The Advantages of Web-Based Software for Self-Storage

New technology has made several new, money-making features available. Good Web-based systems are complete re-writes rather than add-ons or enhancements of older, PC-based programs. New programming languages and databases give you more speed, faster operation and printing, fewer clicks and more features. With the right Web system, you don’t have to learn a new program. Instead, you get the user-friendly look and feel you are accustomed to in your old Windows program.

What the Web Offers

While there are different options to design Web systems, Microsoft’s “Smart Client” architecture runs lookup, reporting and printing on local PCs. “Smart Client” means your data exists on each of your computers. Only active transactions, like payments, call up the database on the Web server. The new Web system works even if the Internet is temporarily out of service, and requires little training because it looks like a Windows (not browser-based) system. Microsoft’s method is safe because it does not require using a Web browser.

Here’s what you can expect from a good Web system:

• Operate from anywhere, on as many machines as you like, even simultaneously, without servers, networking computers, maintaining networks or making backups.
• Save immediately from lower hardware cost, easier maintenance via live updates rather than upgrade CD ROMs.
• Enjoy more features on a kiosk-based system.
• Tie in with your website. Online management modules let your customers view real-time data and manage their accounts online. Customers can view their balance, unit by unit, with itemized charges and their payment history. After the integration, owners can customize settings on the fly and change coupons, promos, office hours, etc.
• It’s easy to add more stores or just additional computers or users.
• Save money on software. Web systems are far less expensive than old DOS or Windows-based systems. Users should not have to worry about long-term contracts. Web systems should come with only month-to-month plans.
• Make changes via dashboard-style menus from anywhere. Apply changes to one or multiple stores.
• Download into accounting systems from anywhere. Enterprise level integration means it’s one download, whether you have one store or many.
• Give real-time access to your data to call centers that can enter payments, reservations and move-ins in real time.
• Offer online payments, even reservations and move-ins, from your website to customers.

Make the Most of Marketing

New software has taken favorite tools like marketing to new levels. More operators measure who their clients are, where they come from, how long they stay, and how they found the facility. Because advertising is costly and goes beyond the traditional Yellow Pages, it’s important to know which method works best and deserves the attention of your hard-earned dollars. New, more powerful management programs let you target marketing spending and rent increases.