480.556.6250
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.mysticsystems.com
Contact: Sales Assistant
Product(s): Account Manager
Price Range: $2,000-$3,495, plus optional modules
Demo: Available on CD

MSTCs Account Manager for Windows is a comprehensive, user-friendly, flexible onsite property-management system. It is account-based, making multiple unit rentals and contacts per tenant account easy and thorough. It lets property managers accomplish flexible payment, billing and invoice options. During automatic processing, it assesses all fees and rent due. It also generates and prints all onsite collection letters and reports, and delivers real-time financial data to the home office and ownership members via a unique corporate-transmittals feature on the Internet. The programs versatile letter-writing system allows the creation of personalized letters, invoices, receipts, leases and forms, all of which can be merged with a variety of site- and customer-specific data. Account Manager also features monitoring of all system-wide alterations, making audit control easy and understandable. Options include insurance processing, digital photos and credit-card processing. The program completely integrates with MSTCs Security Manager for Windows, which provides system-wide gate-automation and alarm-security options.

ONeil Software Inc.

11 Cushing
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: 949.458.1234
Fax: 949.206.6949
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.oneilsoft.com
Contact: Rick Jones
Product(s): RS-SQL, RS-Web, RS-Mobile
Price Range: From $1,195
Demo: Available through website, via e-mail, or by calling 949.458.1234, ext. 280

With more than 20 years of experience in records-storage solutions and offices worldwide, ONeil has more than 700 users in more than 48 countries throughout the world. The companys comprehensive RS-SQL records-storage software includes consistent upgrades, enhancements and unmatched features. It is also available in a small-business edition that includes software, hardware, how-to guides and training. Other ONeil solutions include barcodes, laser scanners, printers, industry education and more. Subscribe to the companys free industry e-magazine, The Strategic Partner, via e-mail or the website.

Online Self Storage Inc.

3827 N. Oracle Road
Tucson, AZ 85705
Phone: 877.301.4635
Fax: 520.407.9616
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.onlineselfstorage.com, www.callmaximizer.com, www.ctsgroup.com
Contact: Rick McGee
Product(s): Call MAXimizer, Online Transactions
Price Range: $299
Demo: Available at www.onlineselfstorage.com

Online Self Storage provides self-storage owners and operators the ability to easily generate revenue and profits from the Internet. The company can create, host and help operators maintain a dynamic website that provides information and e-commerce opportunities for customers. Online can also help maximize overflow and after-hours customer calls through its professionally staffed call center. Its agents can book rentals, set up appointments and accept payments when operators are unable to answer the phone. Facility information, such as availability, pricing and discounts are easily updated through the simple, easy-to-use browser interface. The integration of Onlines call-center and kiosk technology with the Internet allows customers to conduct business with a facility 24/7.

PTI Integrated Systems

8271 E. Gelding Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480.991.1259; 800.331.6224
Fax: 480.991.1395
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ptiaccess.com
Contact: Business Development
Product(s): TaskMaster, Master Security, Falcon 2000, SiteMaster Graphics
Price Range: $495-$4,000
Demo: Available via CD or website

TaskMaster management software is a comprehensive, user-friendly, versatile, Windowsbased program designed to handle all aspects of the self-storage business. The system simplifies collection on delinquent accounts, assignment of multiple rentals, consolidation of billing, and payment processing for multiunit customers. It manages merchandise sales, inventory, insurance and other income, and provides infinite customer history with demographic profiling for use as a marketing tool. Automatic functions are available for daily processing of rents, late fees, default correspondence, credit-card processing, FTP/e-mail, accounting exports, and extensive reporting capabilities for accrual and cash accounting.

Other offerings include:

  • The Master Security system runs with TaskMaster. It tracks security within a customers account and controls all security devices.

  • PayXpress lets a customer pay his bill from the convenience of his vehicle at the gate.

  • Falcon 2000 is the computer interface between the facility operator and standalone Falcon security system. It is user-friendly and conveniently retains infinite history of access for easy reference.

QuikStor Security & Software

13908 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone: 818.922.2000; 800.321.1987
Fax: 818.501.5785
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.quikstor.com
Contact: Doug Carner
Product(s): QuikStor-Express
Price Range: Free and up
Demo: Available for free

QuikStor software offers: an interactive, multilevel help system, employee-training mode and built-in tutorial videos; automatic rent collection with a low banking fee (20 cents per transaction); automatic e-mailing of invoices, receipts, and delinquency letters to reduce postage costs; integrated digital photography that stores images in tenants data records; QuickBooks integration that provides full general-ledger accounting; automatic data encryption and off-site data backups; a corporate-enterprise module for multi-site management; simultaneous data access and off-site reservations; integration with pay-at-the-gate access keypads; screen-security video surveillance; records of site-intercom use; support for rental of wireless door alarms for standard units and table-top motion sensors for recreational vehicles; software for ATM-style, self-service kiosks; and same-day conversions of management-software data. QuikStor offers modular design, affordable pricing and professional installation.

Quayle Computer Concepts

27682 Paseo Barona
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Phone: 949.364.6314
Fax: 949.347.6900
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.quayles.com
Contact: Calvin Quayle
Product(s): SWAMP (Storage & Warehouse Asset Management Program) Software Type: Management software
Price Range: $495 initial license, discounts for multiple licenses, $50-$100 for updates

SWAMP (Storage & Warehouse Asset Management Program) does what operators need to make storage management easier at an affordable cost. SWAMP helps owners and managers be more productive and their businesses more profitable. The program is used by hundreds of satisfied users, serviced by a father and son who have been in the storage and software industries for 25 years. They understand customers needs and listen to suggestions. Offerings include free and unlimited support, and friendly and courteous service.

Sentinel Systems Corp.

1620 Kipling St.
Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: 800.456.9955
Fax: 303.242.2010
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.sentinelsystems.com
Contact: John Fogg
Product(s): WinSen Property Manager
Price Range: $1,500-$2,600
Demo: Available by request or via website

Lakewood, Colo.-based Sentinel Systems has been serving the self-storage industry since 1975. It manufactures management software, access-control systems and individual door-alarm products. WinSen is the trademark name of the companys product line, which is designed for communication and complete integration. Through the years, the company has grown from a handful of employees to a corporation with a full staff of development, support, production, administrative and sales-team members. Sentinel markets through industry publications, referrals and a strong dealer network. The company ships to selfstorage companies worldwide, and installing dealers and distributors are employed across the globe. Sentinel products are reliable and simply work. The companys employees take pride and satisfaction in knowing they participate in the success of business owners and operators everywhere.

SMD Software Inc.

3000 Highwoods Blvd.
Leatherwood Bldg., Suite 120
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: 919.865.0789
Fax: 919.865.0795
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.smdsoftware.com
Contact: Markus Hecker, Bob Myers
Product(s): SiteLink 2004
Price Range: Varies
Demo: Available via mail or download

SiteLink is a popular, powerful storage-management program that incorporates user-friendliness, complete audit trails and accounting links for single- and multi-facility operators. The program reports ensure collections and operations to maximize revenue. They evaluate performance, including aged receivables, marketing and discounts. Management and financial summaries seamlessly tie into supporting documents like accounts receivable and payments, providing complete analysis and audit trails. Reports provide a water-tight financial picture, including all entries for current and previous customers. SiteLink users achieve higher retention rates using the latest billing technology. The e-commerce processes payments electronically, offers e-mail invoicing, and completes online payments and reservations. SMD works closely with clients and delivers quality support. The feature-rich, user-friendly software includes industry firsts such as the revenue manager, which uses operator experience to set guidelines for maximizing return based on occupancy, rates and time. On-screen video and training reduces time to learn the program and identifies opportunities for improvement.

SafePak Corp.

17394 Boones Perry Road
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: 503.699.5141
Fax: 503.699.5144
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.safepakcorp.com
Contact: Jack Hughes
Product(s): PayStation, P5 Model
Price Range: $5,995-$7,995
Demo: Call office for demo

The P5 PayStation provides payment-acceptance capability (cash, credit cards and checks) for existing renters and can rent out vacant units when the manager is not available or the office is closed. The P5 links directly into a facilitys management software.

Space Control Systems Inc.

206 Providence Mine Road, Suite 118
Nevada City, CA 95959
Phone: 530.265.3133; 800.455.9055
Fax: 530.265.6504
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.spacecontrol.com
Contact: Steve Quinn, Gilbert Bohen
Product(s): NX.gen
Price Range: $1,980+
Demo: Available via phone, e-mail or Internet request

Space Controls NX.gen is management software that takes advantage of the best of the Internet without exposing businesses to the worst. Operators get a standalone, onsite package that never prevents them from doing business just because the Internet is down or slow; but in the background, the software sends management data to a web page that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. NX.gen also provides total rate management. Not only are movein rates automatically adjusted based on supply and demand, the software can raise occupant rates one year after move-in or whenever an operator chooseswithout any prompting from employees. Designed specifically for storage, NX.gen is easy to use, showing all necessary customer information on a single screen, including a customers balance and paid-thru date, as well as every charge, payment, late letter, returned check and employee who made each entry.

StorMan International Pty. Ltd.

3410 La Sierra Ave., Suite F488
Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: +61 7 3865 1150; 877.785.7626
Fax: +61 7 3865 1648
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.storman.com
Contact: Doug Parry
Product(s): StorMan, StorMan Lite, MultiView, MultiUser, MultiSite
Price Range: $1,700 to price on application
Demo: Available on CD or download from the web page

StorMan software was designed to be a specialized self-storage program. It comes available in a Windows or a Macintosh version. Popular in Australia and New Zealand, StorManwith single-site and multi-user versionshas released an advanced software package for larger groups called MultiView, with replicating technology. StorMan has been created by professional developers with many years of practical self-storage experience. It is the choice of Storage King, Australias largest self-storage operator, National Storage and Kennards Self Storage, also of Australia, and Planet Self Storage in Boston. Core features include multi-billing, discount and notice plans, e-mail support, and online-support technology. The software is powered by 4d, a leading database technology used by NASA, Yahoo!, Intuit, Philips, Adobe and many others. Data conversions are available for most existing packages.

Syrasoft Management Software LLC

P.O. Box 119 Camillus, NY 13031
Phone: 800.817.7706
Fax: 315.708.0819
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.syrasoft.com
Contact: Alison Kiesa, Joseph Grotto
Product(s): Storage Management System
Price Range: $995-$5,000
Demo: Trial package available by phone, website or e-mail

Syrasoft has produced management software for the self-storage industry since 1991. Its Storage Management System provides an automated solution for charging rent and fees to customers; keeping customer records; and providing reports for owners, operations directors and managers. It interfaces with access-control systems, credit-card and EFT/check-processing systems, digital cameras, PDA devices, barcode technology, Internet communications/processing and QuickBooks accounting software. Syrasoft provides essential, user-defined features, including a flexible late/lien system, demographics tracking, and creative pricing/rate-management systems. The free trial package provides an opportunity to test-drive the software. Company settings can be changed; tenants added, and moved in or out; reports, letters, contracts and statements viewed on screen and/or printed; charges added and payments posted. The graphical facility map can be manipulated or changed. Syrasoft sales personnel can provide a tour of features and functions or answer questions regarding software setup and use over the phone or via individual presentations.

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