Revenue Manager Ben Williams speaks with Patrick Hicks – editor of The Movers & Storers Magazine, about the evolving self storage landscape.
They explore how Storman’s solutions leverage automation, advanced cybersecurity, and seamless customer journey integration to simplify facility management and boost your revenue.
Storman has been part of the self storage technology landscape for more than 30 years. What originally attracted you to the industry, and what has kept Storman evolving over that time?
I was attracted by a simple customer need and an entrepreneurial industry. Storage is simple in principle, but operating a facility is not. In around 25 years in the sector, I have seen expectations change. Storman evolves by listening to operators and making their businesses easier to run.
For those who may not be familiar with Storman, what does the platform offer today and how does it help self storage operators run their businesses more effectively?
Storman is an all-in-one platform for customer and unit management, leads, reservations, move-ins, payments, communications, reporting and access control. Connecting these workflows reduces duplicated administration, improves visibility and gives teams more time for customers and growth.
Self storage operators are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency while controlling cost Where do you see the biggest opportunities for technology to remove administrative burdens and save operators time?
The biggest gains come from removing repetitive work: capturing data once, automating communications, showing availability online and streamlining payments. Technology should not replace the personal touch; it should free staff for conversations where judgement and service matter.
Automation is becoming increasingly important, from payments and invoicing to online move-ins and customer communications. How much difference can getting these processes right make to the day-to-day running of a storage business?
It makes a substantial difference because these processes happen daily. A connected online move-in can capture details, complete an agreement, collect payment and support access without rekeying. Good automation is efficient and auditable, but still allows staff to step in.
The customer journey has changed dramatically, with people increasingly expecting to find availability, prices and make bookings online. How important is the digital customer experience to winning and retaining storage customers?
It is fundamental. The website is often a customer’s first interaction with a storage business. A clear, trustworthy journey from availability to booking builds confidence and converts demand. Customers should transact on their schedule, with expert help available when needed.
Storman integrates with access control systems, payment providers, accounting platforms and other technologies. How important is integration in creating a genuinely joined-up storage operation?
Integration turns separate systems into one workflow. When payments, agreements, customer records and access are connected, teams spend less time bridging gaps and have a clearer view of each site. Operators can choose specialist partners while maintaining one source of truth.
Data and reporting can give operators a much clearer picture of occupancy, revenue, sales performance and individual site performance. Are storage businesses making enough use of the data available to them?
There is a major opportunity to use existing data more effectively. Occupancy and revenue matter, but so do lead conversion, unit demand, customer drop-off and site performance. Reporting should help someone decide what to do next, not simply generate more numbers.
Storman is designed to support businesses from a single facility through to multi-site operations. What are the particular challenges operators face as they grow, and how can technology help them scale without simply increasing their administrative workload?
Growth creates complexity across teams, pricing, payments, access and reporting. A central platform can standardise workflows, give leaders portfolio visibility and make sites easier to introduce. The key is clean data and connected processes, so growth does not create administrative debt.
Storman is returning to exhibit at The Movers & Storers Show this year, following a couple of years away. What made the show the right place to reconnect with the sector, and what are you hoping to achieve from being back?
The show brings together removals and storage, making it the right place to listen to operators and reconnect face to face. We are keen to discuss Storman’s vehicle-hire and mobile storage capabilities and enhancements. For businesses combining these services with storage, a joined-up approach can be a real game-changer, supporting a seamless customer journey without multiplying administration. We want visitors to leave with practical ideas for growth, whether they operate one site or a larger group.
You have a long-standing relationship with the self storage community and industry associations. How important are relationships, face-to-face contact and being part of the wider industry when developing technology for the sector?
They are essential. Strong product decisions come from listening to people who run facilities and solve customer problems. Associations, education sessions and trade shows help us understand regional differences and emerging needs. Software must work in the real world, not just look good in a demonstration. Cybersecurity, data protection and customer data are increasingly important considerations for storage operators.
What should businesses be looking for from their software provider when it comes to protecting their data and keeping their systems secure?
Operators should expect clear answers about hosting, encryption, backups, access controls, updates and incident response – not broad assurances. Security is shared: providers need robust safeguards, while operators need strong passwords, permissions and trained staff. Data, payments, access credentials and facility procedures must be considered together.
Where do you see Storman and the wider self storage sector in the next five to ten years?
The sector will become more digital, connected and customer-led. Online self-service, automation, flexible payments, identity checks and real-time reporting will increasingly be expected. Storman’s opportunity is to make that practical for operators of every size, while retaining specialist support.
Finally, if you could change one thing about the way the self storage industry approaches technology, what would it be?
I would encourage operators to see technology as a strategic growth tool, not an administrative necessity. Start with the business objective, then choose connected systems that improve the customer journey, inform decisions and give teams more time to build the business.
Storman is proud to be exhibiting at the The Movers & Storers Show – the UK’s premier trade event for the removals and storage industry this November 18th and 19th!
As always, if you have any questions, or if you’d like to understand more about how Storman Cloud can help your business, feel free to get in touch with us using the form below
