“The interaction between people cannot have a substitute, but technology and digitalization certainly impact the human communication and attract and retain tenants. For example, the intelligent systems in the office buildings we manage integrate the software part with the physical equipment, ensuring preventive, not corrective, maintenance, and generate cost-saving reports for budgeting and data management. Aspects which concern building and tenant safety, automatic setting of heat, light and smoke sensors for the automatic closing or opening of windows, apps for selecting and recycling of waste are nowadays useful tools for Property Managers.” says Alina Dima, Property & Leasing Manager Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.
Today, starting from the design stage, buildings are designed with an advanced technology, in order to obtain BREEAM, LEED or WELL certification which, among other things, means reducing the Carbon footprint of the building, recycling air from ventilation, recycling water from installations, recovering energy from the use of elevators, integration of renewable energy installations and the use of green materials. Other technologies are constantly developing, adapting to the requirements of the real estate sector.
Mobile apps for tenants
A mobile app is a key solution for communicating with tenants. The employees from office buildings can communicate directly with the Asset Services team through mobile applications, where they can request concierge services (dry cleaning, conference room reservation, etc.), can send pictures with workplace issues, can be informed of the organized thematic events or the real-time parking information available.
Alternative transport
Ride sharing is already impacting how people commute, and the rise of alternative urban transport with electric vehicles has the potential to transform real estate. Modern office buildings are adapting to the trends, and garages, special parking places and electric charging stations are being built, with the option of having a different use in the future. “Two of the buildings we manage benefit from electric scooter stations, and tenants are encouraged to use them through personalized subscriptions,” adds Alina Dima.
How can technology change the role of a property manager?
The integration of technology in the business environment can improve the return on investment and create the context for learning and personal development and at group level. “For a Property Manager who deals with both the human component (suppliers, tenants) and the technical part, adapting the technology will offer the possibility to deal more with the direct relationship with the tenants and activities that bring added value, anticipating the needs and the technological concerns of the future ”, says Mihaela Petruescu, Head of Asset Services CWEchinox.
