Last week, Hi-Tech Smart Systems Inc. announced its self-storage management software application, RentPlus, was acquired by Centershift Inc., a provider of STORE self-storage management software. The long-term goal, according to the companies, is to move all RentPlus users to Centershifts software and, ultimately, retire RentPlus. You can read more about it here. 

Members of Self-Storage Talk are all a-buzz on the big change. Some are upset, having been long-time RentPlus users and happy with the program. Others are embracing the change with hopes of new software features and capabilities.

One thing all agree on: Evaluating, purchasing and learning self-storage software is a huge undertaking. Operators download demos and talk with software providers to ensure the product they purchase is the right one for their needs. They then spend hours learning the ins and outs of the new software system, and, yeah, make some mistakes. The goal is to master the software application and create a seamless operation.

Software has long been a cornerstone for every self-storage operation. Without it, managers would have trouble tracking marketing leads, taking payments, renting units, conducting lien sales, etc. For most operators, choosing a facilitys self-storage management software is a much-researched, much-debated decision.

If youre in the market for new self-storage management software, start with these articles from the ISS archives. Theyll walk you through choosing software to fit your facilitys needs, working with your vendor and troubleshooting.

Self-Storage Management Software: Things to Know About Technical Support

Avoid These 10 Mistakes When Purchasing Self-Storage Management Software

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Self-Storage Management Software

To learn more about whats new in self-storage software, join us at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo in New Orleans, Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Several software vendors will be exhibiting, plus you can attend the Technology Marketplace: Internet, Software and Security for hands-on demos. Find out more here.

Choosing management software may be a huge undertaking, but the time saved and the information your software can generate is worth the effort and expense. Before you buy, do your homework, talk to several vendors and reach out to other self-storage operators to ensure you choose the best product for your facility.