While there is a lot of talkabout the benefits of integrating technology into the commercialreal estate industry, the biggest benefit is increased productivityand better building operations. For apartment owners—one of themost management intensive asset classes—technology can be a gamechanger. Investing in technology and IT can drive betterproductivity and make operations staff happier. Until now, mostapartment owners have focused on integrating technology forresidents, but technologies for staff can be equallybeneficial.

“We have integrated technology extensively into our personallives. We are used to it; we expect it,” BrendaGammie, SVP at Avanti Residential, tellsGlobeSt.com. “How can we enable this same scenario in our worklives? One example is iPad leasing apps, like Power Pro, whichenables leasing associates to tour prospects with an iPad. The iPadallows them to get all the information they need on the communityand on the available apartment homes while on the tour rather thanhaving to go back to their desks for information on theircomputers. It's the mobile experience we've become accustomed to asa society translated to the work experience. This kind oftechnology tends to attract and retain top talent, leading toincreased productivity and helping shape the culture of thecompany.”

Gammie recommends that apartment owners adopt a solid integratedERP system that encompasses all aspects of the company, from HR tofinances to operations, and better communication devices. “[The ERPsystem] enables all functions to communicate easier with each otherversus each function having its own system and spreadsheets,” shesays. “Tech investments can help create better interactions withour customers and our team members. Mobile leasing apps, forexample, create engagement with prospects during the tour, allowingthem to share and record personal preferences, like petfriendliness, number of bedrooms, views and much more immediatelyand in an experience they've become accustomed to. Nobody wants toshare these details with a leasing associate from the opposite sideof desk where they don't know what the associate is typing into thesystem.”