Upgrading Property Sentinel III (DOS System) - Self-Storage Talk

tdoman · #1 (**permalink**) 19th May 2009, 01:07 AM

I have an old software program called Property Sentinel III (DOS based System running on windows 95) that I'm looking to either upgrade or replace with a completely different system that is windows based and can run on WinXP or Vista. Sentinel obviously would like me to upgrade to their latest windows based version and costs over $1,500 to upgrade. Seems kinda steep price.

I'm looking for software that can interface with our gate (like our current system does) and perform new functionality such as notifying me via email when the gate is malfunctioning, the gate computer is down, or something like that where customers can't get in. That way I can be notified and possibly fix it before the customers are impacted.

Any suggestions on what software I should upgrade to and why?

JulieA · #2 (**permalink**) 19th May 2009, 09:32 AM

I used that program from 1993-2006! You will be thrilled with a new windows based program! And it certainly didn't owe me anything when I retired it!

How large is your facility? I am curious if any of the programs have an email function like you described. That would be very nice!
Hope someone has some suggestions for you and insight on the many programs out there. Are you a member of your state storage association?
Welcome to Self Storage Talk ! Julie

Autodoc · #3 (**permalink**) 19th May 2009, 10:56 AM

First of all - welcome to the forum.

Second - $1500 seems very reasonable considering what the software does for you.

If you do find one that will e-mail you with updates about your gate let me know! That feature alone would be worth the $1500 to me!

tdoman · #4 (**permalink**) 22nd May 2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieA

How large is your facility?

we have 250 units.

If we find something that emails info regarding gate status, I'll let ya know.

alexlekas · #5 (**permalink**) 26th May 2009, 09:13 AM

tdoman,

Look at the cost as a case of buying totally new software, whether you stick with your current provider or switch, because that is basically what you're doing. One word of caution regarding upgrades - 64-bit Vista can be problematic for gate software; get 32-bit if possible.

As to your other concerns, interfacing won't be a problem. Seems that all gate and management software packages are built to integrate with one another. I don't know of any access control system that sends e-mail alerts; however, any decent system will work independently of a computer.

Ours does not even require a computer to be turned on; basically, the PC is your interface to the system controller for purposes of pulling reports, and moving folks in and out. A battery backup is standard equipment, too, for those instances when a gate is down due to power outage.

Mel Holsinger · #6 (**permalink**) 26th May 2009, 02:20 PM

We use the Winsen program and are very happy with it. We manage over 32 properties and I know that you will find their products to be very good and their service is awsome.

I am a big believer in Sentinel. They are the best.

TomGarden · #7 (**permalink**) 2nd June 2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdoman

I have an old software program called Property Sentinel III (DOS based System running on windows 95) that I'm looking to either upgrade or replace with a completely different system that is windows based and can run on WinXP or Vista. Sentinel obviously would like me to upgrade to their latest windows based version and costs over $1,500 to upgrade. Seems kinda steep price.

I'm looking for software that can interface with our gate (like our current system does) and perform new functionality such as notifying me via email when the gate is malfunctioning, the gate computer is down, or something like that where customers can't get in. That way I can be notified and possibly fix it before the customers are impacted.

Any suggestions on what software I should upgrade to and why?

Check out www.syrasoft.com. We interface to all of the major access control vendors in the industry. It's important to install an access control system that is self storage aware to avoid having to input information into two separate systems!

dennybeall · #8 (**permalink**) 2nd July 2009, 03:56 PM

I'll second the WinSen vote. I use Property Manager for rent/units, etc and Sentinal for gate access and even though my software has not been updated in 3 years it still runs flawlessly.